Believe it or not, there’s a right and a wrong way to empty your bladder. Get it wrong and you risk constant toilet trips or nasty infections
Wiping from back to front
It’s important to avoid this as it may transfer bacteria, leading to a urinary tract infection. This causes burning with urination and a constant urge to go, and needs treatment with antibiotics.
Wiping too much
Wiping can cause irritation of sensitive skin. Sometimes remnants of the toilet paper can stay there, which is less hygienic and can cause irritation and even infection.
Having set times for peeing
Try not to get into the habit of going to the toilet ‘just in case’ or timing visits to the toilet, as the bladder may get used to not storing enough urine.
Waiting until you’re feeling desperate
Equally, you don’t need to hold your urine until you’re busting. Go to the toilet when your bladder’s comfortably full and gives you a strong desire.
Drinking too much water
Drinking gallons of water is unnecessary. Fluid overload will not help the bladder as it will produce too much urine. The average amount of toilet trips is six to eight a day, with one to two at night.
Not emptying your bladder fully
If the bladder is not emptying properly, it may cause urinary retention and can result in infections or bladder stones. Take your time, and relax your pelvic floor.