If you have to undergo a urinalysis, suffer from shy bladder syndrome or have sudden difficulty using the bathroom, you will not be able to escape this need. The consumption of some foods can promote urination, while psychotherapy is useful in cases where you suffer from urophobia. However, in some circumstances, such as when the bladder is causing pain, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Stimulate Urination
Step 1. Lean forward
Sit down and lean forward to put pressure on the abdominal muscles, as if you need to evacuate. The tension in the muscles will put pressure on your bladder.
Step 2. Push lightly on your abdomen
While bent over, place your forearms on your lower abdomen and press gently. Do not press directly on the bladder, as this could cause the opposite effect.
Step 3. Tap the bladder area below the navel with your fingers
Tap with your fingertips for about 30 seconds. If necessary, move your fingers around to find the best spot, and keep beating until urine begins to come out.
Step 4. Stimulate the area around the thighs or around the genitals
Touching the inner thigh or gently pulling on the pubic hair may stimulate the nerves that control the bladder.
Part 2 of 4: Resorting to Food and Drinks
Step 1. Drink more water
If you need to have a urinalysis, drinking water is probably the fastest and safest way to stimulate urination.
- Drinking large amounts of water is not harmful to health. If the body receives too much, the kidneys will simply excrete it in the urine. If you know you will need to urinate in a doctor's office, try drinking a glass or two of water before going there.
- However, if you have heart problems or other conditions that cause edema, you should limit your water intake. You should also limit your fluid intake if you have chronic kidney failure or are on dialysis.
- Unless you feel particularly intimidated urinating in public, don't overdo it - a 200-250ml glass of water before your appointment will be enough to help urinate at the doctor's office.
Step 2. Try some types of fruit
Certain varieties have diuretic properties (diuretic is a substance that promotes the formation of urine in the kidneys, leading to more frequent excretion). Some fruit qualities, therefore, can be considered real natural diuretics.
- Citrus fruits in general, but lemon in particular, can increase urination. They also potentially have the ability to lower blood pressure over time and treat urinary tract infections.
- The English name of watermelon, or watermelon, derives from the fact that this fruit contains a high amount of water and thanks to this property it can help to reform liquids in the body, favoring urination.
- Fruit products, such as apple cider vinegar and cranberry juice, can also be used as diuretics. Just before your doctor's appointment, try drinking cranberry juice or eating a salad dressed with apple cider vinegar.
Step 3. Use certain herbs and spices
Certain types of herbs and spices promote urination, so they can be used as natural diuretics if you need to urinate.
- The antioxidants present in parsley can facilitate urination.
- Coriander can not only stimulate urination, but can also lower blood pressure and regulate the digestive system.
- Consuming garlic carries a number of health benefits: it strengthens the immune system and can also be used as a healthy natural diuretic.
- Ginger helps get rid of fluid build-up and, added to foods as a spice, can promote urination.
Step 4. Eat certain vegetables
Fruits and spices aren't the only natural diuretics you have available. Some vegetables can also help urinating.
- Cucumbers and celery contain a lot of water, so they help fill the bladder.
- Carrots make for a quick snack food and help make you urinate more frequently. To help urination before urinalysis, eat a carrot or 150 g of this vegetable.
- Cabbage, like cucumbers, is characterized by a high water content and, consequently, it too helps fill the bladder.
Step 5. Try it with tea and coffee
Both are conducive to urination, so a cup of green tea or black coffee drunk before urinalysis may help you empty your bladder. However, be careful not to overdo the caffeine, especially before a medical exam, as it can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. In these cases, therefore, it is best to speak to the doctor and obtain accurate information.
Step 6. Use remedies to relieve constipation
Stool that is too hard could put pressure on the bladder and urethra, blocking the passage of urine. Increase the amount of fiber in your diet, exercise more, and see your doctor if you can't solve the problem.
Avoid holding on to stool, it can make the problem worse
Part 3 of 4: Treating Shy Bladder Syndrome
Step 1. Practice progressive muscle relaxation
Many people have difficulty urinating in public places. If this is a problem for you, be aware that there are some soothing techniques that can help you relax and encourage you to use a public bathroom.
- If you find a way to detach yourself from the act of urination, the body will be able to perform its natural functions. With progressive muscle relaxation exercises you will be able to calm down and get some benefit.
