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 of those who suffer from it.
Overactive bladder syndrome is characterized by the presence of urinary urgency, usually accompanied by increased urinary frequency and nocturia (waking up often at night to urinate). It occurs when the bladder does not function properly, causing involuntary muscle contractions, which result in an irrepressible urge to urinate. It can occur with or without urinary incontinence but 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 having to get up repeatedly during the night interrupts sleep, which affects the well-being of the entire body.
The treatment for this syndrome is based on lifestyle changes that help improve symptoms and the prescription of medications that help relax bladder muscles. This way, its capacity is increased, and therefore, better control of urination and urgency is achieved.
Regarding lifestyle and diet, urine with an acidic pH causes irritation in the nerve fibers of the bladder, which translates into urgent urination stimuli. Reducing the amount of acid that reaches 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 put pressure on the bladder.
- Use pads or diapers for possible urine leakage.
- Engage in regular physical exercise, focusing on the pelvic area to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
