How Stress Can Affect Your Urinary Health

Those who contend with urinary tract infections (UTIs), Interstitial Cystitis (IC), urinary incontinence (UI), or an overactive bladder (OB) are familiar with the distress these conditions can cause. 

But you may be surprised that stress also impacts your chances of having one of these conditions and can worsen your symptoms. 

Multiple studies have proven the link between chronic stress and lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction. It can also cause a vicious cycle – stress causes symptoms, and the symptoms cause more anxiety.  

Why Does Stress Contribute to LUT Dysfunction? 

Scientists aren’t sure why there is a relationship between stress and LUT symptoms, but they do have some theories.  

UTIs

UTIs are the result of bacteria spreading into your bladder from the urethra. While it is not a cause of UTIs, stress raises cortisol levels. High cortisol levels can decrease your body’s resistance to infections such as UTIs.  

Overactive Bladder 

Your body’s fight-or-flight response can make your nervous systems more sensitive. If you suffer from OB, this sensitivity can overstimulate your bladder. Another possible reason for the correlation is that stress can cause you to tense your muscles, increasing your urge to urinate. 

Interstitial Cystitis

IC is a chronic condition that causes bladder pressure and pain as well as pelvic pain. Like UTIs, stress doesn’t cause IC, but physical or psychological stress can cause flare-ups or intensify the pain of this frustrating condition.  

Urinary Incontinence 

Urinary incontinence is difficulty holding urine in your bladder. Weakened pelvic floor muscles, one of the leading causes of urinary incontinence, can be caused by stress. There are a range of other UI causes, including pregnancy and delivery, aging, and pelvic organ prolapse. Just as with OB, the effect of mental stress on your muscles can cause or worsen this condition. 

Manage and Improve Urinary Symptoms 

Fortunately, there are ways to manage and reduce LUT symptoms. 

If you suffer from overactive bladder or urinary incontinence, keep a diary of how much you drink and how often you urinate or leak urine. This can help you determine which stress reduction methods will be most effective.  

1. Yoga

The purpose of yoga to improve LUTs is two-fold. First, yoga can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Second, it can help you activate your mind and body, and some poses and breathing techniques can help you control negative thoughts that cause stress. 

1. Mindfulness stress reduction 

Mindfulness stress reduction is a complementary, alternative therapy that incorporates meditation and yoga. Research has proven it is effective in helping people with interstitial cystitis reduce their symptoms or feel more empowered to control them.

1. Spend time with your pet 

Petting your dog can lower the stress hormone cortisol and increase levels of oxytocin, the feel-good bonding hormone. 

1. Take a warm bath 

A warm bath can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms your body after stress or danger. It can also relieve pain and relax your muscles. 

1.  Exercise

Exercise produces endorphins, natural painkillers that elevate your mood, and reduces stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. 

1.  Get enough sleep

Getting at least seven hours of sleep a night reduces cortisol levels. People who catch enough ZZZs are usually calmer and better able to control their emotions when facing negative situations. 

Compassionate Care for Urinary Symptoms 

 The physicians and staff at Norman Urology are fully committed to serving the urological needs of Norman and surrounding communities. We can help you manage your urinary symptoms. Our specialists aren’t just highly knowledgeable; they are also excellent listeners. Let us know how we can help.