Do you avoid going to the bathroom at work because it’s hard to take a break? Are you urinating frequently after consuming coffee or alcohol? If so, you might want to take note, says Joseph Haddad, M.D., a urologist at Henry Ford Health.
“Many people ignore bladder symptoms until they interfere with daily routines. However, it’s important to see your doctor or urologist if you see any changes in your bladder habits or experience urinary symptoms,” he says. “When urinary conditions are diagnosed early, treatment is more effective.”
Bladder Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Dr. Haddad explains that, over time, bathroom habits and urinary symptoms can impact your overall health. See your doctor or a urologist if any of the following apply to you:
Delaying urination
Many of us “hold it” if we’re traveling or attending an event and can’t easily get to a bathroom. However, some people regularly need to delay bathroom trips because of work schedules or environments. For example, teachers, healthcare workers and drivers can’t always visit the bathroom when they want to.
Dr. Haddad notes that urine held in the bladder is more susceptible to bacterial infections. So delaying urination can increase your risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI). He suggests making arrangements at work or planning ahead during other activities so you can use the bathroom regularly.
Difficulty emptying your bladder
Urinary retention is when you cannot fully empty urine from your bladder. It can be caused by a blockage, such as an enlarged prostate in men or weakened bladder tissues in women (bladder prolapse).
People who delay urinating for long periods can also experience urinary retention. Avoiding using the bathroom gradually stretches the bladder, making it harder for bladder muscles to contract and push out urine.
Urinary retention also increases the risk of UTIs and bladder stones (crystals that form from mineral buildup). These stones most commonly occur in men and can irritate the bladder or block urine flow.
Urinating frequently
Feeling a frequent urge to urinate is one sign of a UTI. Other symptoms include burning during urination and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. A severe UTI can even cause fever, chills and back pain.
“If you think you have a UTI, it’s important to see your doctor for antibiotics. Left untreated, the infection can spread to one or both kidneys. The infection can also move into the bloodstream, causing sepsis, which can be life-threatening,” says Dr. Haddad.
An overactive bladder or small bladder may also cause frequent urination. Other irritants that can cause urinary urgency include consuming too much caffeine or alcohol or eating spicy foods or citrus fruits. People with chronic urinary conditions, such as painful bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis, are sensitive to these dietary triggers.
Leaking urine
Urinary incontinence can be mild, involving occasional urine leakage, to more severe loss of bladder control. Risk factors for incontinence include:
- Health conditions including diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, long-term constipation or genetic conditions that affect the urinary tract
- Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause
- Prostate conditions
- Smoking
- Weakened bladder muscles that develop with aging
The good news is that you can work with your urologist and a physical therapist to learn pelvic exercises and bladder training to help control leakage.
Changes in urine color
The color of your urine varies depending on how much water you drink during the day. Urine from a healthy bladder can vary from pale to a more concentrated shade of yellow.
Some foods and medications can cause color and odor changes in your urine. For example, beets can tint urine red and carrots can cause orange urine. Eating asparagus causes urine with a distinctive pungent smell.
If you see changes in your urine that are not due to food or medication, it’s important to see your doctor. Blood in your urine could be a sign of a UTI, kidney stone, kidney disease or bladder cancer.
How To Maintain Your Bladder Health
Many factors, including your age, how much fluid you drink and medications you take, can impact how often you pee. But going regularly—and not holding it—is important. “In general, urinate every two to six hours. Listen to your body and go to the bathroom when you feel the strong urge to go,” Dr. Haddad says.
Meet With A Urologist
Healthy lifestyle habits can support your bladder and overall health. Dr. Haddad recommends:
- Adopt healthy sleep habits
- Consume caffeine and alcohol in moderation
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet
- Manage stress with physical activity and meditation
- Stay hydrated
- Stop smoking
Some people turn to supplements such as probiotics, cranberry pills or vitamin C to prevent UTIs. Dr. Haddad recommends talking with your doctor first to ensure these supplements are right for you. Avoid taking large amounts of vitamin C, which can cause kidney stones.
“There’s no need to suffer with urinary symptoms. Your doctor or urologist is ready to help and identify the cause of your discomfort,” says Dr. Haddad. “There are many treatment options available for urinary conditions, including dietary changes, medications and minimally invasive procedures.”
Reviewed by Joseph Haddad, M.D., a urologist who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center - Lakeside.