Expert Verified
Sarah Mitchell — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor
Approved Guide

How to Handle Increase Urine Flow Step by Step

When increase urine flow leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

Link copied to clipboard!
Part 1

Urination Techniques

1

Try double voiding.

Try double voiding.
Spend an extra few seconds urinating again after peeing the first time. If you struggle with fully emptying your bladder when you go, try peeing again immediately after you finish. It’s common for your bladder to send incomplete signals when your bladder isn’t completely empty, so give your body a second shot at emptying.
  • Double voiding can help improve urine flow by ensuring the bladder is fully emptied.
  • This technique requires patience and practice, but it can be effective in improving urinary function.
  • If you experience discomfort or pain during double voiding, stop immediately and consult your doctor.
  • Spend an extra few seconds urinating again after peeing the first time.
  • If you struggle with fully emptying your bladder when you go, try peeing again immediately after you finish.
2

Stop pushing when you urinate.

Stop pushing when you urinate.
Let your bladder do its thing naturally without straining. If your bladder is healthy, you should not need to strain any muscles to urinate. Some people will push a bit to make sure that they’ve fully emptied their bladder, but this can accidentally train your body to need that straining feeling to urinate.
  • Straining during urination can lead to muscle fatigue and decreased urine flow.
  • By relaxing the muscles involved in urination, you can improve blood flow to the bladder and promote healthy function.
  • If you experience persistent discomfort or pain during urination, consult your doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
  • Let your bladder do its thing naturally without straining.
  • If your bladder is healthy, you should not need to strain any muscles to urinate.
Part 2

Lifestyle Changes

1

Do Kegel exercises.

Do Kegel exercises.
Kegel exercises will strengthen the muscles that control urine flow. Women and men alike can benefit from doing Kegel exercises, which strengthen the pelvic floor and improve continence and urinary flow. You can do Kegels anywhere, simply follow these instructions:
  • Start by finding your pelvic floor muscles, which are the same muscles used for stopping the flow of urine.
  • Contract and release the muscles 10-15 times, then repeat the process several times a day.
  • If you experience persistent discomfort or pain during Kegel exercises, stop immediately and consult your doctor.
  • Kegel exercises will strengthen the muscles that control urine flow.
  • Women and men alike can benefit from doing Kegel exercises, which strengthen the pelvic floor and improve continence and urinary flow.
2

Avoid antihistamines and decongestants.

Avoid antihistamines and decongestants.
Cold medication can trigger urinary retention. Antihistamines (like Benadryl or Zyrtec) and decongestants (like Mucinex or Dayquil) can minimize your bladder muscle’s ability to contract and tighten.
  • Be aware of the medications you take, especially those that contain antihistamines or decongestants.
  • Talk to your doctor about alternative medications if you experience urinary retention.
  • If you experience persistent discomfort or pain during urination, consult your doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
  • Cold medication can trigger urinary retention.
  • Antihistamines (like Benadryl or Zyrtec) and decongestants (like Mucinex or Dayquil) can minimize your bladder muscle’s ability to contract and tighten.
3

Limit caffeine and alcohol.

Limit caffeine and alcohol.
Caffeine and alcohol disrupts your bladder’s normal rhythm. A daily cup of coffee and a daily beer are no big deal, but overdoing it can toy with your body’s ability to get rid of waste.
  • Be mindful of your caffeine intake, especially in the morning.
  • Try to limit or avoid caffeinated beverages for at least 2 hours before bedtime.
  • If you experience persistent discomfort or pain during urination, consult your doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
  • Caffeine and alcohol disrupts your bladder’s normal rhythm.
  • A daily cup of coffee and a daily beer are no big deal, but overdoing it can toy with your body’s ability to get rid of waste.
4

Drink plenty of water.

Drink plenty of water.
Staying hydrated will help regulate your urine production. You might be frustrated with your low urine flow and want to avoid urinating as much as possible, but not drinking enough water can make matters worse.
  • Aim for at least 8 cups (64 oz) of water daily to help flush out your bladder.
  • Limit sugary drinks and caffeine, as they can irritate the bladder.
  • If you experience persistent discomfort or pain during urination, consult your doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
  • Staying hydrated will help regulate your urine production.
  • You might be frustrated with your low urine flow and want to avoid urinating as much as possible, but not drinking enough water can make matters worse.

Community Q&A

Be the first to ask a question about this guide.

Was this guide helpful?

7 people found this helpful

Subscribe to the HowDadDo Newsletter

Get expert tips, weekly how-to guides, and dad wisdom delivered straight to your inbox. No spam, just good stuff.

Help us build the world's best
dad manual.

Every guide on HowDadDo is written and fact-checked by real people — no AI-generated fluff. Join our community of experts helping dads figure life out.