Going to the bathroom more than 7 times a day, and especially waking up at night due to an urgent need to urinate, can become a problem. This is known as overactive bladder syndrome and can worsen the quality of life for those who suffer from it.
Overactive bladder syndrome is characterized by the presence of urinary urgency, usually accompanied by an increased frequency of urination and nocturia (waking up often at night to urinate). It occurs when the urinary bladder does not function correctly, causing involuntary muscle contractions, which result in an irresistible urge to urinate. It can occur with or without urinary incontinence, but it is not usually caused by a urinary infection, although some symptoms can be confused with other urological diseases, such as painful bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis.
This syndrome has a negative impact on the daily activities of affected individuals, as repeatedly getting up during the night interrupts sleep, which affects overall well-being.
The treatment for this syndrome is based on lifestyle changes that help improve symptoms and the prescription of medications that help relax the bladder muscles. This way, its capacity is increased, leading to better control of urination and urgency.
Regarding lifestyle and diet, urine with an acidic pH causes irritation of the nerve fibers in the urinary bladder, which translates into urgent urination stimuli. Reducing the amount of acid reaching the bladder through urine would also improve symptoms.
Among the recommendations that help alleviate symptoms are:
- Healthy and balanced diet
- Avoid consuming diuretic beverages, such as those containing caffeine, juices, or beer, among others
- Quit smoking
- Avoid tight clothing that may press on the bladder
- Use pads or diapers for potential urine leakage
- Regular physical exercise, focusing on the pelvic area to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
