Don't Do It: Experts warn of 3 surprising health dangers from peeing in the shower
Viral Video
A video by TikTok user @kingsley502 gained attention online for addressing the issue of peeing while standing in the shower. The user advised viewers, especially women, to avoid this habit. He explained that urinating while standing could affect bladder control and lead to leakage. This video raised many questions about health effects.
Doctor Explains
Dr Zac Turner, a medical expert from Australia, told news.com.au that women should avoid urinating while standing. He explained that the female body is designed to urinate in a seated or squatting position. In these positions, pelvic muscles fully relax. This helps the bladder empty completely. Urinating while standing, he said, can prevent full emptying.
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Infections and Hygiene Risks
Dr Turner warned that urine is not sterile, the report said. Even healthy people have bacteria in their urine. Showering while urinating can spread these bacteria. Skin, feet, or cuts on the body can absorb the bacteria. This can lead to infection. People with existing urinary infections face even more risk.
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Women More Prone to UTIs
Women are four times more likely than men to get urinary tract infections (UTIs). This makes them more vulnerable to problems from shower urination. Incomplete bladder emptying, common during standing urination, can create conditions for bacterial growth. The leftover urine gives bacteria a place to multiply.
Bladder Training and Reflex Conditioning
Dr Turner told the media outlet that urinating while standing may confuse the brain-bladder reflex. Over time, the body might send signals to urinate even when the bladder is not full. This could lead to an overactive bladder or urgency problems. A 2017 study supported this idea, linking such habits to increased urination urges triggered by water cues.
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Warning Signs of Urinary Problems
Several symptoms may show early urinary health issues. A stinging or burning feeling while urinating is one sign of a UTI. This comes from irritation caused by bacteria. Frequent urination and urgency could also signal trouble. Feeling the need to go often may mean the bladder is inflamed or conditioned to feel full.
Leaks and Other Physical Symptoms
Stress incontinence, which is urine leakage during movement or laughter, could mean weak pelvic floor muscles. Dr Turner added this could develop due to poor bladder habits. Other warning signs include cloudy, smelly, or bloody urine. Blood in the urine should be taken seriously, even if it appears once. He advised seeing a doctor right away in such cases.
FAQs
Is it harmful to urinate in the shower regularly?
Yes. Doctors warn it may cause bladder training problems, infections, and pelvic floor strain, especially for women who urinate while standing.
Why are women at more risk from this habit?
Women are more prone to UTIs and need proper posture for full bladder emptying. Standing while urinating may prevent this and cause health issues.
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