I have to go NOW!

November is Bladder Health Month, so it’s only natural that we talk about urinary function and dysfunction! Something we hear far too often from people is that they have to drop everything and run because there is such a sense of urgency to use the restroom. If this resonates with you, we want you to know that although this is a common problem with many, it is NOT NORMAL and it can be helped! So, how do you know for sure that you are dealing with urinary urgency?

If you notice yourself throwing your things to the side as soon as you walk in the door to make it to the bathroom, you are likely dealing with urinary urgency. If you hear running water, and then you, yourself are running to the nearest bathroom, you are likely dealing with urinary urgency. Urinary urgency is typically a sudden and intense need to use the bathroom and can lead to leakage if you are unable to get to the bathroom quick enough.

Normally, you should not have such a sense of urgency to use the restroom. Here are some tips and tricks to help you manage urinary urgency.

1. Stop what you are doing and sit down, if possible.

2. Relax by taking several deep breaths to settle your body and decrease urgency.

3. Rub your hands together (hand warming) to also settle your body and nervous system.

Sometimes it feels like the urge is so strong that if you delay going to the bathroom for even a second you might experience leakage. It might be a good idea to practice some of these techniques in the comfort of your own home first to get used to the idea of delaying using the bathroom. You might be surprised with how quickly the urge suppresses and your bladder “forgets” that it has to go. You can also try these tricks BEFORE the urge occurs, such as when you have been runni