Life
Sometimes, like when the line for the restroom stretches around the block, you may think it's best to hold it in and go at a later time. After all, you have a lot to do and don't have time to wait for the next stall at Starbucks to open. However, now may be the time to break that habit. Because, believe it or not, there are some weird things that happen to your body when you hold your pee.
You may think your bladder is capable of holding that venti iced coffee for hours. And while it's great to be positive, thinking that is actually holding your bladder to impossible standards. According to Healthline, your bladder can only hold up to 16 ounces, or 2 cups, of urine. The site further noted that in certain circumstances, holding your pee for any length of time could be dangerous. Doing so can lead to infections and losing the ability to respond to hold your pee in altogether. Scary, right?
That's why it's so important to listen and respond to your body's cues that it's time to "break the seal." But if you're still not convinced (and, hey, who can blame you? That long line can be intimidating) here are a few other weird things can happen to your body when you hold in your pee.
1
You Could Get An Urinary Tract Infection
In an interview with Women's Health, assistant professor of urology at NYU Langone Medical Center Dr. Benjamin Brucker, said that holding in pee could increase the risk of developing an urinary tract infection. To protect you and your bladder, it's best to make a run to the bathroom when you've gotta go.
2
Your Pelvic Floor Weakens
In an interview with Redbook, OB-GYN Dr. Lauren Streicher, said that you could mess up your pelvic floor from holding in your pee. She noted that your pelvic floor muscles contract to help you release pee or hold it, and the constant pressure to hold in your pee makes those muscles tired. I think it's time to give them a break.
3
You Could Develop Cystitis
According to Step To Health, bacteria lingers in your bladder when you hold in your pee and can cause cystitis. This infection primarily affects women and deals with inflammation of bladder walls. The site further noted that cystitis' primary symptoms are pelvis pain, and burning and pain when urinating.
4
You Could Form Kidney Stones
According to Positive Med, holding in your pee could cause kidney stones to form. The site further noted that you might not know you have kidney stones until you have painful urination that's bloody and could be accompanied by nausea. Not knowing that you have kidney stores? That's scary.
5
Your Bladder Could Burst
According to Medical Daily, your bladder could burst if you hold your pee — well, 1,000 milliliters of it. Although you would probably visit the bathroom before that happens, the site noted that you get the urge to pee when there's about 150 to 200 milliliters inside the bladder, and you begin to feel uncomfortable when there's 400 to 500 milliliters.
6
You May Lose The Ability To Hold Your Pee
According to PopSugar, a UTI from holding in your pee could lead to incontinence, which means that you could lose the ability to hold your pee. But why? Holding in your pee makes your bladder muscles weak, which makes it hard to control your body's urge to pee.
7
You Could Become Dehydrated
According to CBS News, if you're going through your day trying to pee less or holding in your pee, then you're probably not drinking enough water. This could lead to dehydration, which is no way to live.
