A common shower habit that many Americans admit to might not be as harmless as it appears. A doctor has raised concerns about a controversial practice that, according to surveys, two-thirds of Americans confess to doing. While it may seem convenient or innocent at first, it could lead to awkward or even unhealthy consequences over time.
Recently, discussions about shower habits have sparked unusual debates online. From eating snacks to brushing teeth, people have shared some surprising routines. Amid these conversations, one specific habit has caught the attention of experts due to its potential risks to bladder health. In fact, experts agree that a habit admitted by 62% of Americans in a YouGov survey is not as harmless as it seems.
Even celebrities like Kelly Clarkson and Madonna have admitted to this time-saving activity in the shower. However, medical professionals warn that they might want to reconsider. Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas has pointed out that what seems like a simple and convenient routine could actually disrupt your bladder’s normal function and potentially harm your pelvic health.
Yes, we’re talking about urinating in the shower. While it might feel convenient or even eco-friendly to some, especially in shared households, it’s a habit that could lead to long-term issues. If you’re among those who admit to peeing in the shower, Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas strongly advises rethinking this behavior.
Why is peeing in the shower bad for you?
Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas explains that this habit can train your bladder to associate certain signals, like the sound of running water or being submerged, with the urge to urinate. This association can extend to other situations, such as hearing water run while washing hands or dishes, or even being in bodies of water like pools or lakes.
To maintain a healthy bladder, it’s best to stick to using the toilet. Peeing in the shower, along with habits like hovering over the toilet or straining to urinate, can be particularly harmful to women due to their pelvic anatomy. In a TikTok video, Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas emphasized that standing while urinating doesn’t allow for proper pelvic floor relaxation, which is crucial for healthy bladder function.
She further explained in an interview with BuzzFeed that cisgender men naturally have a prostate to provide additional bladder support. However, cisgender women and individuals who have undergone gender-affirming surgeries lack the same structural support, making them more vulnerable to bladder-related issues.
How often should you be peeing?
Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas also highlighted that building a stronger bladder involves reducing the frequency of bathroom trips. She explained that the normal interval between bathroom visits is every three to four hours during the day, with ideally no nighttime trips. She added that as the bladder fills, the urge to urinate intensifies but eventually subsides. The goal is to resist the urge at its peak to avoid training the body to send urgent signals more frequently.
In short, while peeing in the shower might seem like a harmless or even practical habit, it could have unintended consequences for your bladder and pelvic health. Experts recommend sticking to the toilet to maintain a healthy routine.