Why should we avoid preventive urination?

Why can "peeing just in case" impair bladder function?

Our bladder sends us a signal when it's partially full, but we can choose to ignore this urge. Voluntarily tightening the muscles involved in controlling urination allows us to hold it in until the bladder is full. The bladder contraction, which manifests as a more or less urgent need to urinate, serves as an early warning, allowing the person to prepare to find a toilet.

Thanks to its elasticity, the bladder gradually adapts to filling. However, repeatedly emptying the bladder before it's full reduces its capacity and prevents it from expanding sufficiently, leading to urinary problems.

Overactive bladder and urinary incontinence: the consequences of preventive urination

Although the frequency of urination varies from individual to individual, specialists in the urinary system consider that a healthy adult urinates on average between 5 and 7 times a day, with a volume of 200–250 ml.

Frequent and persistent urination exceeding eight times in 24 hours is often a symptom of urinary problems, specifically overactive bladder. In other words, the frequent urge to urinate indicates involuntary bladder contractions, creating an inappropriate sense of urgency.

Overactive bladder issues are often associated with the following symptoms:

• sudden and urgent urges to urinate
• urinary incontinence
• nighttime awakenings caused by the urge to urinate (nocturia).

An overactive bladder is more common in women, especially after experiencing the menopause.

Preventive urination: a bad habit learned in childhood

From a very young age, children are encouraged to "take precautions" by going to the toilet before certain situations: meals, bedtime, car journeys, etc.

This habit of anticipating natural needs often persists into adulthood, particularly among women, sometimes out of fear of urinary incontinence, and sometimes simply out of fear of not having access to a toilet.

This is an unfounded belief, explains Bernadette de Gasquet, a doctor and yoga teacher specialising in pelvic floor rehabilitation:

"The risk of urinary incontinence remains the same whether you empty your bladder or not, because the bladder is never completely empty. The kidneys produce urine continuously."

How can I improve my self-control?

To break the vicious cycle of "peeing just in case", it's essential to stop urinating as a precaution.

What triggers you to give in to the urge to go to the toilet "just in case"? Is it anxiety, boredom, or a specific situation? Identifying your triggers can help you manage this urge by trying to distract yourself or by using relaxation techniques.

Another recommendation from urinary system specialists is to (re)train the bladder to fill, store, and empty urine at regular intervals (every 2 to 3 hours) throughout the day.

"Try to hold it in a little longer, gradually, so that the bladder can better tolerate filling," advises Dr. Gasquet.

However, be careful not to go to the other extreme. Forcing yourself to hold urine in can lead to bladder distension and other problems such as infections or reflux.

If you urinate too frequently, also consider your fluid intake. Drinking a lot of water or eating water-rich foods (like watermelon or oranges) leads to frequent urination; this is a normal bodily response.

Consuming drinks that stimulate the bladder (like tea or coffee) can also cause more frequent urges to urinate.

To help you maintain a healthy bladder and prevent urinary incontinence, read our article on tips to manage urinary incontinence.

Overactive bladder: when should you consult a doctor?

Have you stopped the habit of emptying your bladder preventively, but the problem persists? Your frequent urges to urinate may be a sign of pelvic floor weakness.

Please do not hesitate to contact a medical professional who specialises in pelvic floor rehabilitation in order to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

It is important to note that certain medical conditions can also affect urinary frequency.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to improve your quality of life and prevent potential complications.

To learn more about overactive bladder syndrome, also read our article: Overactive bladder: treatments and advice.