As we age, we become more attuned to our health and bodily functions, often taking extra care to ensure we're doing everything right for our well-being. But did you know that even something as natural and routine as urinating can be done incorrectly? It's true! According to Dr. Masarat Jilani, a UK-based bladder health expert, many of us are making mistakes every time we visit the loo, and these errors could have long-term effects on our bladder health.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we're all about helping you live your best life, and that includes taking care of your bladder health. So, let's dive into Dr. Jilani's top five tips for proper pee etiquette and how you can adjust your habits for the better.

Dr. Masarat Jilani discussed how certain bathroom habits could potentially harm the bladder. Credit: Shutterstock

1. **Posture is Key: Don't Sit Up Straight**
Contrary to the posture lessons drilled into us since childhood, sitting up straight isn't the best approach when it comes to emptying your bladder. Dr. Jilani suggests that when you're on the toilet, you should actually lean forward with your elbows on your knees. This position helps relax the pelvic muscles, allowing for a more complete and effortless release of urine. So next time, forget the ramrod-straight back and hunch over a bit—it's for your bladder's sake!

2. **Avoid the Hover: Sit Down Properly**
Many of us are guilty of hovering over public toilet seats, but this practice is a no-go for your pelvic floor muscles. Dr. Jilani warns that hovering prevents these muscles from relaxing, which is necessary for a full bladder evacuation. If you're concerned about cleanliness, use a seat cover or give the seat a quick wipe down. And if you absolutely must hover, try to support some of your weight on a door or wall to alleviate pressure on your pelvic floor.

3. **Ease and Flow: Don't Strain**
Urination should be a natural, effortless process. If you find yourself straining to pee, it's a sign that something isn't quite right. Dr. Jilani emphasizes that straining activates your pelvic floor muscles when they should be relaxing. This can confuse your bladder and lead to dysfunction over time. If you're struggling to urinate without pushing, it's worth discussing with your doctor as it could indicate an obstruction or other bladder issue.

4. **Listen to Your Body: Don't Go 'Just in Case'**
We've all done it—going to the bathroom 'just in case' before a long trip or event. However, this precautionary habit can lead to an overactive bladder, characterized by frequent, urgent needs to urinate, sometimes with incontinence. Dr. Jilani advises that you should heed your body's natural signals and only go when you truly need to, even if it seems inconvenient at the moment.

5. **Regular Breaks: Don't Hold It In**
On the flip side, holding your urine for too long is equally problematic. While the occasional delay is unlikely to cause harm, consistently postponing bathroom breaks can weaken your bladder and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is due to bacteria having more time to grow in stagnant urine. Dr. Jilani recommends staying hydrated and taking regular bathroom breaks to keep your urinary system healthy.

Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can help maintain a healthy bladder, which is especially important as we get older. Remember, if you're experiencing any persistent issues with urination, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Dr Masarat Jilani, a bladder health expert, has revealed five key tips for correctly using the toilet to avoid bladder issues.
• Leaning forward on the toilet rather than sitting up straight can help ensure the bladder is completely emptied.
• Resisting the urge to hover over public toilet seats and sitting properly supports bladder function and can prevent an overactive bladder.
• It’s important to avoid straining while urinating, going to the toilet 'just in case', or holding urine in for too long, as these habits can harm bladder health.

Now, dear readers, we'd love to hear from you. Have you been making any of these common mistakes? Or perhaps you have your own tips for healthy bladder habits? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation on how to age gracefully and healthily!

 

[Yatesy]

You're taking the piss. I stand to pee. I have read that when having a poo to have your knees up higher & lean your upper body forward for better bowel movements. You can also get a special stool (pardon the pun) that fits around your dunny to help left your knees to the right height. I shit you not.

 

[Barbara V]

What else are we going to be told on how to do things give it a rest

 

[BellaB18]

I have made all the above mistakes no wonder l am the best in the family to always pee.
Take note ladies.
Kind regards to all Vicki

 

[Veggiepatch]

Unfortunately, the majority of the recommendations are aimed at women. But I reckon there's a few "guys" out there who piss sitting down....

 

[Tervueren]

What else are we going to be told on how to do things give it a rest

"Barbara V, it seems like they are not telling you what to do, but just offering advice and suggestions on preventing bladder issues. They are just encouraging you to take measures to avoid suffering from a leaky bladder. Ultimately, the decision is yours. You are welcome to have a leaky bladder. I always listen to specialists and doctors, but you can make your own choice.

 

[Jest]

my bladder said none of your business.

 

[Gsr]

I’m sure we haven’t reached senior status without working out how to pee properly.

 

[Ezzy]

I am a male & my Specialist told me about 10 years ago to sit & pee which l do due to problems.
Coincidentally, this was suggested for all the reasons stated by Dr Jilani.
I certainly don't feel less a man for this action.

 

[Tervueren]

Interesting. It sounds like this Doctor is making honest, sincere suggestions to help us to help ourselves. Pleased to know that the information is both beneficial and accurate and that you are directly benefiting.

 

[JimmyFlatrock]

It's was a useful and interesting read.

A couple of days ago at a Doctors appointment, I mentioned that I was getting a low-level pain sensation towards the very end of each urination. Only a slight discomfort, but had been going on for about 1¹/² weeks. After a bit of a talk about what could be causing it, (prostate or other bits getting enlarged or UTI, he suggested I kick-off an elimination process by drinking Ural sachets.

Seems to be working, so possibly the small degree of discomfort was caused by a low-level uti.

Been decades since I experienced one of those and the burning pain was at a much higher level than this recent dose, which didn't have the burning sensation.

I see in the article talk about holding on too long allowing bacteria to chuck a party in your bladder. Lousy venue eh. And hydrating on a very regular basis. These are things I'm probably guilty of, so it was useful to read about it. Harder to break habits these days when I used to be quite successful when tackling change of any sort.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I see in the article talk about holding on too long allowing bacteria to chuck a party in your bladder. Lousy venue eh. And hydrating on a very regular basis. These are things I'm probably guilty of, so it was useful to read about it. Harder to break habits these days when I used to be quite successful when tackling change of any sort.

I have the same problem with the other side of town.

Sometimes I have trouble making the attendees of the nightclub called "The Rectum" leave at a reasonable time.

For any fans of European cinema out there, you will recognise the reference to "The Rectum", a gay nightclub which was the central theme in a French movie called "Irreversible". A great and gory watch - highly recommended!