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People often control their urine for several hours a day when they have a busy work schedule, meetings or school or if they are travelling long distances. While this behaviour might seem innocuous at times, from a urologist’s point of view, it can have detrimental effects on bladder health and can result in both short- and long-term complications.
We speak to Dr Mangesh Patil, Urologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, to understand why this is a bad habit that needs to be broken, for a safe and happy life.
The bladder normally holds urine comfortably when partially full. If the bladder is over-distended for long periods of time, the pressure within the urinary system rises. In the short term, it can lead to lower abdominal pain, a burning sensation
along the urinary tract, urinary retention and increased susceptibility to urinary tract infection (UTI). Women are particularly more susceptible to infection as bacteria are able to stay longer in the urinary tract when it does not empty frequently.
Many prefer not to use public toilets while travelling and purposefully avoid using the restroom for several hours. This habit can cause dehydration, uric acid crystals in urine, and irritation of the membranes in the bladder. Some people also get an urgency to urinate, may leak urine or have severe bladder spasms.
Long-term effects may be more problematic. Bladder muscles may become weak, and bladder function could be disrupted from holding urine for too long. The bladder may, over time, become unable to empty completely, leading to the accumulation of residual urine. The urine stagnates, which may lead to recurrent infection and stones in the bladder. Over time, the kidneys may also be impaired by the persistent high bladder pressure in susceptible individuals.
Patients with enlarged prostates, diabetics, those with neurological diseases, pregnant women, children and elderly men should take extra care because they are most susceptible to urinary complications.
Urine should not be stored for too long, as it is not a healthy habit. To maintain good bladder and kidney health, make sure to drink enough liquids, urinate frequently (every 3-4 hours), and schedule bathroom stops along the way in hotels or restaurants with clean washrooms. Using pee sprays on the toilets can add an extra layer of hygiene, along with the use of disposable urination devices for women and copious amounts of sanitisers. These might feel like extra steps, but they are much easier to include and a great way to avoid major urinary issues later in life with some simple changes.
