Holding In Urine At Work Or While Travelling? 4 Ways It May Affect Your Health

Most people have held in their urine at some point. A meeting is running late, a public toilet is dirty or there is no place to stop conveniently. This is okay as long as it happens now and then. But if urination is repeatedly postponed, bladder habits can be affected and there is a risk of urinary difficulties.

Therefore, will a habit of holding the urine repeatedly affect the bladder? Yes, it can become an issue down the road, especially if it becomes a habit. Symptoms may not be immediately apparent. Any alteration of urination, or discomfort and difficulty urinating should not be overlooked. 

What Happens When You Keep Holding In Urine?

Dr Prasad Mylarappa, Head of Department and Consultant of Urology Department, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru says, “Urinary retention which happens from time to time is harmless, but if it becomes a habit, it can gradually affect the bladder function.”

holding urine

The bladder is a muscular storage organ for urine until it is needed. Your brain receives signals from your nerves that it is time for you to go to the toilet as it fills. This can be done for short periods, but it is not very good to skip the urge to urinate frequently.

4 Ways Regularly Holding Urine May Affect Your Health

As per Dr Prasad Mylarappa, here are 4 ways holding up urine would impact your bladder: 

1. It May Increase The Risk Of Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by the bacteria that will invade and multiply in the urinary tract. Frequent bladder retention does not necessarily lead to UTIs, but it may be related to an increased risk of infection.

A 2022 study published in BMC Infectious Diseases, titled Comprehensive assessment of holding urine as a behavioural risk factor for UTI in women and reasons for delayed voiding, examined 816 women living in hostels. The researchers found an association between habitual delays in urination and UTIs. Avoiding public toilets because of concerns about cleanliness was a common reason for delaying bathroom visits.

UTI

The results confirm the significance of good toilet hygiene, but were collected in part from participants' self-reports and the study could not conclude that urinary retention was the direct cause of the infections. Women are more prone to UTIs because their urethra, the pipe that drains urine from the body is shorter.

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2. Your Bladder May Not Empty Properly

If the bladder is overfilled regularly, it could have a negative impact on its normal function in some individuals. If the bladder muscle doesn't work properly, urine can remain in the bladder after urination. This is referred to as urinary retention.

Repeatedly stretching the bladder can cause damage to its muscle over time, explains Dr Mylarappa. But when there are ongoing problems with urination, there are other reasons such as an enlarged prostate, some medications, nerve conditions and diabetes.

An International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances study examined toilet habits and lower urinary tract symptoms in women. In the 316 participants, those with frequent delays to urination had a higher risk of bothersome emptying symptoms. The researchers said additional research is required to determine if these habits are a cause of symptoms or if they are formed as a result of having bladder issues.

3. You May Experience Discomfort And Changes In Urination

Pressure, heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen can be caused by a very full bladder. Others may experience a sudden urge to urinate, or feel they have to get to the toilet often, or that they will never get the urge to go.

Repeatedly ignoring the need to urinate can have a negative impact on bladder awareness, Dr Mylarappa cautions. But, these signs may also indicate an underlying bladder problem or a bladder infection. They should not be presumed to be due to a lack of toilet use.

4. Severe Urinary Retention Can Affect The Kidneys

In rare instances, urinary retention may be so long or so excessive that it may cause excessive pressure in the urinary tract. This can lead to back-flow of urine towards the kidneys, and harm the kidneys.

But people who are otherwise healthy don't suffer any damage to their kidneys because of the occasional delay in urination. When there is persistent retention, an obstruction or other underlying urinary issue, kidney complications are of more concern.

It's also important that urine retention is not regarded as a proven direct cause of kidney stones. The factors that lead to stone formation include urine concentration, mineral content and risk.

Who Should Be More Careful About Holding Urine?

Some people may already have a higher risk of urinary problems or find it difficult to empty their bladder.

These include:

• Pregnant women: Pregnancy can increase pressure on the bladder and the risk of UTIs.
• People with diabetes: Diabetes can affect bladder nerves and increase the risk of infections.
• Older adults: Changes in bladder muscle function may affect emptying.
• Men with an enlarged prostate: The prostate may obstruct urine flow.
• Children: Avoiding school toilets can encourage repeated delays.

People with demanding jobs: Teachers, drivers, nurses and others may have limited access to regular toilet breaks.

How Long Is Too Long To Hold Your Urine?

There is no single time limit that applies to everyone. A healthy adult bladder can often hold around 400–500 ml of urine, although capacity and the urge to urinate vary between individuals.

Many people pass urine every three to four hours during the day. However, fluid intake, medicines, weather and medical conditions can change this pattern.

Dr Mylarappa advises people not to wait until the bladder feels painfully full. If you regularly urinate only once or twice a day despite drinking your usual amount of water, discuss this with a healthcare professional.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Speak to a doctor if you experience burning or pain while urinating, recurring urgency, difficulty emptying your bladder, persistent lower abdominal discomfort or urine leakage. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine may occur for several reasons, but it should be assessed when accompanied by other symptoms.

Seek prompt medical attention if you notice blood in your urine or develop fever with urinary symptoms. If you cannot pass urine despite feeling that your bladder is full, seek emergency medical care.

A doctor may recommend a urine test, an ultrasound to check the bladder and kidneys, or a scan to measure how much urine remains after urination. Blood tests or further bladder studies may be needed depending on your symptoms.

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Conclusion

Holding in urine occasionally is usually harmless, but making it a daily habit may affect your bladder health over time. Try not to ignore the urge, stay hydrated and give yourself regular bathroom breaks. If you notice pain, burning, difficulty passing urine or frequent urinary problems, consult a doctor instead of brushing them aside.