You have all heard about an overactive bladder. For those who haven't, it's a condition where you need to pee more frequently than you normally would during day and night (Nocturia) or feel a sudden need to pee, which could also be uncontrollable. Sometimes, an overactive bladder also leads to unintended peeing (urgency incontinence). This could be caused by a number of factors, including severe medical conditions.
What's shocking is frequent urination in summer. It's difficult to grasp how your body can produce so much urine in such hot weather. But it's a real condition. We are going to discuss how to manage an overactive bladder in the summer so you can enjoy your summer holidays without the worry of looking for a bathroom frequently.
What is an Overactive Bladder?
An overactive bladder (OAB) is a medical condition in which you experience the need to urinate more frequently. In this condition, you experience a sudden and involuntary contraction of the bladder muscles. This could lead to a frequent and urgent need to pee and sometimes even involuntary urine leakage (urinary incontinence).
The cause of overactive bladder could vary from person to person, but it is often linked to an imbalance in bladder muscle contractions or nerve signals. It's important to note that overactive bladder is different from stress incontinence.
Read More: A Comprehensive Guide On Overactive Bladder
Why Summer Might Worsen Overactive Bladder Symptoms
Overactive bladder symptoms might worsen during the summer as the heat increases. The cause of overactive bladder in hot weather could be:
Increased Fluid Intake:
We tend to drink more liquids during the summer to quench our thirst and feel cool. This increased intake of fluids during hot weather could lead to the generation of more urine.
Dehydration:
Getting dehydrated in summer is totally normal. You sweat more at high temperatures and thus lose more fluids through sweating. This could lead to concentrated urine. Concentrated urine could have more soluble proteins and irritants than normal. These could trigger the bladder muscles and generate a need to urinate frequently.
Beverage Consumption:
During summer, you tend to drink more sodas and fruit juices. These are potential diuretics (compounds that increase the production of urine), so you might have an overactive bladder in summer.
Impact of Heat on Bladder Health
High temperatures are not good for bladder health. In fact, a study shows that people who experience environmental heat stress are at risk of crystallisation in urine. Also, warmer weather gives way for bacteria growth in your urethra and bladder, thus increasing the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Both of these are potential causes for overactive bladder.
So, it's clear that heat has a negative impact on bladder health. You need to be proactive in managing the related symptoms and preventing associated risks like vaginal itching and boils, enlarged prostate, etc.
How to Deal With an Overactive Bladder in Summers
Don't let the OAB sideline you from enjoying your summer! Here are some strategies to manage frequent urination in summer and have a worry-free season:
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Hydrate Smartly
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial, but avoid gulping down large volumes at once. Sip water regularly to keep your body hydrated without overloading your bladder. You can use one of those bottles that comes with straws to avoid over-consumption of fluids in one go. -
Diet
Limit summer drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as soda and sugary fruit juices. Opt for water, herbal teas, and diluted fruit juices instead. Spicy foods and acidic fruits may also trigger urgency to urinate in some people. You must pay attention to your body's response. If any foods increase urinary frequency, avoid eating them. Always have nutritious foods and drinks and adjust your diet accordingly. -
Pelvic Floor Exercises
These exercises are used to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. These can significantly improve bladder control as you are working on the muscles responsible for bladder control. These simple exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles that support the bladder. Perform them regularly to reduce urgency and improve urine leakage. -
Loose-Fitting Clothing
Choose breathable and loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres like cotton. Tight clothing can put pressure on the bladder and worsen urgency. Breathable clothes also prevent excessive sweating and thus avoid the concentration of urine. -
Adult Diapers
If you feel the sudden, frequent bathroom trips are too much to handle, consider wearing adult diapers like Friends Classic Adult Dry Pants. They can be worn for up to 8 hours, which will save you a lot of bathroom trips. -
Double Voiding
After using the restroom, wait a few minutes and try to urinate again. This ensures your bladder is completely emptied and reduces the risk of feeling the urge shortly after using the restroom.
Read More: Home Remedies To Deal With Overactive Bladder
Product Recommendations
Conclusion
Living with an overactive bladder in summer could be a real challenge. But this condition is manageable by following a few simple things we discussed. If you feel your overactive bladder symptoms are worsening, contact a healthcare professional. They will find out the underlying causes and prescribe a plan of action accordingly.
FAQs
Do I have to take special medication to deal with an overactive bladder?
No, you don't necessarily have to take special medication to deal with an overactive bladder. Certain lifestyle changes, like monitoring your water consumption, could be enough in less severe cases. But in severe cases, speak to a healthcare professional.
What foods and drinks should I avoid to help manage overactive bladder in the summer?
You should avoid foods and drinks like caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, and citrus fruits to help manage an overactive bladder in the summer.
What should I wear if I have OAB during the hot months?
If you have OAB during hot months, you should wear loose-fitting and cotton clothes. Do not wear anything tight that could apply pressure to your bladder. If you feel like you don't have control over your OAB, you can use products like Friends Adult Insert Pads that come with a super absorbent core and adhesive tabs, which help prevent leakage.
How does dehydration affect an overactive bladder?
When your body is dehydrated, it sends signals to urinate more frequently, even if your bladder isn't full. This is the body's attempt to flush out waste products that become more concentrated in dehydrated urine.
Can dehydration cause frequent urination?
Yes, dehydration can cause frequent urination due to concentrated urine in your bladder.
