What Happens When You Hold Your Pee For Longer Time?

by CMRI | Published on 03/05/2022

Be it a busy schedule or it’s difficulty to access a restroom, it is natural for people to resist their urge to urinate sometimes. However, holding your urine on a daily basis is not advisable as it can cause several health issues. As per the best prostate specialist in Kolkata, there are no such rules as to how much pee is safe to hold and for how long? Some are more prone to the bad effects of holding pee. This may even affect your bladder, and prostate( for males) as well. Keep on reading to learn more.

 

How does your body react when you hold your pee?

 

The reason you feel the need to empty your bladder isn't as easy as your bladder filling up with liquid. It triggers the nerves in your bladder when it is about half full. These nerves send signals to your brain, causing you to feel the need to urinate. The brain then instructs the bladder to hold on till the moment comes. Holding your pee entails intentionally resisting the need to urinate.

These signals will differ from one person to the next. They also differ according to your age, the amount of fluid your bladder can hold, and the time of day.

These signals, for example, decrease at night, allowing you to obtain a full night's sleep rather than running to the lavatory every few hours!

 

Is it safe to hold your pee?

 

Holding your pee is generally not dangerous if your urinary system is healthy. A healthy adult can hold almost 2 cups of urine at once. However, if this is retained for a longer time, it might create discomfort.

On the other hand, holding your pee can be an important element of bladder training if you have an overactive bladder. Regular bladder training may aid in the development of a more convenient toilet training schedule.

However, as suggested by a prostate specialist doctor in Kolkata, some people are at more risk of developing complications(UTI, kidney issues) after holding their urine for a longer duration.

• People with enlarged prostate
• Those who are suffering from kidney disorder
• People with neurogenic bladder

 

What are the possible side effects of holding your pee more frequently?

 

Following are some of the potential side effects that may happen when you’re holding your pee for a longer time.

• Pain-People who disregard the desire to pee on a regular basis may have pain or discomfort in the bladder or kidneys. Urinating may also be painful when a person eventually makes it to the restroom.

 

• UTI- In rare situations, holding in pee for an extended period of time can cause bacteria to proliferate. This could result in a urinary tract infection (UTI).

 

• Many doctors advise against holding in urine for long periods of time since it increases the risk of UTIs, especially if the person has a history of frequent UTIs.

 

• Bladder Stretching- after holding urine for a longer time, the muscles of your urinary bladder may find it difficult to contract while releasing urine. This may even lead to urinary incontinence.

 

• Kidney stones-In persons with a history of kidney stones or those with a high mineral content in their urine, holding in pee may result in the formation of kidney stones.

 

• Rupture or damage to pelvic floor muscles- frequent retention of urine may cause damage or weaken the pelvic floor muscles.

 

Will my bladder burst if I hold my urine too frequently?

 

Many people assume that their bladder may burst if they hold their pee in for so long.

While a spontaneous urinary bladder rupture is possible, there is generally an underlying cause of the rupture, such as a blockage that prevents the bladder from voiding.

Staying hydrated all throughout the day is definitely good for our overall health. But consider healthy bladder habits when you can’t find an accessible washroom insight. This way you can avoid holding urine for a longer time and can keep all the risks associated with this at bay. For any guidance or consultation for the same, you can consult our prostate specialist doctor in Kolkata.