Urinate in the shower is a habit that many adopt with the idea of saving water and protecting the environment. Although this gesture may seem harmless (and even ecological advantageous), experts cited by CNN Brazil talk about this very common practice around the world, warning of some possible problems associated with it.
The opinion of the experts
“There are no disadvantages, and it’s simply convenient for some people,” said Karyn Eilber, Urology professor at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. “It’s really a personal preference that people don’t want to associate a place where you clean in the shower with a place where you also urine.”
A common argument against urinating standing for women is that the position does not allow the pelvic floor muscles to relax, leading to forced effort and incomplete emptying of the bladder. However, doctor David Shusterman, urologist and chief physician at Modern Urologist in New York, says that this statement is not true.
The two muscles that control bladder urine flow are called urinary sphincters. One is at the base of the bladder and one near the pelvic floor. Shusterman, quoted by CNN Brazil, said the muscles of this zone weaken when people try to force the urine. This is because forcing tightens the sphincters and puts extra pressure on the pelvic muscles and bladder, making it difficult to release urine.
“In a hot shower, it’s very easy to relax the sphincter and let the urine out,” said the expert. “Unlike the allegations that urinating in the shower is harmful to health, I think it’s actually healthy.”
The conditioned reflex between water and urine
When urinating in the shower turns into a daily habit, the brain begins to associate the sound of running water with the need to urinate. This phenomenon, similar to a conditioned reflex, can make the simple act of opening a tap or hearing water running automatically awakens the desire to go to the bathroom, even when the bladder is not full. Over time, this association can become difficult to break, creating a behavioral dependence that affects the bladder voluntary control.
Frequently urinate by association
Taping the tap to stimulate urination has the same effect on the brain and bladder: it creates an automatic response pattern. This can result in unnecessary urinary emergency episodes and progressive discomfort for those who develop this involuntary connection.
In the long run, this practice can compromise the proper functioning of the urinary system, especially if there are other clinical conditions involved, says.
Impact on nerve function and bladder control
According to experts, cited by the above source, the daily repetition of this habit can negatively influence the nerves that regulate urination. In more sensitive cases, there is a possibility of decreased bladder control, increasing the risk of incontinence, especially if there is already any neuromuscular fragility or latent urinary pathology.
This loss of control can manifest itself gradually, with urgent episodes or difficulty in retaining urine for long periods.
The importance of posture when urinating
Another frequently ignored factor is the posture adopted during urination. Urine standing, as in the shower, does not allow the pelvic pavement muscles to relax completely, making it difficult to empty the bladder.
In the case of women, this limitation is more pronounced, but it is also recommended for men who consider urinating seated whenever possible. This position favors muscle relaxation and contributes to more effective bladder emptying.
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Risks associated with waste retention
When the bladder is not completely emptied, the risk of urinary infections increases, as bacteria can remain and multiply in the urinary tract, according to the above source. Fully emptying the bladder is one of the most effective ways to prevent complications and maintain the healthy urinary system.
Sitting, besides being a simple preventive measure, is especially important for those who already have a history of infections or other urinary problems.
A conscious gesture for long -term health
Although urinating in the shower may seem like a practical and environmentally friendly solution, the potential adverse effects should be considered. The human body works based on neurological and behavioral signs that, when altered repetitively, can trigger unwanted consequences. Create healthy habits, such as choosing the right time to urinate and adopt the proper posture, helps to preserve urinary function, especially with age.
Save water yes, but with balance
Protecting the environment and reducing water consumption remains valid goals. However, the health of the urinary system should be a priority, CNN Brazil also said. There are other ways to save water without interfering with the body’s natural reflexes or compromising long-term well-being. Rethinking seemingly harmless habits can be a first step in finding the balance between environmental responsibility and health care.
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