Why You Shouldn’t Hold Your Pee

Why Holding Your Urine is Detrimental

We've all held it to the point where we think we won't make it to the restroom. Aside from the temporary discomfort, this bad habit can wreak havoc on your urinary health if you keep it up.

Weakens Your Bladder Muscles

Although bladder training is a technique used to help those suffering from urinary incontinence to build strength in their bladder, holding your pee for too long can actually cause incontinence. This is because holding your urine for long periods strains your bladder muscles over time. It can also cause you to have trouble completely emptying your bladder.

Causes Urinary tract Infections (UTIs)

Although holding your pee doesn’t directly cause a urinary tract infection (UTI), not emptying your bladder can allow bacteria to multiply within the bladder. This is because passing urine helps to flush out the bladder and the rest of your urinary tract.

This is also true if you don’t drink enough water; since you won’t have enough liquid in your system to pass—this also gives bacteria the opportunity to multiply and cause an infection.

Increases Risk for Kidney Disease

Although holding your pee can be relatively safe for those with a healthy urinary tract and system, it can be detrimental for those living with existing health conditions. In fact, having the following health conditions and holding your urine for long periods can result in kidney disease:

• Having an enlarged prostate
• Other kidney disorders
• Urinary retention
• Neurogenic bladder

Urological Care in Ridgecrest, California

At Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, we have partnered with one of the nation's leading urology programs to bring you comprehensive urologic treatment close to home. With the support of Keck Medicine of USC, we are able to offer evaluation and treatment, as well as some surgical procedures.

To learn more about our urology clinic or schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at (760) 446-3551 (Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM).