We’ve all been there: the bladder is begging for relief, but you’re stuck in a meeting, on a long road trip, or watching a movie you just can’t pause. You decide to hold it in and push through. It seems harmless, right? Well, while it’s okay every now and then, regularly ignoring that urge to pee can actually put your health at risk.
Dr. Jason Kim, a urology expert, explains that there’s a complex system behind how we urinate. Your kidneys make urine, which travels through two tubes to your bladder. When the bladder’s about half full, sensors tell your brain it’s time to go. But, we’ve all learned to wait until it’s more convenient or socially acceptable to relieve ourselves. That’s when your brain sends signals to relax the muscles and empty the bladder.
Interestingly, our bodies were designed to hold urine in for a reason—mainly for protection. Back in the day, if we were peeing out in the open, predators would smell us! Urine carries waste and toxins, so our bodies hold it in until we’re in a safer place to excrete it.
However, holding your pee too often can lead to some pretty unpleasant health problems, and it’s not just about being uncomfortable. For starters, you might be more likely to get a urinary tract infection (UTI). When you hold your urine, bacteria can breed in your bladder, which can lead to an infection. This is why women are often told to pee after sex — to flush out any bacteria that might have entered the urethra.
If a UTI isn’t treated, it can travel up to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection, which could even turn into a life-threatening condition if it spreads. So, don’t ignore those signs your body is sending you!
Repeatedly holding your pee can also weaken your bladder muscles over time. When those muscles aren’t strong enough, it becomes harder to empty your bladder completely, leading to even more discomfort and potential bladder problems.
Some people, like nurses or teachers who don’t have time to use the bathroom during their shifts, may start to train their bodies to hold it in, and over time, the urge to pee can become less noticeable. If that’s happening to you, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
In extreme cases, holding pee too long can cause urine to back up into the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage or even a condition called hydronephrosis, where the kidneys swell up. Ouch!
So, how risky is it? For most people, holding your pee for a few hours here and there probably isn’t a big deal. But if you’re regularly holding it in for weeks or months, it’s putting unnecessary stress on your bladder and kidneys. And for certain groups of people—like the elderly, pregnant women, or those with bladder issues—holding it in can be even more harmful.
If you’ve noticed that you’re always rushing to the bathroom, it might be worth talking to a urologist. Conditions like overactive bladder or a UTI might be at play, and a professional can guide you on the best way to take care of your bladder health.
And, hey, we get it—public restrooms can be uncomfortable. But it’s always better to go when your body signals the need rather than waiting. You can carry disinfecting wipes or a portable seat cover to make the experience more comfortable. Your bladder (and your future self) will thank you!
