Worrying about your bladder isn’t fun.
Constantly checking where the nearest bathroom is, or being nervous about leaking shouldn’t consume your thoughts. In my patients who experience bladder issues, I’ve found that sometimes they are performing actions they think are helpful, but may actually be increasing their symptoms. Here are two common bladder behaviors I see, why they might not be as helpful as you think and how you can fix them.
One of the things I hear the most is: Every time I leave for the store, go for a walk, before my exercise class, etc, I make myself pee. This is referred to as “just in case peeing”. While this sounds helpful, it can actually confuse your bladder. When our bladder is full and ready to empty, a signaling process involving our brain lets us feel an urge to urinate. If we take matters into our own hands and urinate when we don’t need to, that can mix up the signal. This trains the bladder to empty when it’s not full, and may cause increased urinary frequency and bladder symptoms. Bottom line: urinate when you feel the urge, and no “just in case peeing”!
Another bladder behavior
Another bladder behavior is limiting fluid intake to avoid having to pee. This may seem helpful, however when we aren’t drinking enough fluid, we can become dehydrated. Being dehydrated causes the urine to become concentrated, which the bladder does not like. This irritates the bladder, making it want to get the concentrated urine out immediately, which can lead to incontinence or urinary frequency. Instead, stay hydrated by aiming to drink half of your body weight in fluid ounces to keep your bladder and you happy.
- Michelle Webb
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About the Author
Hi! I’m Michelle Webb, Doctor of Physical Therapy at Webb Physical Therapy.
Since graduating from PT school in 2011, I have worked in many different areas of physical therapy, but it wasn’t until I started working with pelvic health that I found my true passion. I believe that each patient should be treated with a holistic, whole person approach to healing. Every person is unique, and I love helping my patients develop individualized treatment plans to help them achieve their specific goals. Too often, people are told that the pelvic health issues they are feeling (leaking urine/feces, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse/tampon use/speculums, pelvic heaviness, the list goes on and on) are normal, and something they have to deal with. While those issues may be common, I want to help everyone realize there is life outside of their symptoms! I truly feel joy when I can help someone improve their quality of life and return to the activities they love, without difficulty.
