Frequently, individuals resist the urge to urinate, whether due to a busy workday or an engrossing movie. However, regularly holding in urine can pose problems and is not advisable.
The urinary bladder is a pear-shaped organ that is part of the urinary system. Urine remains in the bladder until a person needs to use the restroom.
An adult's bladder can hold approximately 16 ounces, or 2 cups, of liquid, while a child's bladder can hold considerably less. Although the bladder can stretch more, doing so frequently can be risky. It is not recommended to delay restroom visits regularly.
When the bladder is approximately halfway full, the brain receives a signal that it's time to urinate. The brain, responsible for producing the urge to urinate, instructs the bladder to hold on.
In some cases, it may be necessary to retain urine, such as difficulty finding a restroom or during bladder retraining exercises.
According to Medicalnewstoday, holding urine for an extended period can have the following negative effects:
1. Urinary tract infection
Keeping urine in the bladder for too long can occasionally lead to bacterial growth, resulting in a urinary tract infection (UTI). According to healthline Holding in urine for long periods is not recommended, especially for those with a history of recurrent UTIs.
Dehydration can also increase the risk of a UTI as the bladder does not signal the body to urinate regularly enough, leading to bacteria circulating throughout the urinary tract.
2. Bladder enlargement
Frequent retention of urine can cause the bladder to enlarge over time, making it difficult or impossible for it to contract and release urine regularly. In such cases, catheterization may be necessary.
3. Pelvic floor muscle damage
Repeatedly holding in urine can injure the pelvic floor muscles. One of these muscles is the urethral sphincter, which keeps the urethra closed and prevents urine leaks. Muscle damage can result in incontinence, but Kegel exercises and other pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen and replace lost muscle, reducing the likelihood of leaks.
4. Kidney stones
In individuals with a history of kidney stones or high mineral concentrations in their urine, holding in urine can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Minerals like calcium oxalate and uric acid are commonly found in urine.
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