Generally, holding urine may seem harmless, but in some cases, this act can pose a health risk, especially when it becomes a habit.
Dr. Jason Kim, a clinical associate professor of urology at the Renaissance School of Medicine, Long Island University in New York, explains that there is a complex neurological system controlling urination. Your kidneys produce urine, which then travels through two tubes called ureters to the bladder. When the bladder fills up to about half, nerve receptors signal the brain, which then tells the bladder it’s time to urinate.
At this point, holding urine can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), where bacteria can affect the urinary tract. Holding urine can encourage bacterial growth, which is why people, especially women, are advised to urinate after sexual activity, as it helps flush out bacteria that may enter the urinary tract during intercourse.
If left untreated, a UTI can reach the kidneys, causing a kidney infection. If this infection isn’t detected early, it could lead to urosepsis, a severe infection originating from the urinary tract.
Moreover, frequently holding urine over time can weaken the bladder muscles. As a result, the bladder may not be able to fully empty itself, leaving residual urine in the bladder, which increases the risk of infection.
