Urinating while bathing should only be done in your own shower and not in a public one to avoid infections
According to a viral TikTok video, especially women with this habit can suffer deadly consequences, as it could cause bladder leakage over time. However, concerns are also valid for men. Here's why experts say this common act might come with unexpected risks.
Increases the risk of infections
According to Dr Emma Qureshey, a US-based gynaecologist, urinating while bathing should only be done in your own shower and not in a public one to avoid infections. Urine is not sterile – it is loaded with bacteria, which increases your risk of infection, especially the debilitating urinary tract infections. Dr. Qureshey says a UTI happens when bacteria enter through your urethra and colonise your urinary tract, which includes your bladder. A few UTI symptoms include cloudy and foul-smelling urine, along with severe pain while urinating.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is another bacterial infection that may spread through urine and linger on shower floors.
Can weaken the pelvic floor
In women, if the urine stays longer in your bladder, it can make pelvic floor muscles – bladder, intestines, rectum, and urethra – weak. “It is one, not very hygienic, but more important than that, it will destroy your pelvic floor, and also it might create mental associations where you hear water running and all of a sudden you need to run to the bathroom,” Qureshey explained to her social media followers.
So when you stand up in the shower, keeping the muscular wall of your bladder from relaxing, it results in the bladder not being able to completely expel urine, in turn weakening your pelvic floor. “Your pelvic floor isn’t going to relax appropriately, which means that you aren’t really going to be emptying your bladder super well,” she said.
Hygiene concerns
Dr Qureshey also raised hygiene concerns like bacteria lingering on shower surfaces and urine splashing and spreading germs.
Are there any benefits to urinating while standing?
For convenience's sake, many people champion shower-peeing for its environmental impact. According to experts, saving one toilet flush a day would save more than 1,100 gallons of water a year. However, apart from saving water, you can also save on your water bill and a little on your toilet paper expenses, too.
What should you do instead?
To avoid any health issues, make sure to:
- Sit down to urinate, especially at home or when you are not in a rush.
- Practice pelvic floor exercises like Kegels to maintain strength.
- Visit your doctor if you have a chronic UTI issue.
