Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that directly affects the immune system and inflammation levels. It is used to treat flare-ups for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as many other autoimmune conditions (when your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake). Although prednisone is highly effective in controlling temporary inflammation, it can come with possible side effects, like fluid retention, weight gain, and mood changes.
Several MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam members have mentioned frequent urination during Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis flare-ups. Some feel it’s related to kidney disease, and others have noted prediabetes or diabetes as a potential cause. Other members have wondered if it’s caused by medication.
Frequent urination isn’t the most common side effect of prednisone, but it’s also not unheard of. One member said, “When I take prednisone or budesonide, I urinate much more frequently, which is a known side effect of steroids. It’s worth looking up the side effects of all of your meds if you haven’t already, just in case. Also, if it hasn’t been checked, get your blood glucose level checked, as frequent urination is associated with increased blood sugar.”
Steroid use can affect blood sugar levels and the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which could cause changes in urinary habits. In rare instances, steroids like prednisone can also cause issues with the adrenal glands. If you notice you’re more thirsty than usual or need to pee frequently while using these drugs, be sure to tell your doctor, so they can rule out any serious side effects.
Unfortunately, we can’t always control how our body reacts to medication. But there are things you can do to stop side effects like frequent urination from negatively affecting your life. Here’s how.
Alcohol and caffeine can irritate the bladder. They are diuretics, which means that they increase urine flow. It’s a good idea to avoid alcohol and cut back on caffeine while taking prednisone to prevent additional stress on your organs as you get IBD symptoms under control. Remember, coffee isn’t the only source of caffeine. Chocolate and some soft drinks also contain caffeine, so be mindful of your total intake from all foods and beverages.
Fortunately, many people find that cutting back on alcohol and caffeine also helps with their gastrointestinal symptoms. One MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam member shared, “I find coffee makes me cramp and go multiple times in the morning. So I switched to decaf, and it’s better.”
Most people with IBD are all too familiar with the anxiety of not finding a restroom when they need one. If you’re having a flare-up and prednisone increases your urge to urinate, it’s even more important to know where you can use the facilities. To alleviate stress, plan ahead and allow extra time to stop for a bathroom break when driving or as you first arrive at your destination. You can also pack an extra set of clothes, just in case.
Whether or not they have IBD, lots of adults struggle with the frequent or urgent need to urinate. This symptom can be caused by an enlarged prostate, a urinary tract infection, diabetes, pregnancy, or various medications. If the issue is caused by taking prednisone, your symptoms should subside once your body adjusts to the medicine or when you finish your prescription.
In the meantime, you can protect yourself from uncomfortable leaks by wearing incontinence pads or protective underwear. It’s not always possible to be close to the bathroom, especially if you’re taking a long trip, stuck in a work meeting, or at a crowded public event. These products will give you peace of mind if you’re worried about getting access to the bathroom or having a sudden issue during exercise.
If you’re tempted to stop drinking water to reduce the urge to urinate, you could be doing more harm than good. Staying hydrated is very important, especially if you have IBD and take medications. Your body needs water to function optimally, and you could put yourself at risk of a urinary tract infection or other problems by not drinking enough.
However, people who find the need to urinate at night disrupts their sleep may want to avoid drinking a lot of fluids before bedtime. Having to wake up two times or more to use the bathroom at night may be cause for concern. This condition is known as nocturia, and it can cause sleep loss and affect your mood and daily productivity. If you find yourself waking up multiple times each night to pee, let your doctor know.
It’s a good idea to tell your health care provider about any side effects you experience with prednisone. If frequent urination or other symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life, you may be able to try a lower dose of prednisone, take your medication at a different time of the day, or use alternative treatment options to manage flares. However, you should never discontinue prednisone without the medical advice of your health care provider.
If you find yourself struggling with an overactive bladder due to long-term use of steroids or because of other health conditions, you can seek additional treatment from a urologist. Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen your muscles and improve bladder control. Medications and surgical interventions can also be used to treat an overactive bladder, if other treatment options don’t help.
MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam is the social network for people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and their loved ones. On MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam, more than 168,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with inflammatory bowel disease.
Have you experienced frequent urination as a side effect of your medication? What tips do you use to manage it? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
