Holding your urine is one of the most common habits for many people.
It may seem like a harmless habit at first, but what may seem like a simple task can cause a variety of health problems if done regularly.
In this post, we’ll look at why you shouldn’t hold your pee and how it can affect your health.
1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Holding your urine can create a reservoir of bacteria in your bladder and urinary system, which can increase the risk of UTIs.
Bacteria multiply quickly when urine is kept, resulting in painful symptoms like a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, and abdominal pain.
2. It can also reduce the strength of your bladder muscles
Holding your urine for an extended period may not seem like a bad idea.
However, holding your urine for extended periods can put a strain on your bladder muscles and the muscles of your pelvic floor.
This can lead to urinary incontinence over time and make it difficult to empty your bladder.
3. Kidney problems
Holding urine can exert pressure on the kidneys, interfering with their ability to filter waste products and maintain proper fluid balance in the body.
This can increase the risk of kidney stones, urinary blockage, and even kidney damage in severe cases.
4. Increased risk of pelvic floor dysfunction
The muscles in the pelvic floor play an important role in controlling urinary flow and supporting organs like the bladder and the uterus.
Repeatedly holding your urine can cause chronic urinary retention, which can put strain on the pelvic floor muscles, resulting in pelvic floor dysfunction (PWD), prolapse of the pelvic organ, and other problems.
5. Bladder overstretching
If you keep putting off going to the toilet, your bladder will stretch too much.
Over time, your bladder muscles will weaken and your bladder won’t be able to contract properly.
This can lead to problems with urinary retention and bladder dysfunction.
6. Incontinence issues
Contrary to popular belief, holding your urine for a long period can lead to a condition called urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary release of urine.
Poor bladder muscles and poor bladder control can lead to embarrassing and uncomfortable episodes of urinary leakage.
A Word From GetMe Treated
Holding your pee regularly may seem like a great way to pass the time, but it can have serious consequences for your bladder and your overall health.
Taking regular breaks and paying attention to your body’s signals can help you avoid urinary complications and keep your bladder functioning at its best.
Don’t forget that your bladder deserves to be treated with the respect it deserves to keep you comfortable and healthy.
Why You Shouldn’t Hold Your Pee FAQs
Why is it bad to hold your pee for too long?
Peeing for long periods increases the risk of UTIs, bladder hyperplasia, kidney disease, and urinary leakage. It also increases the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction (PWD).
Can holding your pee cause kidney problems?
Yes, holding your urine can cause pressure on your kidneys, affecting their filtration and fluid balance. Long-term holding of urine can lead to kidney stones, urinary blockages, and kidney damage.
What happens if you hold your pee too often?
Holding your urine for long periods can reduce the strength of your bladder muscles, which can lead to urinary retention problems, bladder dysfunction, and an increased risk of incontinence, as well as pelvic floor dysfunction (PWD) and associated complications.
Is it bad to hold your pee overnight?
Holding your urine during the night can put a strain on your bladder and can increase the risk of UTIs, especially in women. It can also interfere with your sleep and can lead to incontinence and bladder problems.
Can holding your pee cause UTIs?
Yes, holding your urine creates a breeding ground for bacteria in your bladder and urinary tract, which can lead to UTIs and associated complications.
How long can you safely hold your pee?
While your bladder can hold urine for a few hours at a time, it’s important to avoid holding it in for too long, as this can lead to urinary problems.
Most experts suggest releasing your bladder when you’re feeling the urge to go to the bathroom to keep your bladder healthy.
What are the symptoms of holding your pee for too long?
Symptoms of holding your pee for too long may include a frequent urge to urinate, discomfort or pain in the bladder or lower abdomen, difficulty initiating urination, and potential leakage of urine due to weakened bladder muscles or urinary incontinence.
Other Helpful Blog Posts:
- 7 Natural Remedies for Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder
- Why We Shouldn’t Read While On The Toilet
- How Much You Have To Run To Improve Health Care Quality
- How To Use Turmeric Powder For Your Health
- How To Change Unhealthy Eating Habits
- What Are The Health Benefits Of Pawpaw Seed
- Why Is Oatmeal Not A Healthy Breakfast?