Why you feel a sudden urge to pee the moment you get home | Health News
Do you often dash to the bathroom within a minute of walking into your home? You’re not alone.
Latchkey incontinence happens when your brain connects going home with bladder relief, which leaves you with a sudden urge to urinate. Experts suggest that this is a “conditioned response” owing to psychological factors where your bladder, always expecting relief, reacts to even little stimuli such as pressure.
“Hearing keys jingling or the unlocking of the door will send signals to the brain, making the urge feel more urgent,” said Dr Mukund Andankar, consultant urolog, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central.
Story continues below this ad
This incontinence can also occur when patients visualise the door of their house or hear running water, according to a September 2024 report published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners.
Here’s what to consider about this particular condition (Photo: Freepik)
Is it common?
Yes, most people experience this condition, though a bit more frequent in people with overactive bladder or anxiety, mentioned Dr Andankar.
Dr Hiran S. Reddy, consultant physician, diabetolog, and critical care special, agreed and added that ‘key-in-lock syndrome’ is more common in individuals with overactive bladder (OAB), urinary tract infections, or weakened pelvic floor muscles, particularly affecting postmenopausal women and those who have undergone childbirth. “However, men with prostate conditions may also experience similar symptoms,” said Dr Reddy.
According to the above journal report, OAB is a “multifactorial clinical syndrome” often not discussed the patient and significantly impacts the quality of life.Story continues below this ad
What can be contributing to it?
Factors such as high caffeine intake, dehydration, and certain medications can worsen the condition. “Strengthening pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises and employing behavioral techniques like delayed voiding and bladder training can help improve bladder control and manage symptoms effectively,” said Dr Reddy.
Experts urge people to try to dract themselves when they enter the door. To control this response, bladder training can be used as a complement to mindfulness-based techniques,” added Dr Andankar.
What to note?
If the need is uncontrollable or results in leakage, the bladder may be symptomatic of an underlying medical condition. “Never fail to seek medical attention if this perss,” said Dr Reddy.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
