Frequent Urination After Increased Water Intake: Is My Bladder Healthy?

Q: Frequent Urination After Increased Water Intake: Is My Bladder Healthy?

Hello： <br>1) I recommend that you increase your usual water intake by 500cc, drinking about 200-300cc each time, and gradually increase it. <br>Pay attention to the color of your urine; it should be a light yellow (of course, the first urine in the morning may be darker). <br>It

Frequent urination after drinking water?

The doctor would like to ask you: Previously, due to prolonged sitting in the office and low water intake, I later went for a consultation and was diagnosed with a bladder infection.
After taking medication for seven days and returning for a follow-up, the test strip changed from purple to white, which the doctor said was normal.
After finishing the medication, I have been trying to drink 3000cc of water daily, but about an hour after drinking, I feel the urge to urinate.
After urinating, my abdomen still feels bloated, and there is a slight acidity in the urethra.
Whenever I exert myself, I feel a sensation of acidity and bloating from the urethra to the abdomen, even though I just urinated a short while ago.
However, if I don't drink water, this discomfort is not as pronounced!
Do I have a problem with my bladder? Should I go to a large hospital for an examination?
P.S.: I always drink water immediately after urinating! Sometimes, if I don't drink water right after urinating, the above symptoms seem to alleviate.
It's quite strange; it varies from time to time.
I start drinking water around 7 AM and have consumed about 2000cc by around 4 PM.
Is this too much water in a short time? I also jog for half an hour during my lunch break.
Thank you.

Xiao Yue, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/16

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello:
1) I recommend that you increase your usual water intake by 500cc, drinking about 200-300cc each time, and gradually increase it.
Pay attention to the color of your urine; it should be a light yellow (of course, the first urine in the morning may be darker).
It's advisable to limit sugary drinks and not let them take up too much of your fluid intake.
If you work in an office, having light yellow urine is perfectly fine, and you don't need to overhydrate.
Although the general recommendation is 3000cc, this is just an approximate value.
Additionally, if your urine volume is typically between 300cc-400cc, and occasionally 200cc, that is normal.
If your usual volume is consistently below 200cc, it may indicate a weaker bladder, and you should consider seeking medical evaluation.
Also, try not to hold your urine for too long.
2) If you feel a persistent fullness in your abdomen after urination and experience mild acidity in the urethra, especially if straining causes a sensation of discomfort from the urethra to the abdomen, this may indicate residual urine.
It would be advisable to have a post-void residual urine test conducted at a urology clinic.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/06/16

More Info

Frequent urination, especially after increasing your water intake, can be concerning, particularly given your recent history of bladder inflammation. It’s understandable to worry about the health of your bladder, especially when experiencing symptoms like abdominal fullness and discomfort in the urethra.
First, let’s address the frequent urination. After a period of low water intake, suddenly increasing your fluid consumption to around 3000cc can lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom. This is because your body is adjusting to the increased volume of fluid. The kidneys filter excess fluid, which results in increased urine production. If you are drinking a lot of water in a short period, it is normal to feel the need to urinate more frequently. However, if you find that you are urinating very small amounts each time (less than 200cc), this could indicate that your bladder is not fully emptying, which may warrant further investigation.

The sensation of abdominal fullness after urination, along with a mild acidic feeling in the urethra, could suggest that there is residual urine in your bladder. This can happen if the bladder does not contract effectively or if there is some obstruction. It’s also possible that your bladder is still sensitive from the previous inflammation, which can lead to discomfort even after urination.
Given your history of bladder inflammation, it is advisable to consult a urologist. They can perform tests to assess bladder function, such as a post-void residual urine test, which measures how much urine remains in the bladder after urination. This can help determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Regarding your water intake, while staying hydrated is important, drinking excessive amounts of water in a short time can lead to a condition known as water intoxication or hyponatremia, where the sodium levels in your blood become diluted. However, based on your description, it seems that you are not experiencing severe symptoms of water intoxication, such as confusion, seizures, or severe headaches. It’s essential to listen to your body; if you feel excessively thirsty or uncomfortable, it may be a sign to adjust your intake.

In terms of your daily routine, drinking 2000cc of water from morning until the afternoon is not inherently problematic, but it’s crucial to space out your intake to avoid overwhelming your bladder. Instead of drinking large amounts at once, try to sip water throughout the day. This can help your body manage fluid levels more effectively and may reduce the urgency to urinate.

Lastly, incorporating physical activity, like your half-hour jog during lunch, is beneficial for overall health and can help with bladder function. Exercise can improve circulation and may help alleviate some of the discomfort you are experiencing.

In summary, while frequent urination can be a normal response to increased fluid intake, your symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare professional, especially given your history of bladder issues. They can provide a thorough evaluation and determine if any further action is necessary. In the meantime, consider adjusting your water intake habits and monitoring your symptoms closely.

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