The exact amount of time it should take to pee – and when it signals a serious health problem
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
ALTHOUGH it's often a hush-hush topic, going to pee is something we all need to do.
After all, what we guzzle down, must come out.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
Spending too much, or too little, time peeing can be a sign of underlying health conditions
Credit: Getty
But the stream doesn't always run so smoothly down there and knowing what's normal and what's not, can help you work out when there is an issues.
It turns out spending too much time, or too little can be dangerous and a sign of hidden underlying health conditions, experts have warned.
It should only take you an around 21 seconds to completely empty your bladder, according to US researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
And if you're spending much longer peeing, you could be holding in urine for too long, which can lead to your bladder expanding too much.
This is because the average bladder holds between 400ml and 600ml, roughly one pint, and people typically need to pass urine four to eight times a day.
However, experts have warned that waiting until you're bursting before going to the loo puts you at a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can lead to life-threatening kidney infections.
On the other hand, frequent short visits to the toilet may point to an overactive bladder, where the body feels an urgent need to urinate even when it is not full.
The 21-second rule, which researchers described as the 'Law of Urination,' applies to all mammals weighing over 3kg.
The scientists behind the finding received an IG Nobel Prize in 2015, a satirical award that honours unusual or humorous scientific achievements, after analysing footage of various animals peeing.
But the health risks of ignoring the urge to go are anything but amusing.
I haven't peed in SIX YEARS and never will again - I live in constant agony and it could kill me
Chris Blick, a consultant urological surgeon at the Princess Grace Hospital, said: "Generally speaking you shouldn't force yourself to wait until you are desperate to urinate.
"Occasionally, this technique may be used as part of bladder retraining to support patients with overactive bladders."
He told MailOnline: "Holding on too much can be painful and, if you have a urine infection, can make you feel unwell.
"If you regularly hold in your urine, over time this can cause your bladder to stretch."
Peeing too often, he said, will "potentially train your bladder to empty when it doesn't need to, and can create a habit leading to unwanted frequency of urination."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Dying James Whale shares emotional update in terminal cancer battle as he reveals he is struggling to breathe and talk
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRESENTER James Whale MBE has broken hearts with a tear-jerking glimpse into his terminal health battle. Star James, 74 - who has been courageously battling stage 4 kidney cancer since 2020 - was told he has twelve weeks to live. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 James Whale has opened up about his terminal 4 battle with cancer Credit: Instagram/@jameswhaleradio 4 The TalkTV presenter - who starred on Celeb BB - shared an emotional health update on his podcast Credit: Getty - Contributor He is now up to week seven - but says, 'I'm not me anymore'. Speaking on his podcast Tales of the Whales alongside his co-host wife Nadine, they spoke about his conditions. The much-loved TV personality said he is struggling to breathe, talk and think - and can't hear very well. He also admitted his speech has become very slow and he is forgetful, while suffering with painful pressure sores. On the emotional recording, he said: "I can't breathe, I can't think, I can't talk. "Anyway. Good morning. Welcome to Tales of the Whales, our weekly podcast. I have terminal 5 cancer. Can you get 5?" A confused James continued: "Could I thank everybody for getting in touch and wanting to meet up. "I'm not being rude when I make it difficult to get touched up. I mean... in touch." Nadine explained: 'You're getting quite tired, so from next week, we're restricting visitors to just very close friends and family.' He added: 'The most tiring thing I found… I still can't hear very well, which is more frustrating than anything else. James Whale reveals he's got weeks to live in emotional update on cancer battle, saying 'I spend a lot of time crying' "I've become very slow in my speech and then forgetful and everything else." Talking about his pressure sores he said: 'I'm tootling along, which is all you can do really, trying to get my breathing sorted and the mark on my bum.' He humbly asked: "People have to go through a lot worse, don't they? Do they?" The poignant conversation concluded: "Anyway. I don't feel I can go on much more... "The other thing is, my energy levels have gone completely. "So I wish everybody well, and let us hope we go through these phases as quickly as we can." The star recently celebrated his 'last birthday' surrounded by loved ones after stopping his cancer treatment. Back in May, the TALK show host revealed his long-running programme could be coming to an end as he reached the final stage of his battle. One of the country's most revered radio personalities, James has been in the business for no less than 50 years and, in 2023, received the first ever TRIC Recognition Award for his outstanding work. He's helped countless others too, having launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer in 2006 - now known as Kidney Cancer UK - the nation's leading specialist charity of its kind. James, who first defeated kidney cancer 20 years ago, had been receiving the aggressive treatment since a second cancer detection in 2020. Nadine, who he affectionately calls Lady W, has cared for him throughout his health battle and meticulously keeps on top of his hospital appointments and prescriptions. 4 The presenter and his wife speak candidly on their podcast Tales of the Whales Credit: @jameswhaleradio/Instagram
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Three dog breeds most at risk of heatstroke & why long car journeys to your summer staycation can be dangerous
