Why is it important to keep drinking when you have issues emptying your bladder?
When you have certain bladder issues, you might feel less encouraged to drink a lot of water because you believe it will increase your problems. However, it’s actually the opposite. Staying well-hydrated makes your urine more diluted and less irritating to the bladder. Not drinking enough fluid can worsen your symptoms. Instead, time your fluid intake along with your bathroom visits for better control.
Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush bacteria out of your bladder. Water is the best option, but fruit juices can also contribute to your fluid intake. Aim to drink at least six 8-ounce glasses (1.5-2 liters) of fluid every day. Always check with your healthcare provider, as some medical conditions may require you to limit your fluid intake.
Tip: Fill one or more bottles or jugs with the recommended amount of water and store them in the fridge. This way, the water stays cold, and once you’ve emptied them, you know you’ve reached your daily goal.
When traveling or exercising, you might want to drink less due to concerns about leakage or not wanting to catheterize at inconvenient times. However, it’s even more important to stay hydrated in these situations. If you’re in a hot climate or sweating during physical activity, you risk dehydration if you don’t drink adequately.
Inadequate fluid intake can also lead to constipation, which can negatively affect your bladder health.
When you have a urinary tract infection (UTI):
Increase your water intake when you have a UTI. Fluids serve two important functions: they help flush bacteria out of your bladder and dilute your urine.
Urine consists of waste products from your body. Concentrated, dark urine is more irritating and can be painful to pass when you have a bladder infection. Diluted urine is lighter in color and usually doesn’t cause as much discomfort.
Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, or fizzy drinks, as caffeine can irritate your bladder even more during an infection.
These are general guidelines meant to help you with typical questions. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the intermittent catheterization solution you are using.