The bladder is one of the crucial organs in the human body. It is responsible for storing urine until the appropriate time to empty it arises. The bladder works alongside the urinary tract to create a seamless system that plays a vital role in keeping our bodies healthy. However, like every other organ in the body, the bladder has limitations in terms of the amount of urine that it can store. Therefore, ignoring the feeling of needing to urinate is not only wrong, but it can lead to significant health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of urinating regularly, the harmful effects of ignoring the urge to urinate, and some tips to help you optimize your bladder health.
Understanding How the Bladder Works
The bladder acts like a balloon, constantly filling with urine from the kidneys. For the first 3-6 ounces/100-200 ml’s of urine, you may not notice any sensation of needing to urinate. At 10-20 ounces/300-600 ml’s, you will start to feel the urge to use the bathroom. This sensation comes from the fact that the bladder’s stretch receptors are signaling the brain that it is time to empty the bladder. The brain then sends a message to the detrusor muscle, which contracts to push the urine out of the bladder and through the urethra.
Read also: Why your bladder leaks when you cough or sneeze and how to fix it! | Stress Urinary Incontinence
The Importance of Urinating Regularly
It is essential to urinate regularly to optimize bladder health. When you ignore the urge to urinate, the bladder can become overfilled, leading to various problems. For example, the bladder may leak when coughing or sneezing, a condition known as stress incontinence. Ignoring the urge to urinate can also lead to constipation, as clenching pelvic muscles for long periods can lead to issues with bowel movements.
Holding in urine can also cause a high tone pelvic floor, which causes the muscles to clench continuously. This can lead to various symptoms such as pelvic pain, vaginal pain (for women) or pain in testicles/penis (for men), back pain, and bladder symptoms such as frequent urgent need to go to the bathroom, and uncomfortability.
In addition to health problems, delaying urination for too long can also lead to social issues. You may have to say no to social events or outings because you are worried about not being able to hold your urine. This can lead to feelings of isolation and affect your overall quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize your bladder health and respond promptly to the urge to urinate.
Tips to Optimize Your Bladder Health
- Respond promptly to the urge to urinate: When you feel the urge to urinate, go to the bathroom immediately. Do not ignore the feeling or postpone going to the bathroom as this can lead to overfilled bladders and long-term health problems.
- Set a timer: If you are in a work environment wherein you cannot leave your desk frequently, set a timer on your phone every 2-3 hours to remind you to take a bathroom break.
- Relax your pelvic floor muscles: When you go to the bathroom, make sure to sit down on the toilet and relax your pelvic floor muscles. To do this, take deep breaths and let your muscles relax before starting to urinate. Relaxation helps the muscles involved in urination work more efficiently and prevent holding in urine for extended periods.
- Walk around the bathroom or sit back down: If you feel like you haven’t emptied your bladder completely during urination, try walking around the bathroom or sitting down again to try. Avoid straining or pushing as this can lead to further damage or complications.
- Don’t Wait Too Long: Over time, holding in urine becomes a habit, which can harm your bladder health. Make it a habit to go to the bathroom every 4 hours if you do not feel the need to go to the bathroom in 12 hours. If possible, use a restroom locator app which can guide you towards the nearest restroom.
Read also: What causes overactive bladder?
https://renamalikmd.com/what-causes-overactive-bladder/
In Conclusion
Your bladder plays a crucial role in your overall health, and it’s essential to prioritize it. Responding promptly to the urge to urinate and following these guidelines can help optimize your bladder health, reduce the risk of infections, and prevent long-term complications. Remember, holding in urine occasionally is okay, but it’s a habit that should be avoided. Taking care of your bladder health should be a regular habit so that it becomes a natural, hassle-free part of your daily life.
