Wrong way to urinate: urologist cites 4 mistakes when peeing

Urinating is a natural activity of our body and is part of our daily routine. However, few people know that there is a correct way to urinate. Not urinating properly can lead to urinary problems, both in the short and long term. In this article, we are going to talk about the most common mistakes people make when urinating and how to avoid them.

Holding pee longer than necessary

Sometimes holding pee is unavoidable, like on long car rides, movies or concerts. However, making it a habit or purposefully maintaining it for much longer than necessary can lead to other problems, such as a urinary tract infection. A full bladder is more susceptible to infections because bacteria can multiply. It's crucial to keep things flowing from the bladder out of the body by drinking water and urinating whenever the bladder starts to fill up.

Not fully emptying the bladder

When you don't completely empty your bladder when urinating, you can increase your risk of urinary tract infection and bladder distention. Often, you may not even be aware that you are not completely emptying your bladder. This condition is called urinary retention, which can be acute and severe, or even chronic and develop slowly over time. Causes of urinary retention include blockages, certain medications, infections, swelling, as well as neurological conditions, where there are problems with the nerves that send signals between the brain and the bladder.

Mistaking an overactive bladder for a “small bladder”

Some people believe they have a “small bladder”, when in fact they have a normal bladder and are talking about the discomfort threshold. An overactive bladder is when you urinate more than eight or nine times a day. However, this can vary depending on the individual and factors such as age, lifestyle and health conditions. Some people are programmed to have a very large prostate, which affects how often they urinate. But, if you urinate more than nine times a day, there could be an underlying problem such as an overactive bladder, urinary tract infection, kidney infection, bladder stones or diabetes.

Overdoing caffeine or alcohol

In addition to the problems already mentioned, excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can impair the quality of sleep, the which, in turn, can lead to other health problems such as fatigue, lack of concentration, and even depression.

How to urinate correctly

Now that you know the main mistakes when urinating, it's time to learn the correct way to urinate. Below are some important tips:

1. Drink plenty of water: Water is essential to keep your body hydrated and your urine flowing properly. It is recommended to drink six to eight glasses of water a day.
2. Urinate regularly: Don't hold pee too long, and when you feel the need to urinate, go to the bathroom immediately.
3. Empty your bladder completely: Make sure you urinate completely without leaving any urine residue in your bladder.
4. Relax during urination: Don't force pee, let it flow naturally. Also, avoid stopping urination in the middle of the process.

Conclusion

As you can see, simple habits like drinking enough water, urinating regularly and completely emptying your bladder can make a big difference in the health of your urinary system. Avoiding common mistakes like holding pee too long or consuming too much alcohol and caffeine can also help prevent urinary problems. If you are concerned about your urinary health or if you are experiencing symptoms such as pain or discomfort when urinating, consult a urologist for proper advice and treatment.