Urinating is a natural process that should ideally occur effortlessly. However, many people unknowingly develop the habit of pushing while urinating, thinking it speeds up the process or helps when the urge isn’t strong. This seemingly harmless habit can lead to significant health concerns, affecting your pelvic floor muscles and overall urinary health. Here’s why you should avoid pushing while peeing and what it could mean if you feel the need to do so.
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The Dangers of Pushing While Peeing
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When you force urination, your pelvic floor muscles contract rather than relax, which is contrary to their natural function during urination. Over time, this can lead to several issues, as per the National Association For Continence (NAFC).
Muscle Confusion
Consistently pushing during urination trains your pelvic floor muscles to contract rather than relax when you pee. This muscle confusion can create long-term problems, including difficulty emptying your bladder and exacerbating existing conditions like overactive bladder.
Hypertonic Pelvic Floor
A hypertonic pelvic floor occurs when the muscles remain overly tense, even at rest. Pushing while urinating can worsen this condition, causing pain and difficulty during urination, bowel movements, and sexual activity. Physical therapy is often required to address this issue.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Habitual straining during urination may weaken the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. This condition causes organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum to drop from their normal position, creating a vaginal bulge. Prolapse can result from factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause but is aggravated by repeated strain.
Haemorrhoids
Straining doesn’t just impact the pelvic floor. It can also cause or worsen haemorrhoids (swollen veins around the rectum and anus). These can become painful and may bleed, especially with frequent or prolonged pushing.
When Pushing Indicates A Problem
If you often feel the need to push while urinating, it could signal an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)- UTIs can cause inflammation and irritation in the urinary tract, leading to symptoms like a burning sensation, frequent urination, and the urge to push.
Overactive Bladder- Involuntary muscle contractions in the bladder may create a sudden and intense urge to urinate, sometimes accompanied by leakage or the need to strain.
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)- Enlarged prostate glands in men can obstruct the flow of urine, causing a weak stream or difficulty starting urination, which may lead to pushing.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse- This condition can create difficulty initiating urination, prompting women to push to start the flow.
If any of these symptoms resonate, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How To Pee Properly Without Pushing
Adopting the correct technique for urination can significantly reduce the strain on your pelvic floor and improve bladder health. Follow these simple steps, as per the Columbia University Irving Medical Center to ensure a smooth and natural process.
- Before you begin, take a deep belly breath and focus on relaxing your entire body. Being present and calm helps your muscles function as they should.
- Sit properly on the toilet with your feet flat on the ground, knees slightly higher than your hips, and your hands resting on your thighs. Using a small stool can help achieve this optimal position. Avoid hovering, as it prevents complete relaxation of the pelvic floor.
- To ensure your bladder is fully emptied, consider urinating twice. After your initial attempt, remain seated for another minute, relax, and try again. Alternatively, stand, walk around for a bit, then sit down to finish.
Takeaway
While it may seem trivial, the way you urinate can have long-term effects on your pelvic health. If you feel the urge to push or strain regularly, it’s important to address the underlying cause rather than forcing your body to compensate. Whether it’s a UTI, overactive bladder, or a structural issue, seeking medical advice can help identify and resolve the problem before it worsens.