The bladder is a hollow organ holding waste expelled from the kidneys. This is passed towards the urinary tract, to be removed from the body as urine. Peeing is a necessary part of maintaining a healthy body. Although it may sound simple, there is a right and a wrong way of peeing. Certain common mistakes can cause urinary infections leading to painful peeing or urine leakage, causing a decline in bladder health.

Holding it in for too long
Although holding urine in is necessary at times, such as at concerts or on long drives, making it a habit can lead to potential urinary infections. Since urine is not sterile, a full bladder is more susceptible to contracting bacteria and becoming a breeding ground for hostile microbes. Making this a habit can also stretch out the bladder walls and cause a loss of bladder control.

Not urinating completely
Not fully emptying the bladder can also increase the chances of contracting urinary infections. Tightening the muscles to stop peeing too soon may bring the urine back into the bladder, which can also introduce new bacteria into the system. However, this may not always be intentional. Many people suffer from urinary retention, where the bladder may not feel empty after urination. This may be acute or chronic and requires medical intervention.

Mistaking an overactive bladder for a small bladder
An overactive bladder leads to urinating more than eight to ten times a day. These numbers may differ based on age, health, and lifestyle choices. Generally, it indicates an underlying problem, such as a UTI, kidney infection, bladder stones, or diabetes, and requires immediate medical attention. Visit the urologist if frequent urination disturbs the quality of life and sleep.

Drinking too much caffeine
Caffeine is a bladder irritant. It increases the urge to urinate and can cause pain or discomfort. Consuming too much caffeine can increase the occurrence of an overactive bladder and lead to water loss or dehydration.

Ignoring recurrent UTIs
UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) occur when bacteria enter the urethra and infect the tract. Common symptoms include a burning sensation when peeing, frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, and bloody or foul-smelling urine. UTIs could be a result of sexual activity, anatomical issues, pregnancy, or menopause as well. Since women have shorter urinary tracts, they are more susceptible to developing UTIs. Women who experience more than three UTIs a year must visit a urologist to get tested for recurrent infections. Since these infections are less common in men, they must get expert assistance immediately.

Ignoring pinkish or reddish urine
Although the color of the urine generally depends on the foods and fluids one consumes, it can also indicate something serious. While having a pinkish hue to one’s pee after eating a beetroot salad may not be so worrisome, spotting blood in the urine (which imparts the pinkish or reddish color) may be an indicator of an underlying condition such as a UTI, kidney disease or stones, an injury, or even bladder cancer.

Consuming too much vitamin C
While vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties, consuming too much can harm one’s health. Overconsumption of vitamin C can cause kidney stones, leading to high oxalate levels in the blood. Healthy adults are recommended to maintain a daily intake of 90 milligrams of vitamin C.

Skipping kegel exercises
Kegel exercises can help strengthen one’s muscles to gain better bladder control. Those experiencing bladder problems must speak to their doctor about the proper way to do these exercises to reap the benefits.

Having a sedentary lifestyle
According to a certain study of middle-aged men, those who sat for five hours or longer, and led a more sedentary lifestyle, are at a higher risk of developing LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms), which can cause complications like incomplete emptying of the bladder, increased frequency of urination, a weak urinary stream, or the urge to pee in the middle of the night. Getting a standing desk or getting up to walk for five minutes after every hour of sitting can help reduce the risk of this condition and help maintain a healthy bladder.

Those noticing changes in their urinary patterns can also maintain a journal or diary to maintain a log of what they are drinking and eating in a day, and the number of times they visit the washroom, to help doctors make an informed diagnosis.