The unpredictable consequences of frequently holding in urine.

Sometimes the 'natural urge' comes at an inopportune time, forcing you to 'hold it in' in your bladder; however, if this habit persists, you will encounter many problems.

A normal bladder can only hold about 250-350 ml. Exceeding that amount causes the bladder to become distended, resulting in a strong urge to urinate. Over 600 ml causes unbearable pain and discomfort, leading to urinary incontinence. However, for those unable to empty the bladder properly, the risk of bladder rupture is very high, posing a life-threatening danger.

Holding back urine can be harmful. When we need to urinate, our brains send signals. On average, we need to urinate 6-7 times a day. Sometimes, not being near a restroom or being too busy forces us to hold it in. This isn't inherently bad, but once it becomes a habit, it can cause many problems, some of which are quite serious.

1. Inability to retain urine and urinary incontinence.

Our bladder is actually a mass of muscles. When it's overactive (approximately 470ml in adults and 120ml in children), it can affect surrounding areas like the pelvic floor – which helps us hold urine. If these muscles are affected, it can cause urinary incontinence.

Dr. Lauren Streicher, MD, told Redbook that when your bladder is too full, the next thing that happens is you don't have time to get to the restroom and you urinate in your pants. This is undoubtedly embarrassing and awful for most people. Therefore, no matter how busy you are, don't hold your urine.

2. The bladder muscles are stretched or constricted.

Dr. Chamandeep Bali, a naturopathic physician at Naturopathic Clinic Toronto, explains that holding in urine for too long causes the bladder to become stretched. When overstretched, the brain may lose its ability to recognize the signals from the bladder indicating that it's time to get up and urinate.

Many experts explain that holding in urine not only causes discomfort but also tightens the muscles. Many people have suffered from lower abdominal pain due to the bladder muscles being constantly stretched for extended periods.

3. Urinary tract infections and more.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, subsequently causing symptoms such as burning sensations, frequent urination, pelvic pain, etc. Approximately half of women have experienced a UTI at least once in their lifetime.

Dr. Mark Gordon, another urologist at Suncoast Medical Center in Florida (USA), says that women tend to hold their urine more often than men due to embarrassment or fear of using public restrooms.

Therefore, women should try to urinate 8-10 times. Urinary tract infections are not the only thing that can happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract. Other dangerous conditions that can occur include infections in nearby areas such as the kidneys, fever, pain, cramping, and more.

Furthermore, for people with high blood pressure, holding back urine can cause nervous system excitement, leading to increased blood pressure, higher heart rate, increased oxygen consumption, and potentially causing cerebral hemorrhage or myocardial infarction.

4. Kidney stones and kidney failure

The Urological Society states that our bladder is connected to the urinary system, which includes the kidneys. If urine backs up the tubes connected to the kidneys, it can cause kidney infection. Additionally, prolonged urine retention can damage the elastic tissues, potentially leading to kidney damage later on.

5. Reduced libido and infertility.

For men, the habit of holding in urine causes nerve inhibition, leading to erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. For women, holding in urine puts pressure on the pelvic area and cervix, making intercourse painful. More dangerously, it can cause infertility due to an enlarged bladder compressing the cervix, making it difficult for the uterus to return to its original position.

Therefore, regardless of the reason, holding back urine is a bad habit and has a significant impact on the body. No matter how busy we are, we should urinate as soon as our brain sends the signal. Avoid drinking large amounts of water in the evening and eating salty foods. Limit carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, and caffeine.

According to VTC