## Why Do I Have to Pee When Scuba Diving?
When you’re scuba diving, you’re surrounded by water. So it’s natural to wonder why you have to pee so often. There are a few reasons why this happens.
### 1. Increased Blood Flow to the Kidneys
When you’re diving, your body’s blood pressure increases. This is because your body is working harder to pump blood against the increased pressure of the water. The increased blood pressure causes your kidneys to produce more urine.
### 2. Dehydration
When you’re diving, you’re not able to drink as much water as you normally would. This is because it’s difficult to drink water while you’re wearing a scuba mask and regulator. As a result, you become dehydrated. Dehydration causes your body to produce less urine.
### 3. Cold Water Immersion
When you’re diving in cold water, your body’s core temperature drops. This causes your blood vessels to constrict. The constriction of your blood vessels reduces the amount of blood that flows to your kidneys. As a result, your kidneys produce less urine.
### 4. Medications
Some medications, such as diuretics, can cause you to pee more often. If you’re taking any medications, be sure to talk to your doctor about whether or not they could be causing you to pee more often when you’re diving.
### How to Reduce the Urge to Pee When Scuba Diving
There are a few things you can do to reduce the urge to pee when you’re scuba diving.
* **Stay hydrated.** Drink plenty of water before you dive. You can also drink water during your dive, but be sure to do so slowly and in small sips.
* **Avoid caffeine and alcohol.** Caffeine and alcohol can both dehydrate you. If you’re planning on diving, it’s best to avoid these substances.
* **Wear a wetsuit.** A wetsuit can help to keep you warm. This will help to reduce the constriction of your blood vessels and increase the amount of blood that flows to your kidneys.
* **Take a diuretic.** Diuretics can help to increase the amount of urine that you produce. If you’re having trouble staying hydrated, you may want to consider taking a diuretic.
### When to See a Doctor
If you’re having to pee more than once an hour when you’re scuba diving, you should see a doctor. This could be a sign of a medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection.
## Conclusion
If you’re having to pee more often than usual when you’re scuba diving, there are a few things you can do to reduce the urge. By following these tips, you can help to make your dives more enjoyable.