Can Holding In Urine Lead To Kidney Stones? Doctor Answers

Not just doctors but also our elders at home have time and again warned against holding in pee for long. Urination is a natural process wherein the urinary tract helps filter waste and extra fluid from the bloodstream and removes it in the form of urine. Therefore, while the bladder holds the urine, the urinary tract acts as a drainage system. Going back to where we started, many wonder whether it is safe to hold urine for a long time.

The Medical News Today suggests holding in pee occasionally might not cause any problems. However, if it continues and becomes a habit, challenges may occur. Many have even claimed that holding in pee for prolonged periods can frequently lead to kidney stone formation. To unravel the truth, we spoke to Dr K Mahesh Prasad, Consultant Nephrologist, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim, to find out the same.

Also Read: Avoid THESE Food Types To Reduce The Risk Of Kidney Stones

Is It Safe To Hold Urine For Long?

Dr Prasad said, “It is not recommended to hold urine for long as it may increase the chances of urine infections, particularly in the elderly, diabetics, and those who have urine tract obstruction due to prostate, urethra, stone, or structural abnormalities."

He added, “Holding urine may lead to excessive stretching of the bladder muscle and urethral sphincter, which may weaken the muscles, causing urinary incontinence.”

According to the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the human bladder can hold 1.5 to 2 cups of urine. Most people can go on for 3–4 hours without toilet visits. Those who do hold it in do not usually experience any consequences. However, some people may have potential side effects, including:

• Pain 
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Weakening of pelvic floor muscles
• Stretching of the bladder

Understanding Kidney Stone Formation

Kidneys help maintain a balance between water, minerals, and salts. The urination process helps filter out waste products and excess fluid from the body. However, in certain cases, a person's urine may have a high concentration of minerals and other substances, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, that come together and form crystals. These then come together and make one or more stones.

According to Dr Prasad, some of the causes and risk factors for kidney stones include:

• Dehydration
• Family history
• Medicine abuse
• Pain killers 
• Alternative medication
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Gout
• Recurrent urine infection

Also Read:  High Fever To UTI: Here're 6 Symptoms Of Kidney Stones You Should Not Ignore

Can Holding In Pee Increase Your Risk Of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones can also be a result of holding urine for a long time, as per Dr Prasad. He said, “It is possible, particularly in those who have a tendency towards stone formation and have high stone-forming crystal levels in the urine.”

This is because the longer the urine is stored in either the bladder or the kidneys, the higher the risk of urine concentration, which can cause the minerals present in the urine to crystallise. As discussed, these crystals can stick together, leading to the formation of stones.

In addition, low urine volume is also a risk factor for kidney stone formation, according to the Urology Care Foundation. As per the charity, lower urine volume is associated with higher urine concentration, which means “there is less fluid to keep salts dissolved.” Hence, increasing fluid intake, which in turn increases urine volume, can reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.

In a review published in the Turkish Journal of Urology, researchers established that higher fluid intake was associated with increased urine output and reduced stone formation.

Preventive Measures

In general, to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation, here are a few steps to take:

• Drink plenty of fluid: 2-3 litres per day
• Limit foods with a high oxalate content
• Eat enough dietary calcium
• Avoid extra calcium supplements
• Eat a moderate amount of protein
• Avoid high salt intake
• Avoid high doses of vitamin C supplements

Conclusion

While most people do not experience any harmful effects from holding urine, it is always a good practice to go when you have to. Kidney stones, among others, are a possible side effect associated with the same. You can also prevent stone formation by drinking plenty of water, limiting foods rich in oxalate content, avoiding excess calcium supplements, and avoiding too much salt consumption.