Your bladder is an integral part of your body that deserves the utmost care. Maintaining a healthy bladder is a prerequisite for proper urinary function and overall well-being. Nevertheless, some common mistakes while peeing can damage an individual’s bladder and lead to various health problems. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss six pee-related mistakes that you need to sidestep to ensure a healthy bladder. So, let’s learn more about them.

Not peeing when needed
One of the most common pee mistakes people make is holding it in when they need to go. Whether you’re at work, on a long road trip, or just don’t want to move from your couch, ignoring the urge to pee can harm your bladder health. For example, holding in urine can cause your bladder to stretch beyond its capacity, leading to bladder infections, kidney damage, and incontinence.
The preferable thing you can do for your bladder health is listen to your body and go when needed. If you’re in a circumstance where you can’t access a restroom right away, try to find ways to distract yourself or use relaxation techniques to help you hold on until you can go.
However, it’s important not to hold in your urine for extended periods habitually. Instead, prioritize your bladder health and go when necessary, even if it interrupts your daily routine.

Holding in your pee for too long
One of the common mistakes people make regarding their bladder health is holding in their pee for too long. Whether you’re stuck in a meeting or on a long road trip, it’s crucial to prioritize your bladder health and listen to your body’s cues.
Holding in your pee for too long puts unnecessary strain on your bladder muscles and urinary tract. Over time, this can steer to urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and even bladder cancer. Moreover, it’s just plain uncomfortable.
Take bathroom breaks throughout the day to avoid holding in your pee for too long. If you’re in a circumstance where you can’t easily access a bathroom, plan and try to go before you leave the house or office.
If you find yourself in a stage where you need to hold it, try to practice pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen your bladder muscles. But don’t make a habit out of holding in your pee; your bladder will thank you in the long run if you listen to its signals.

Not emptying your bladder completely
One of the prevailing mistakes people make when peeing is not emptying their bladder. It’s easy to get distracted and cut your pee short, but doing so can harm your bladder health over time.
Leaving urine in your bladder can cause bacteria to grow, leading to infections such as UTIs. In addition, holding in urine for long periods can stretch your bladder muscles, making them weaker and less efficient over time.
If you want to skip this mistake, empty your bladder whenever you go to the bathroom. This may mean sitting on the toilet longer than usual, but it’s worth it for your bladder health.
If you’re having trouble emptying your bladder, try relaxing your muscles by taking deep breaths. And if you still can’t fully empty your bladder, it’s essential to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Remember, emptying your bladder fully each time you pee is a small but significant step toward maintaining a healthy bladder.

Straining
Straining while peeing is a common mistake that can lead to serious bladder problems. When you strain, you increase pressure in your bladder, which can cause damage to your pelvic muscles and lead to urinary incontinence. Additionally, straining can increase the risk of developing urinary tract infections.
It could indicate that your bladder muscles are weak if you find yourself straining while peeing. To avoid straining, try to relax your pelvic muscles and take time when going to the bathroom.
You must talk to your doctor if you continue to experience straining or any other bladder issues. They will provide you with the appropriate treatment plan and help eliminate the underlying cause of your symptoms. Remember, taking care of your bladder health now can prevent problems in the future.

Peeing frequently
You may think you have a weak bladder if you constantly run to the bathroom. However, frequent urination is a possible sign of a healthy bladder. It’s important to empty your bladder regularly to prevent infections and maintain proper bladder function. However, peeing too frequently can also be a problem.
If you head to the bathroom more than eight times daily, you may be overhydrating or drinking too many diuretic beverages, such as coffee and tea. You should also be cautious of overdoing it with the water intake, which can lead to excessive peeing and disrupt your sleep patterns. Stay hydrated but in moderation, and closely observe the signals your body sends you.

Not drinking enough fluids
One of the most common pee mistakes people make is not drinking enough fluids. This is an imposing mistake as it can cause several bladder problems. For example, your urine becomes concentrated and acidic when you don’t drink enough fluids, irritating the bladder and making it more susceptible to infections.
Drinking enough water is a key solution to a healthy bladder. You should focus on drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. You can also include other fluids like unsweetened fruit juices, herbal teas, and soups to help keep you hydrated.
One trick to ensure you’re drinking enough fluids is to monitor the color of your urine. If it’s dark yellow or amber, it means you’re not drinking enough. It is ideal for your urine to appear pale yellow or almost clear.
Insufficient fluid intake can also cause constipation, which lays pressure on the bladder and causes urine retention. So, make sure to stay hydrated to avoid any unnecessary bladder issues.

Women may sometimes experience urinary incontinence during and following a menstrual cycle. It is because progesterone levels fluctuate during this time, causing frequent bladder contractions. Progesterone also causes the body to release fluid, triggering OAB symptoms.