Ever wonder why it is that alcohol and pee seem to go hand in hand? At any concert or sporting event, there’s always a long line in two places: the bar and the bathroom. The truth is that alcohol has an impact on your urinary system, and that means leaks can be a factor when drinking. Here are a few of the reasons why alcohol and pee go together like vodka and cranberry juice.
Alcohol is a Diuretic
We’ve all heard the jokes about not ‘breaking the seal’ when drinking wine with friends or tailgating. It’s common knowledge that alcohol makes us have to pee more frequently, and it’s not just a perception: as a diuretic, alcohol causes the body to produce more urine. The more your bladder fills up, the more instances of urge incontinence you could experience.
The diuretic effect is also going to be influenced by quantity and your choice of beverage: drinking pitchers of light beer will lead to more pee than a small glass of red.
Alcohol is (Frequently) Carbonated
Did you know that carbonated beverages can irritate the bladder? The carbon dioxide that makes up those delightful little bubbles in a vodka soda or glass of sparkling wine can irritate the bladder lining. That means any alcoholic beverage with carbonation, including beer, cider, champagne, or any mixed drink with soda, has an additional variable that can aggravate a sensitive bladder.
Opting for beverage options that are free of carbonation and caffeine, like wine or non-carbonated spirits, will help you avoid those additional irritants.
Alcohol is Dehydrating
Because alcohol is a diuretic, it has a dehydrating effect over time. Not having enough fluid in your body can cause your urine to become concentrated, which can irritate and inflame the bladder lining as well as the detrusor muscle, making you feel the urge to pass urine more frequently and/or with more urgency.
Drinking water alongside any alcoholic beverages is smart, but be mindful that the increased volume will add to your bathroom visits.
Alcohol is Intoxicating
Our reaction time slows down when we drink as a result of the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages, ethanol. This is because ethanol affects the central nervous system and dulls the signals between the brain and the body. When drinking, it may be harder to recognize that you have to pee with ample time to reach the bathroom. Additionally, alcohol can affect motor skills and coordination, including those in the pelvic floor muscles that help you “hold it”, which can lead to leaks.
Alcohol Changes Our Environments
There’s one final aspect to think about with regard to alcohol and how it might lead to leaks, and that’s social. Often when we drink alcohol, we’re in different environments than we’re used to. In a restaurant or on vacation, it may take time to find the bathroom, or there could be a wait before you get to go. Or, if you’re talking with friends or enjoying a performance, you may hold it for longer than you typically do. And think of this: those tipsy giggles? They’re fun, but also a recipe for a stress incontinence incident. These changes in setting and situation can also lead to leaks when drinking alcohol.
Final Thoughts
From social variables to the biological effect that alcohol has on our bodies, it’s clear that alcohol can lead to leaks, but we believe knowledge is empowering. Even if you reach for non-alcoholic beverages like soda or coffee, remember that some of these factors still apply. Wearing backup protection, like one of our pads or liners, can keep you comfortable (and be a lifesaver in case of long lines). Here’s to you—and to always knowing where the bathroom is.