We’ve all done it! Before leaving the house, or when we see a public restroom, many of us take a bathroom break to empty our bladder “just in case.” We even suggest it to our children, especially before getting in the car for a long trip.

The problem with “just in case” peeing, or “JIC’ing,” is that your body is very smart, and the bladder quite trainable. Normally, when the bladder is full, its walls will send a signal to the brain that they have reached a certain point of stretch and the bladder needs to be emptied, followed by the brain creating a muscular signal, almost like a small spasm, to let you know it’s time to go.

If you empty your bladder before this natural reflexive cycle, you are creating a new set of directions for your bladder and brain to follow. For example, if you empty your bladder when it is one-third full, this will become your new “set point” over time, and the signals will start happening too soon. Not only will this disrupt your day, requiring more bathroom breaks, but it can contribute to nocturia (waking up to urinate at night). The bladder and urethra can become irritated by this overly frequent use, and you may then develop feelings of urgency or rawness that mimic a urinary tract infection. These feelings cause you to visit the bathroom even more, and perpetuate the dysfunctional cycle.

It may be time for you to break the cycle! We recommend emptying the bladder every three to four hours, and with a definite urge to void. This schedule leads to a healthier brain/bladder connection. At ADAPT we specialize in bladder issues, providing counsel on hydration, eliminating trigger foods/drinks, and overall movement hygiene. We address any muscular issues that are contributing to your symptoms. We look forward to showing you the road to freedom from JIC’ing!