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We are so busy in this fast-paced world, it is due to the office meeting, or getting stuck in traffic, and in this, we often fail to take a bathroom break. Also, occasional holding of urine is harmless, but when you make it a habit, it could bring some surprising consequences to your urine system. Delaying urine can bring you several health complications, ranging from UTI (urinary tract infections) to kidney complications.
Further, this blog will give you a proper understanding of how holding in urine affects the body, its connection with UTIs and kidney problems, and what things you can do to protect your urinary health.
How does your urinary system work?
What all comes under the urinary system? Kidney, ureters, urethra, and bladder. Kidney plays a significant role in filtering the waste and excess water from the blood to form urine. Via the uterus, your urine will reach the bladder, and it will be stored there until you empty it.
An individual’s bladder is capable of holding over 300 to 500 mL of urine. Whenever it gets filled, nerves start sending signals to the brain, so you will feel that urge to urinate. Only when you casually ignore these signals start troubling you, then you should get kidney disease treatment in Coimbatore to safeguard your health.
What happens when you hold in urine?
When holding urine for an extended period, numerous things will happen in your body, like:
- Bladder muscle strain:
Prolonged urine retention adds more pressure on your bladder walls, causing them to stretch. When this occurs for an extended period, bladder muscles will get weak and reduce their ability to contract properly.
- Increased bacterial growth:
Typically, your urine contains more bacteria and waste. So when it stays in the bladder for a long time, it develops a favorable environment for bacteria to multiply, which increases the risk of infection.
- Backflow to the kidneys:
In rare cases, notably when the bladder is overfilled, urine will start flowing backward into the ureters and at times even to the kidneys. This will result in kidney damage or infections.
What are all the major signs you’re holding urine too long?
The common signs you are holding urine too long include an
- Intense urge to urinate
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Bloating
- Issues with starting urinating
- Dark colored or smelly urine
As mentioned above, it could lead to urinary tract infections or bladder muscle weakness.
Can holding urine cause a UTI?
Of course, holding on to the urine can increase the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTI). Further, let’s see how this happens:
- Stagnant urine: When urine stays in the bladder for an extended time, those bacteria naturally living in the urethra will get a better chance to multiply and ascend into the bladder.
- Increased bacterial load: The longer the bacteria remain in the bladder, the higher the chance of infection. Women are more prone to this, whose urethra is shorter, so bacteria can easily reach the bladder.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
The common symptoms include:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Experiencing burning or pain while urinating
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- In more severe cases, you will experience fever
When overlooked, UTIs can move to the kidneys and become more serious.
Can UTI result in kidney issues?
Of course, UTIs can cause kidney-related problems, especially when overlooked or long-term holding of urine causes kidney problems. Kidney-related risks include:
- Kidney infections: (pyelonephritis)
A bladder infection can spread to the kidneys, and cause inflammation, pain, fever, and at times, even it can leave permanent damage if overlooked.
- Kidney stones:
Holding urine is not only the direct cause, dehydration due to not urinating often can result in concentrated urine, which promotes the formation of kidney stones.
- Kidney damage:
Continuous backflow of urine due to persistent overdistension of the bladder (people with underlying bladder disorders are more prone to this condition), which can result in long-term kidney damage.
How often should I urinate?
Typically, most individuals will urinate every 3 to 4 hours, so on average, 6 to 8 times a day. Also, this will change based on:
- Fluid intake
- Temperature and activity levels
- Underlying medical conditions
- Medication use
In case you are the person who skips bathroom trips due to those minor inconveniences, you should rethink that habit.
How to maintain your urinary system healthy?
Just by following the right habits, you can protect your bladder and kidneys as well:
- Drinking sufficient water:
Try to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to keep your urine diluted and flush out bacteria.
- Don’t delay bathroom breaks:
Never wait over 4 to 6 hours in a day to urinate. Just urinate when you start feeling that urge.
- Practice good hygiene:
Wipe from front to back, use breathable underwear, and never use harsh soaps near the genital area.
- Empty your bladder:
When urinating, take sufficient time to empty your bladder completely, especially for men with prostate issues.
- Avoid bladder irritants:
Stop consuming alcohol, caffeine, and foods that are very spicy, all of which will easily irritate the bladder lining and increase your urgency.
When to reach out to the healthcare provider?
When you feel like you are frequently holding your urine because of pain, pressure, or urinary hesitancy, it could signal an underlying condition. You should reach out to the best urology hospital in Coimbatore when experiencing:
- Frequent UTIs
- Issues with starting or stopping urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Side or lower back pain
By diagnosing the issues on time, you can escape from potential kidney complications that could arise later.
Bottom line:
Occasionally, holding on to urine is harmless. But it becomes an issue when it turns into a routine habit, and it poses a real risk to your kidney and bladder health. The intricate relation between delayed urination and UTI or kidney issues is well explained in this blog. Just remember that your body sends you a signal for a reason, so when nature calls, simply answer it, because your kidneys and bladder may thank you later.
