Urination relief and potential risks: A look at 5 potential complications when holding in your urine
In our daily lives, maintaining good bladder health is crucial for overall well-being. A healthy bladder can stretch and accommodate larger volumes of urine, allowing for comfortable and regular emptying. However, various factors can disrupt this natural process, causing the body to retain urine or block its flow. These include enlarged prostate, tight or weak bladder muscles, nerve damage in the urinary system, neurological conditions, certain medications, and kidney disorders [1].
Without treatment, a spontaneous urinary bladder rupture can lead to severe complications. While such ruptures are rare, they often have an underlying cause such as a blockage [2]. Preexisting medical conditions can also lead to urinary retention, causing similar complications.
Regularly holding in urine can negatively affect bladder health and overall well-being in several ways. For instance, it increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), as stagnant urine in the bladder creates a breeding ground for bacteria [3]. Habitually delaying urination can also cause the bladder muscles to weaken over time, leading to bladder atrophy, which may contribute to urinary incontinence [3].
Moreover, ignoring the urge to urinate can overstretch the bladder, making it harder for the bladder muscles to contract effectively and fully empty urine. Incomplete emptying further raises the risk of bacterial growth and infection [4]. Prolonged holding of urine may also cause potential nerve and functional damage due to oxidative stress related to bladder ischemia [5].
To maintain bladder health and well-being, it is recommended to urinate when the urge arises and avoid deliberately holding urine for prolonged periods [6]. This supports muscle function, reduces infection risk, and maintains proper bladder control. If bladder emptying issues or urinary symptoms persist, medical evaluation is advised.
For those experiencing frequent or urgent urination, it is essential to seek medical advice. A 10-year-old child's approximate bladder capacity is 360 ml, and any significant deviation from this could indicate a problem [7].
While occasionally holding pee in will likely cause no harm, regularly doing so may increase the risk of infection or other complications. Simple tips for easing into bladder retraining include listening to music or watching television, actively engaging the brain, reading a book or newspaper article, staying seated or walking around, leaning forward to relieve pressure on the pelvis, making a telephone call or writing an email, and crossing the legs while standing [8]. Tips for reaching the bathroom in time include crossing the legs while standing, passing gas, peeing right after waking up, planning for regular bathroom breaks, not waiting until it is an emergency, and starting the day's cycle of urination right [9].
In conclusion, prioritising regular urination and maintaining good bladder health can significantly improve one's overall well-being and quality of life. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals can help ensure that any issues are caught early and addressed effectively.
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6830328/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6248623/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6600405/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554523/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554523/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6600405/ [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5865845/ [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554523/ [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554523/
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