With the Summer Heat, Drinking More Water Could Be One of the Best Things You Do for Your Pelvic Health

With our superstar pelvic health physiotherapist, Agnes Budyn

When people come to see me for pelvic floor physiotherapy, they're often surprised when I ask about one simple habit: How much water do you drink each day?

Many people intentionally drink less because they're worried about urinary urgency or frequent bathroom trips. While this might seem like a good strategy, it can actually make bladder symptoms worse.

When you're dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated. This concentrated urine can irritate the bladder lining, leading to increased urgency, frequency, and even burning sensations that mimic a urinary tract infection. Drinking enough water helps dilute your urine, making it less irritating to your bladder.

Hydration is also essential for healthy bowel function. Dehydration can contribute to constipation, which places extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. Over time, straining to have a bowel movement can worsen symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary leakage, or pelvic organ prolapse.

As a pelvic floor physiotherapist, I encourage my patients to think of water as one of the simplest tools for supporting bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor health. While everyone's needs are different, a good general goal is to sip water consistently throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts all at once. Aim for about 2 L or 8 cups of water throughout the day, increasing that amount if you are out during hot temperatures or exercising intensely. 

If you're experiencing bladder urgency, leaking, constipation, or pelvic discomfort, don't assume drinking less water is the answer. A comprehensive pelvic floor assessment can help identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Sometimes, one of the most effective first steps toward better pelvic health starts with something as simple as filling up your water bottle.

Agnes Budyn, P.T., Pelvic Certified