Is there legitimacy behind this drinking myth?

If your night out is accompanied by drinks, you may strategically avoid going to the bathroom to avoid “breaking the seal.” Some party goers believe urinating during the midst of drinking alcohol – breaking the seal – leads to a night full of bathroom trips.

But is there any truth behind this drinking myth?

“There are many reasons why you urinate more while drinking alcohol, but there isn’t a physical seal to be broken,” says Katie Creasap, a urology nurse practitioner at Aurora Health Care.

She says since alcohol is a diuretic, it naturally increases urine production. Other diuretics include coffee and tea.

Another reason you may beeline it for the bathroom while drinking is because your bladder has limited space. “Most bladders can only hold 1.5 to 2 cups of urine,” Creasap explains. “The more you drink, the sooner you will need to relieve yourself.”

To put it into perspective, a study found that one pint of beer is almost equivalent to three glasses of water – enough to fill the average person’s bladder.

Additionally, drinking alcohol has the opposite effect of water. Water causes the release of an antidiuretic hormone called vasopressin which keeps your body hydrated. Conversely, alcohol prevents this hormone from being produced and therefore causes dehydration due to increased urination.

If you do suddenly have the urge to pee, do not hold in your urine. “Holding in your urine for a long period of time can lead to a urinary tract infection and possible bladder dysfunction,” Creasap cautions.

Overall, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol can increase your risk for developing many types of cancer, weaken your immune system and exacerbate mental health issues.

If you are concerned about frequent urination, Creasap recommends:

• Limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake, especially in the hours before bedtime.
• Strengthening your pelvic floor with various exercises or with the help of a pelvic floor therapist.
• Reviewing your medications for diuretics and discussing alternatives with your health care provider.
• Quitting smoking to reduce bladder irritation.
• Achieving or maintaining a healthy weight to decrease pressure on the bladder.
• Seeing your primary care provider to determine if there is an underlying medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

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