Holding your pee may seem less harmful but it is in fact very costly on the body. The bladder of a healthy adult can hold on average 16 ounces (2 cups or 400-500 ml) of urine. This is fantastic news if you’ve only had a cup of coffee, but not so good if you’re on your third cup and can’t find a restroom. Despite the fact that a healthy bladder can extend and accommodate bigger volumes of urination, it’s important not to ignore your body when it tells you “you gotta go.”.
The capacity of the bladder for youngsters under the age of two, is roughly 4 ounces. For children over the age of two, add two to their age and multiply by 30mL to get their capacity in mL. An 8-year-old child, for example, can usually store 10 ounces or 300mL of pee.
At some point in their lives, almost everyone has held in their urine. You might be wondering if holding your pee is good for you.
When you hold your pee, what happens to your body?
The explanation for wanting to empty your bladder isn’t always as simple as your bladder filling up with liquid. It’s a complicated procedure that involves your brain and it’s connection to your urinary sphincter and your bladder all working together to notify you it’s time to go to the bathroom.
When your bladder is empty or is starting to fill, the bladder is relaxed and the urinary sphincter, or the muscle near the opening of the bladder into the pee tube, or urethra is contracted. This holds the urethra closed, preventing urine from leaking before you’re ready to use the restroom.
When your bladder fills up, nerve signals in your brain alert you. Then you have a strong desire to urinate. The brain instructs the bladder muscles to contract (or “squeeze”). The sphincter opens and then urine is pushed out through the urethra, the tube that moves urine from your body.
Is it safe to hold your pee?
If you’re doing it once in a while, it shouldn’t be a problem. However if you find yourself holding your urine all the time it can lead to some pretty serious consequences.
What happens if you hold your pee all the time?
The connection between your brain and bladder can get mixed up. Initially your brain might get used to holding on to more and more urine but eventually your bladder might start misinterpreting normal sensations as strong urges and you might find yourself needing to rush to the bathroom more often and not be able to hold off. Sometimes, your bladder muscles can weaken and stop emptying all the urine in your bladder.
If you cannot squeeze your bladder, you might have to catheterize in order to empty it or you could begin to get bladder infections (Urinary Tract Infections).
How do you know if you have a UTI?
Here are some common UTI symptoms
- Dysuria (pain with urination)
- Urinating more frequently
- Having a sudden urge to rush to the bathroom
- Urinating small amounts
- Having pain in your lower belly
- Blood in urine
- Suprapubic pain, or pain in your lower abdomen
- Pelvic discomfort
Is it true that retaining urine causes UTIs?
A UTI is not caused by simply holding your pee. When bacteria enter the urinary tract, it causes UTIs.
Bacteria are more likely to sit and multiply in the bladder if you don’t empty on a regular basis. This build up of bacteria can result in a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you don’t drink enough water, your chances of getting a UTI increase.
Consult your doctor if you’re experiencing any strange symptoms or suspect you have a UTI.
What if you must hold your pee?
Sometimes you just can’t get to a bathroom when you need to. But, if you have the opportunity, you should use the restroom. Ultimately, if every once in a while you’re in a situation where you have to hold it, it’s unlikely to cause any harm.
Conclusion
Most of the time, holding your pee isn’t damaging to your health. If you make a habit of it, it can cause irreversible damage to the function of your bladder. If the urge to urinate is interfering with your daily life, you should see a doctor.
