If you think peeing is just something you do without thinking, a pelvic floor expert wants you to know that how you go matters a lot. Dr. Sara Reardon, who’s appeared on actress Allison Williams’ podcast, says many people unknowingly harm their bladders by pushing or rushing.
She advises sitting down, staying calm, and letting your urine flow naturally without straining. Your bladder muscles do the work for you, so forcing it only causes unnecessary stress and can increase the chance of infections like UTIs.
Urinary tract infections can cause uncomfortable symptoms like burning, pelvic pain, and frequent urges to pee. While usually easy to treat, they can become serious if left untreated. Pushing during urination makes these problems worse.
Dr. Reardon also recommends ditching the habit of “just in case” peeing or frequent anxious bathroom trips because they shrink your bladder and make you go more often than you should. A healthy pattern is going every two to four hours during the day.
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The National Association for Continence suggests adjusting your posture by sitting with knees higher than hips and resting your hands on your knees. This helps relax your pelvic muscles and allows you to empty your bladder more completely. Sometimes trying a second time after a short break can also help.
Taking care with how you pee can significantly protect your bladder health and reduce infections. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.