- Try relaxing several muscle groups at a time. Start from the neck and shoulders, then work your way down to your arms, torso and hips. Continue until you are able to straighten your legs and shins. Focus on the different muscle groups and not on the fact that you are using a public toilet. This will relax your muscles, have less difficulty urinating and will also be able to distract you from the act of urination.
Step 2. Find a way to distract yourself
Just like with relaxation techniques, if you find a way not to think about what you need to do, you can make the process easier. Find some distraction when you know you need to use a public bathroom.
- If you have a smartphone, reading an article or listening to a song in the headphones can take your mind off the physiological act in progress.
- You can also get distracted by following your thoughts. Focus on a particular image, song, picture, or sound while urinating. For example, you might imagine a relaxing place, like your bedroom when you were a child, or try to sing the lyrics of a song you know into your head. Anything that can distract you from the thought of being in a public bathroom will do.
Step 3. Hold your breath
This will increase the carbon dioxide levels in your body, which in turn will reduce your overall stress level.
- Expel about 75% of the air in your lungs and retain the rest. Try to hold your breath for about 45 seconds.
- Repeat the operation and see if it helps you. Some people find that this exercise actually produces more anxiety, so it would be a good idea to test it out before trying to use it in public places.
Step 4. Talk to a therapist
If you often feel too anxious when you have to urinate in front of other people and this difficulty causes you discomfort at work or in other social contexts, you could consider the idea of undergoing a series of psychotherapeutic sessions to solve your problem.
- Urophobia (or shy bladder syndrome) is effectively treated through cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, certain medications, and hypnotherapy. The psychologist will work with you to find the best treatment option based on your clinical and psychological picture.
- You can find a psychologist by consulting your doctor or by contacting a psychotherapy center in your city. You also have the opportunity to take advantage of the psychological assistance provided by the ASL.
Part 4 of 4: Seeking Medical Assistance
Step 1. See your doctor
If you suddenly have a urination problem, you should go to your doctor to find out if the cause is physiological.
- He will proceed to a medical checkup and physical exam. If you are male, he will likely perform a prostate exam.
- If your doctor thinks urinalysis is needed, try using a catheter to help expulsion. It is a rubber cannula which, when introduced into the urethra, drains the urine into a container.
- You will likely also need to do blood tests to check for any signs of infection.
- Treatment is established by evaluating the cause of the condition, but a variety of drugs can be used to treat urinary problems.
Step 2. Seek urgent assistance if needed
Sometimes the inability to urinate can result in an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Go to the emergency room if you have any of the following problems:
- A sharp painful sensation in the bladder or stomach could indicate a rather severe obstruction of the bladder. See a doctor immediately, as in some cases it is necessary to introduce a catheter urgently to empty the bladder.
- Sudden and painful urinary retention can have serious consequences. In these circumstances, damage to the bladder and kidneys can occur if the problem is not treated urgently, so it is important to go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Step 3. Try medications
Various medications can be used to treat urinary problems. Ask your doctor which ones to take.
- Alpha blockers are a class of drugs used to treat urinary problems. They work by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and reducing anything that obstructs the flow of urine. They are usually used when there are permanent problems associated with urinary retention, especially prostatic hypertrophy in men.
- These drugs include 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and antimuscarinics which are prescribed to treat incontinence.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors reduce the size of the prostate gland and, therefore, are only prescribed to men. It may take weeks or even months to manage to contain the enlargement of the prostrate.
Step 4. See your doctor for a diagnosis
If you have a lot of difficulty urinating, the cause is certainly due to a clinical pathology. The doctor will want to do some tests, including a urine test to make sure there is no infection and that all values are normal.
- Men who have difficulty urinating may suffer from urinary incontinence. This is usually due to an enlarged prostate. Older age is a risk factor; this means that the older you are, the more likely you are to have trouble going to the bathroom.
- Prostate disease is another source of concern, especially for those who have already undergone surgery or radiation.
- A history of urinary tract infections can lead to problems with urination. You may have scars from infections, including narrowing or fistula formation.
- Physical limitations are another risk factor for those people who have difficulty urinating.
- Neurological disorders can lead to problems with urination.
- Other ailments such as diabetes, sleep apnea, depression and constipation can lead to urinary incontinence problems.
