Holding your pee because you’re excited to watch a Korean drama? Or because you’re busy hanging out and don’t feel like going to the toilet? Be careful—this little habit can have a big impact on your urinary tract health!
Why Can't We Frequently Hold Urination?
The bladder is an organ that stores urine before it is released from the body. When the bladder is full, the body signals that it is time to urinate. If this signal is often ignored, then you are at risk of experiencing urinary tract disorders.
The Bad Impact of Holding Urination for Too Long
Holding in urine may seem trivial, especially if you are busy or lazy to go to the toilet. However, if done too often, this habit can have a negative impact on health. A bladder that is forced to hold urine longer than it should can trigger various disorders, from infections to organ damage. Let's get to know the risks that can arise from often holding in urine:
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Holding in your pee can lead to bacterial growth in your bladder. This increases the risk of a urinary tract infection, which can cause pain when urinating, frequent urination, and fever.
- Bladder Stones
Urine that is held too long will settle and form crystals. If left untreated, these crystals can become painful bladder stones.
- Weak Bladder Muscles
Holding in your pee too often can weaken the bladder muscles, making it more difficult for you to control the urge to pee, and can even cause urinary incontinence (bedwetting in adults).
- Risk of Infection Spreading to the Kidneys
If a urinary tract infection is not treated promptly, bacteria can rise to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which is more serious and dangerous.
Healthy Tips to Maintain Urinary Tract
To avoid disorders such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or even kidney infections, it is important to maintain urinary tract health from an early age. Daily habits that seem trivial can have a big impact in the long term. Here are some healthy tips that you can apply:
- Drink at least 2 liters of water per day
- Don't hold your urine for too long (ideally urinate every 3-4 hours)
- Keep the genital area clean
- Reduce your consumption of caffeine and dark colored drinks if you are prone to urinary tract infections.
- Exercise regularly and eat nutritious food
When Should You See a Urologist?
Urologists are specialists who treat problems with the urinary tract and reproductive organs, both in men and women. So, when do you really need to see a urologist? If you often feel:
- Pain when urinating
- Dysuria (wanting to urinate constantly but only a little)
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
Remember, urinating is not a trivial matter!
Love your urinary tract from now on. If you have any disturbing complaints, do not hesitate to see a urologist.
Article written by dr. Dicky Stefanus, Sp.U, FICS (Urology Surgery Specialist Doctor, EMC Pekayon & Cibitung Hospital).