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Kate is an award-winning content specialist who is passionate about women's health. Kate writes to empower women to understand their hormones, gynaecology and overall health.
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For words you might want to know more
A condition where the bladder contracts more frequently than necessary, leading to frequent urges to urinate even when it's not full.
An artificial sweetener used in various products like diet sodas and sugar-free desserts that can irritate the bladder in some individuals.
A group of vegetables, including kale, broccoli, and brussels sprouts, known for their health benefits, particularly their protective effects against bladder cancer due to the compound sulforaphane.
Found yourself dashing to the loo more than usual and wondering what the hell is going on? If you feel like you are spending your life on the loo, there are many explanations for why you are peeing more - some a bit more serious than others.
Seeing your GP as soon as you can is an important first step to finding out what is going on, but as you make that appointment, let's take a look at some reasons that might be causing you to pee frequently.
As with everything else, our bladder sizes differ from person to person, and you might indeed just have a small bladder. If you are reading this and thinking 'I feel like it's always been like this', then you might just be in the TBG.. the tiny bladder gang. If this is a recent change though, then this is something to see your GP as it could be related to stress or urgency incontinence.
We naturally expect frequent peeing from drinking a lot of water, but being dehydrated can also be the cause of frequent loo breaks. But how on earth can having less fluid in the body make you pee more? When we are dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, and this prompts the bladder to empty more frequently. It could also be causing irritation to the bladder and urinary tract, and you might have accompanying symptoms of an UTI. Always sip (not gulp) plenty of water throughout the day and keep your bladder happy by keeping hydrated.
Your pelvic floor is your body's very own hammock. If it gets a bit slack (no judgement!), it might not support your bladder as it should. This can be for a few reasons - from chronic constipation, surgery, and even peri-menopause. When our estrogen levels dip during peri-menopause, this can affect the tone of the pelvic floor muscles. Regular pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen this support system and potentially reduce those loo trips. Aim for 10 squeezes, three times a day; you can do them anywhere and everywhere, from watching TV to sitting in the car!
An overactive bladder (OAB) means your bladder contracts more often than needed, even when it's not full. It can feel like a constant niggle, or a desperate urge to pee - and if your bladder is waking you at night to pee too, that's a connected condition called nocturia. There are treatments available for OAB, so if you suspect this is you, make an appointment with your GP, and try Jude's bladder strength supplement which is clinically proven to reduce symptoms of OAB by up to 70%.
When we hit peri-menopause, our hormone levels drop, especially oestrogen. Without sufficient oestrogen in our system, our bladder function gets weaker and it's harder to hold onto your pee. This is because oestrogen is needed to maintain a stable and strong pelvic floor, and without it the bladder muscle loses it's strength. You might notice that you are leaking little drops (or what feel like gushes!) when you laugh, or cough. If that's the case, speak to your GP about options for HRT and to avoid leaks, why not try Jude's Leak-Proof Pants?
If you can't start your day without a coffee or three, your caffeine hit might have you on a loo-leash. Coffee, tea and soft drinks that contain caffeine, like Coke, act as a diuretic, which makes you produce more urine. If you find yourself dashing to the bathroom more after your coffee breaks, it might be time to reconsider how much you're drinking and the effect it's having on your bladder. There are tonnes of alternatives on the market - including caffeine-free coffees and teas. Or perhaps try herbal tea, for a change?
Aspartame is regularly in the news for it's impact on our health, but did you know it could be the cause of your dashes for the loo? Found in loads of products like diet drinks, sugar-free desserts, and even certain chewing gums, Aspartame can irritate your bladder. Try being mindful of what you are eating by keeping a food diary and checking for Aspartame in the things you consume. It's always a good idea to read the labels and be aware of what you're consuming, especially if you are peeing more often. Cutting back on sweetener's might be the key!
Jude’s clinically proven supplements give you better bladder and pelvic floor control, helping you sleep through the night and regain the freedom to live life on your own terms. With just one capsule morning and night, you'll have relief from need-to-go urgency in just 12 weeks.
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