How to Stop Anxiety Urination

• 18/09/2024
• 0

How to Stop Anxiety Urination – Over time, most people with anxiety develop a conditioned response where the mere presence of anxiety triggers the urge to urinate, even in the absence of a full bladder. Are you one of the people suffering from anxiety urination? If yes, Dr Ahuja is a trusted and specialized surgeon giving you tips on How to Stop Anxiety Urination.

Anxiety urination occurs when you often feel the need to urinate because of anxiety or stress. Anxiety is closely linked to bladder function. Stress, anxiety, and depression all play a role in the development of overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence. The most likely reason is initiating the fight-or-flight response that stimulates various organs in the body, like the heart, muscles, and lungs. When the body goes into survival mode, it can impact other functions like bladder control, resulting in sensations of needing to urinate or experiencing trouble while urinating.

Anxiety urination, or stress-induced urinary frequency, is when people feel the urge to pee more often when they are anxious or stressed. As per the National Mental Health Survey of India (2015-2016), around 10% of the population is affected by common mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorders. With the high frequency of anxiety disorders, it can be assumed that anxiety-induced urination is a frequent occurrence in individuals who are suffering from mental health stigma and experiencing elevated stress levels.

What are the Causes of Anxiety Urination

Nervous urination, also known as anxiety-induced urination, can be triggered by different factors related to the body’s reaction to stress and anxiety. Below are a few main reasons:

• Overactive Bladder: OAB, or overactive bladder, is caused by the bladder muscles having sudden contractions, resulting in frequent and urgent urination. Anxiety worsens symptoms of a hyperactive bladder.
• Stress and Emotional Triggers: Feelings of being emotionally drained, anxiety disorders or high-stress situations trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, causing the release of stress hormones and activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This bodily reaction impacts the bladder by leading to a higher urgency to pee or more frequent urination.
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension: Anxiety frequently causes the muscles around the pelvis and bladder to become tense. This pressure can result in a sense of haste and cause an increase in the frequency of urination. This muscle tightness causes a feeling of needing to urinate immediately which disrupts the normal cycle of filling and emptying the bladder.
• Increased Heart Rate and Blood Flow: Anxiety causes an increase in throbbing and blood circulation, resulting in a heightened need to urinate repeatedly.

Tips for Easing Stress and Anxiety from Overactive Bladder

Although anxiety-related urination is a frequently seen symptom in anxiety disorders, its occurrence is probably notable in India because of the high rates of anxiety disorders in the population. Here are a few effective tips for how to stop anxiety urination:

• Pelvic Floor Exercise: The muscles of the Pelvic Floor are located between the abdomen and thighs, supporting the pelvis, bladder, and urethra at the lower part of the body. Pregnancy, childbirth, and obesity can cause a weakening or loosening of the pelvic muscles. Pelvic floor workouts can lessen urine leaks and enhance symptoms of urinary incontinence and OAB by fortifying these muscles. Exercises such as Kegels can assist in enhancing the strength of the pelvic floor muscles.
• Performing Yoga: Yoga is a form of exercise that promotes harmony between mind and body by relaxation. Yoga can provide relief for chronic anxiety and depression symptoms, aiding in relaxation. Yoga plays a major role in reducing anxiety and stress as well as enhancing sleep quality. Thus, there is an enhancement in the overall quality of life, which includes reduced anxiety urination.
• Lifestyle Changes: Anxiety impacts an individual life in various aspects throughout the day, yet by implementing simple lifestyle modifications, you can effectively address urge incontinence symptoms. Quitting smoking and vaping, and avoiding alcohol, Opting for vegetables that are higher in fibre, will help with urination by reducing the pressure on your bladder. Additionally, paying attention to your posture while urinating can have a good impact. Leaning forward slightly can assist in completely emptying your bladder rather than hovering or pushing forcefully. 
• Consider Behavioral Therapy: Behavioural Therapy can assist you in controlling both your stress symptoms and your sense of urgency. It’s similar to training your brain and bladder at the same time. This type of therapy involves pelvic floor workouts, tracking your bathroom habits and emotions when you need to go, and modifying your perspective on your overactive bladder. Cognitive behavioural therapy is highly beneficial, as it can help with anxiety and equip you with the necessary skills to handle challenging situations better.
• Medical Treatment: There are certain medications that you may want to think about if you find yourself making more trips to the bathroom than usual. Antimuscarinic, Mirabegron, and SSRIs are commonly given to individuals experiencing depression or intense anxiety to regulate mood and calm the muscles of the bladder. Because urination may indicate anxiety or depression, these medications can assist in lessening the constant need to urinate. Note: Take these medications before consulting your doctor first for more effective and fast results.

Overactive Bladder Treatment at Home

Several remedies like maintaining a healthy weight, exercises, and behavioral therapies are known to help manage urinary symptoms.

• Delayed Urination: Whenever you feel the need to urinate, make an effort to hold it in for at least five minutes, or as much as you can. Utilizing methods to relax, such as practising deep breathing, could be beneficial. This will assist in regulating and handling the hyperactive bladder.
• Drink Plenty of water: Drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day (not before going to bed) will help soothe the bladder. Take small sips of water rather than gulping down the entire glass. This will prevent you from needing to urinate just before the event. 
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can cause strain on the bladder and pelvic muscles. Maintaining a healthy weight can assist in controlling bladder functions. You should consult a medical professional regarding the safest way to lose weight.

Conclusion

Urinary urgency is the most annoying thing, especially when you are already super stressed. If you want to know how to stop anxiety urination, get connected with the Best Stress Urinary Incontinence Surgeon in Chandigarh, Dr Ahuja Clinic, to guide you and help you deal with your symptoms.