The bladder is one of the organs that make up the urinary system, and it is responsible for temporarily holding urine before it is excreted from the body through the urethra. The bladder is designed to hold about two cups of urine and when it becomes filled halfway with urine, it sends a signal to the brain and the urge to urinate is felt. However, sometimes, going to urinate immediately we feel the urge is impossible and we would have to hold the urine.
The reason may be because we are busy at work, or no restroom is in sight, or there’s a particular part of a movie that is suspenseful we don’t want to miss. Although there’s no rule stating the how and when it is safe to pee, when we hold urine despite feeling the urge to urinate, what we are doing is to stretch out bladders to stretch, just to hold more water than the normal 2 cups, which can be very dangerous when done frequently.
Whatever your reasons are for holding urine, you can be sure that such a practice would have certain effects on your body. Such effects are described below:
1. Pain
Always ignoring the urge to urinate may cause you to experience pains in your bladder or kidneys. It may also cause you pain when you finally urinate, and you may also experience pelvic cramps.
2. Urinary tract infection
Holding your urine for too long may also cause “bad” bacteria to multiply in your urinary tract, thus leading to urinary tract infection. Not drinking enough fluids can also cause bacteria to spread through the urinary tract because the bladder does not signal the body to urinate enough.
3. Bladder stretching
Over time, if you are fond of holding your urine or not urinating on time, your bladder would stretch and it may make it difficult for the bladder to contract and release urine normally.
4. Damage to pelvic floor muscles
Frequently holding your urine may also harm the urethral sphincter, one of the muscles in the pelvic floor. The urethral sphincter helps keep the urethra closed and prevent urine from leaking out.
5. Kidney stones
Holding your urine for long may also cause kidney stones, especially in people who have a high mineral content in their urine or those who have a history of kidney stones.
For the sake of your urinary system, you should eat certain foods that are considered good for it. A few examples of them are highlighted below:
1. Eggs
2. Bananas
3. Green beans
4. Potatoes
5. Lean protein
6. Bread
7. Whole grains
8. Nuts
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