If you’re rushing to the bathroom several times within an hour, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. On the other hand, if you find yourself passing hours without having to go, that could be signaling another type of issue altogether. The good news? Whatever type of bathroom-goer category you fall into, it’s possible to train your bladder and improve any unwanted habits. Since the amount of water a person needs each day will differ, the best way to test your hydration levels is simply by checking the color of your pee. “If your urine is a really dark yellow, you’re probably not drinking enough,” she says. Additionally, any time you feel thirsty or your throat is dry, it’s a good idea to drink water. Our bodies are built to maintain homeostasis, Simma-Chiang explains, so if your pee is as clear as water, the body is communicating that it’s adequately hydrated. “At that point, your body is just dumping water,” she says. It’s not just water, though. Coffee is both a natural diuretic and a bladder stimulant, which can increase urgency to pee, Simma-Chiang says. “I’m not trying to be anti-coffee,” she says. “Coffee tastes really great, it gives you a boost in the morning, and it has a lot of antioxidants.” That said, it’s important to moderate your intake. While frequent urination from overhydration isn’t necessarily dangerous, it can be disruptive to daily life. Waking up throughout the night to use the bathroom can disrupt sleep quality, leading to a decline in energy, alertness, and focus the next day. It can also just be downright distracting during the day—having to rush to the bathroom multiple times within an hour can get old, fast. If it’s clear that you haven’t increased your fluid intake, these new urinary patterns could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to speak with a urologist or primary care physician. Diuretic medications can also increase urgency and frequency to go to the bathroom. These are commonly prescribed to patients with cardiovascular disease. This is a natural side effect of diuretics and shouldn’t be a cause of concern. Keeping track of fluid intake (when you’re drinking, what you’re drinking, and how much), as well as every time you go to the bathroom can also be a helpful way to track and correct any unhealthy habits.