Read on for more expert tips and tricks for your beloved pup RUFF CROWD Three dog breeds most at risk of heatstroke & why long car journeys to your summer staycation can be dangerous Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NOW that summer is finally here, many of us plan to get away. But if you have a dog you may not want to go abroad and opt for a pup-friendly staycation as the weather gets warmer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Here's how to stop your dog getting heatstroke in the car this summer Credit: Getty With more and more pet owners wanting to spend the holidays with their dogs, searches for "pet-friendly lodge" have soared 357% over the past month. While we all love the hot weather, it can be dangerous for your dog, especially if you have a long drive to your holiday destination. as more and more Brits look to include their pets in summer plans. But with temperatures increasing, our furry companions are likely to bear the brunt of this hot weather while travelling to their destinations. Fortunately, The Net Vet has shared everything you need to know to avoid your dog getting heatstroke, from how to safely keep them cool on longer car journeys, to the products that are worth it and the telltale signs of an early health issue. Breeds That Struggle Most In Cars Dr. Alex from The Net Vet revealed, 'Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers are especially prone to overheating [in the car] because of their short and narrow airways, which make breathing and cooling off more difficult. "Long-haired breeds, overweight pets, seniors, and those with heart or respiratory issues are also at greater risk. In terms of breeds at higher risk of heatstroke, flat-faced breeds top the list, but large, heavy-coated dogs like Newfoundlands, Huskies, and Saint Bernards are also at risk. To keep these pets from overheating in the car, the vets recommend: Travel during cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening) Use cooling mats or vests Keep fresh, cool water on hand at all times Make sure cool air from the AC is reaching them not just circulating in the front Never leave them alone in the car, even for a short time Take extra water that you can soak towels to cool them down should they start experiencing the signs of heatstroke It's also a good idea to take regular breaks if you have a dog in the car, reports Holiday Lodges. Dr. Alex adds: "Plan to stop every 60 to 90 minutes. During breaks, take your pet for a short walk in a shaded area, offer water and allow time to drink and let them cool off if they're showing signs of discomfort. "Avoid walking on hot pavement, which can burn their paws and test with the back of your hand first." Top five tips for training your dog from reinforcing behaviours to knowing when to give the treats Heatstroke And Cars The vet reveals that the biggest danger dogs face when driving in cars is heatstroke, so it's worth getting to know the symptoms to look for. He says: "Cars can heat up rapidly, even with windows open or in the shade. "It only takes a few minutes for the inside of a vehicle to become dangerously hot, putting pets at serious risk. 'Dogs and cats can't regulate their body temperature as effectively as humans, and they can quickly become dehydrated, overheat, or suffer from respiratory distress. "Other risks include stress, anxiety, and even burns from hot car surfaces like leather seats or metal buckles." Key Signs Of Heatstroke Heavy panting or drooling Bright red gums or tongue Restlessness, agitation Vomiting or diarrhoea Weakness, unsteady movements Collapse 'If you notice any of these signs, pull over immediately and move your pet to a shaded area or cool part of the car (or take them out of the car)," says Dr. Alex. "Offer small amounts of water, and cool them with damp towels - especially around the paws, neck, and belly. 'You can even pour cold water over them if you have enough. Use air conditioning or fans to help lower their temperature. Then head to the nearest vet straight away." Keep Your Dog Cool Air conditioning and plenty of water should help keep your dog cool, but you may need other items to help.
Metro
4 hours ago
- Metro
Just 7,000 steps a day could be enough to improve your health
Hiyah Zaidi Published July 24, 2025 11:30am Link is copied Comments Think 10,000 steps is too much? Try 7,000 steps a day instead, as new research has suggested that could be enough to boost your brainpower and help protect against a range of different diseases, such as heart disease, dementia, depression and cancer. The target of 10,000 steps a day is thought to have begun as a campaign promoting pedometers in Japan, however research has suggested it could do some good for your health, too. So, what is recommended by experts? (Picture: Getty) The NHS recommends a brisk 10-minute walk a day, which they say has a lot of health benefits. However, the World Health Organisation says we need at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week (2 hours 30 minutes) or 75 minutes (one hour 15 minutes) of vigorous intensity activity a week, which should at least be spread evenly over 4 to 5 days a week. So, 7,000 steps a day may be a realistic and manageable way of hitting those targets and getting the health benefits of walking. Plus, it's free (Picture: Getty) The researchers looked at data from more than 160,000 adults from 57 studies conducted between 2014 to 2025. This type of study is known as a meta-analysis, which analyses different studies to come to an overall conclusion about a topic. The studies were conducted in more than 10 countries, including Australia, UK, US and Japan. The aim was to look at the impact that different daily step counts have on the chance of dying from cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as the chance of developing diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia and depression (Picture: Getty) The researchers found that walking 7,000 steps a day, compared to just 2,000 steps, reduced the risk of death by 47%, which was almost the same benefit as walking 10,000 steps per day. They also found that dementia risk dropped by 38% from walking 7,000 steps a day, and a further 7% from walking 10,000 steps. Risk of type 2 diabetes fell by 22% from walking 10,000 steps a day and reduced to 27% at 12,000 steps. Compared to walking 2,000 steps a day, 7,000 steps reduced the risk of cancer by 6% and depression by 22% (Picture: Getty) Lead author Professor Melody Ding said: 'Aiming for 7,000 steps is a realistic goal based on our findings, which assessed health outcomes in a range of areas that hadn't been looked at before. However, for those who cannot yet achieve 7,000 steps a day, even small increases in step counts, such as increasing from 2000 to 4000 steps a day, are associated with significant health gain. We know daily step count is linked to living longer, but we now also have evidence that walking at least 7,000 steps a day can significantly improve eight major health outcomes - including reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and depressive symptoms' (Picture: Getty) Now, the researchers are working with the Australian government to use the evidence from this study to inform future updates to physical activity guidelines. Professor Ding said: 'Our research helps to shift the focus from perfection to progress. Even small increases in daily movement can lead to meaningful health improvements.' Experts are calling for future studies to explore how step goals should vary based on age, health status and region, and to include diverse populations and longer-term data to strengthen the evidence (Picture: Getty) This obviously depends on how fast you walk. According to if you walk at an average speed of 3.2mph, or 5.1 km/h, which is around the average speed people walk, 7,000 steps should take around 1 hour and 4 minutes. Someone a little slower, at 2.5 mph will take around 1 hour and 21 minutes, and someone faster who walks at 4mph will take around 50 minutes (Picture: Getty) Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
