Cal Gaunt
Peeing in the shower is pretty common, but one doctor has urged people to stop doing it.
Whether it’s the desire to save water or purely out of laziness, many people see the shower as the perfect opportunity for quick urination.
While it may seem harmless, there are several reasons you should refrain from this habit.
And now doctors are warning that it can actually have negative effects on your health.
People have been left horrified by the news, with one writing: “I have peed in every shower I have ever been in!”
A second adds: “I am on my way to the expert’s house to pee on their doorstep right now.”
While a third points out: “It all goes down the same drain!”
Although Health.com explains that peeing in the shower is not as unsanitary as you may think, there is one other major reason it should be avoided.
Recent advisories from healthcare professionals have sparked a debate on the health implications of this seemingly harmless practice.
According to Dr Jennifer Hanes, a urologist, consistently urinating in the shower can create an association in your brain between the sound of running water and the need to urinate.
This can lead to your bladder becoming conditioned to respond to the sound of water, causing it to trigger the urge to urinate whenever you hear running water in other situations, such as washing your hands or doing the dishes.
Dr Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a pelvic floor therapist, also emphasizes the potential consequences of this habit.
The association, combined with any existing or future pelvic floor dysfunction, can potentially lead to urinary leakage when you hear running water outside of the shower.
This is especially relevant for individuals assigned female at birth, as their anatomy is not designed for urinating while standing, and their pelvic floor may not relax properly, resulting in incomplete bladder emptying.
Beyond health concerns, there are practical issues to consider, for example, that urine can contribute to plumbing problems over time.
Although urine itself is not particularly damaging, the buildup of uric acid can cause corrosion in pipes and drains, leading to costly repairs.
Interestingly, some argue that peeing in the shower can save water, as it reduces the need to flush the toilet.
While there’s some truth to this from an environmental perspective, there are other ways to conserve water that don’t involve potential health risks.
To counteract these potential issues, Dr Jeffrey-Thomas advises peeing before turning on the shower or water.
If the urge arises while showering, she suggests ignoring it and waiting until you are out of the shower to use the toilet.
While these warnings from medical professionals are intended to promote better urinary health, many people remain steadfast in their defense of the habit.
Some argue that they are trying to save water or question the impact of urinating in other situations without running water.
Others share personal anecdotes about their own experiences, such as feeling the urge to urinate whenever they come into contact with water due to childhood experiences.
Ultimately, everyone has their own perspective on the matter, however, it is important to be aware of the potential health implications associated with urinating in the shower.
While peeing in the shower might seem like a minor issue, it’s clear that there are various factors to consider.
From potential health risks to plumbing concerns, the practice might not be as harmless as it appears.
@dr.teresa.irwin I said what I said! Unless you’re struggling with total bladder emptying you need to hear this #bladdertips #pft #obgyn ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic
@thepelvicdancefloor Reply to @gwas007 why you shouldn’t pee in the shower (probably part 1 of multiple?) #learnontiktok #tiktokpartner ♬ Similar Sensation (Instrumental) – BLVKSHP
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