While travelling or in the middle of an important meeting, we may perhaps be not helping our bodies if we tend to control our urge to pee. Experts assert that it is essential to relieve yourself as it may cause health issues if you are habitual in controlling the body’s natural functions.
Imagine your bladder as a balloon. As it fills up with urine, it sends signals to your brain that it needs to be emptied. “Now, if you decide to hold it in, the bladder keeps expanding, putting pressure on its walls. It’s like blowing up a balloon beyond its recommended size – eventually, it might burst. In the case of your bladder, it won’t burst, but it can cause problems,” said Dr Ashutosh Baghel, consultant urologist, andrologist and kidney transplant surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road.
Nutritionist Leema Mahajan took to Instagram to share that it may make one prone to increased risk of UTI or Urinary Tract Infection, and may even increase the risk of bladder dysfunction.
Concurred Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director, gynecologist, and IVF specialist from Mother’s Lap IVF Centre New Delhi and Vrindavan and shared that it can lead to UTIs as the urine that stays in the bladder for extended periods can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
“UTIs can cause discomfort, pain, and potentially more serious complications if left untreated. Additionally, suppressing the urge to pee may lead to bladder dysfunction over time,” said Dr Gupta.
The body has a finely tuned system for eliminating waste. “Suppressing the urge to pee disrupts this natural process, potentially leading to imbalances in bodily functions,” said Dr Babina N M, chief medical officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute.
Notably, the bladder is a muscle, and regularly ignoring the signals to empty it can result in weakened muscles and reduced bladder capacity. “This can contribute to issues such as incontinence, where you may struggle to control the release of urine. Furthermore, prolonged suppression of the urge to urinate can lead to distension of the bladder, causing discomfort and potential damage. In extreme cases, it may even result in a condition called urinary retention, where the bladder becomes unable to empty itself properly,” added Dr Gupta.
Sometimes, if you make a habit of ignoring the urge to pee, your body might start misinterpreting the signals. “You might not feel the urge as strongly, and this can mess up your natural bathroom routine,” said Dr Baghel.
While there may be times when you must postpone using the restroom, it’s crucial to remember that consistently resisting the urge to urinate might have detrimental effects on your general health and well-being. “Maintaining your health requires paying attention to your body’s messages and listening to it. If you are having problems with your urination regularly, you should speak with a healthcare provider for specific recommendations and direction,” said Dr Babina.
