1. Avoid driving for long periods without rest or water intake

If you go for a long time without drinking water, especially in hot weather, you might be at risk of urinary tract infections or stone pain.

Also, if you lack activity for an extended period, poor blood circulation may worsen nocturia.

For people with overactive bladder, it’s recommended to avoid drinking large amounts of water at once. Instead, replenish fluids in small amounts multiple times and consider your situation to plan the next rest stop.

Sometimes, you might miss rest stops on highways, and the next one could be several tens of kilometers away. Being desperate to urinate but unable to can be very painful!

2. Avoid holding urine

Holding urine can lead to bacteria proliferation in the urinary tract, causing urinary tract infections.

Moreover, for those who already have difficulty urinating, holding urine until the bladder is too full might weaken bladder contraction, increasing the risk of acute urinary retention.

3. Remember to bring your daily medications

Don’t forget to take your medication if you’re controlling conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia or overactive bladder with long-term medication.

During the journey, it’s also a good idea to bring along a few extra pills. Sometimes, even if you’re lucky enough to find a medical facility open in a different county or city, they might not have the medication you usually take.

4. Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits, and spicy foods

When traveling, you might drink tea or coffee to stay alert while driving or indulge in alcohol or spicy foods during gatherings.

But remember, these are all bladder irritants. Consuming them excessively can worsen overactive bladder syndrome. Try to consume them in moderation.

5. Special reminders for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia may already have a feeling of incomplete emptying.

When you finally get a chance to urinate, consider waiting a few minutes after urination and trying again (double voiding). This increases the likelihood of completely emptying the bladder.

6. Special reminders for specific situations

• For patients with indwelling Foley catheters, cystostomy tubes, percutaneous nephrostomy tubes, or ileal conduit stomas: Bring your daily care supplies, remember to replenish fluids on time, and seek medical attention promptly if the tubes are not functioning smoothly.
• For patients with double J ureteral stents: If the stents usually cause discomfort such as frequent urination, remember to bring the medications prescribed by your doctor. Also, if you lack drinking water for a long time, the chance of blood in the urine may increase, so remember to hydrate.
• For postoperative wounds or tube wounds: Hot weather increases sweating, so pay more attention to wound status and change dressings or gauze covering the wounds more frequently if needed.
• For patients who have just been discharged after surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia: Don’t forget the doctor’s instructions before discharge. Avoid lifting heavy objects, and replenish fluids timely to maintain light pink-colored blood in the urine.