If You Pee in the Shower, This Is What Can Happen...

It’s a question that quietly divides households and ignites comment sections: is peeing in the shower harmless, helpful—or a hygiene disaster waiting to happen? While the habit is more common than many admit, the science behind it is more nuanced than the jokes suggest. From water conservation to potential health considerations, here’s what really happens when you pee in the shower—and what experts want you to know.

The Case for Convenience (and Conservation)

Supporters of shower peeing often point to efficiency. Combining two bathroom activities can save time and, in some cases, water. Skipping a toilet flush can conserve several liters per use, which adds up over time—especially in regions facing water scarcity. From an environmental perspective, fewer flushes mean less water treated and transported, reducing overall resource use.

There’s also a psychological angle. Warm water can trigger the body’s relaxation response, making it easier to urinate. For many, the habit becomes automatic—less about intention and more about conditioning.

Hygiene: Is It Actually Gross?

Here’s the good news: urine from a healthy person is typically sterile when it leaves the body. In a functioning shower with proper drainage, urine is quickly diluted and washed away by soap and running water. From a cleanliness standpoint, this makes shower peeing far less problematic than many assume.

However, context matters. Shared showers, poor drainage, or infrequent cleaning can change the equation. While urine itself isn’t a major pathogen risk, residual moisture in warm environments can encourage bacterial growth over time. Regular cleaning and good ventilation remain essential.

Skin and Foot Health Considerations

A persistent myth claims that peeing in the shower can treat athlete’s foot. There’s no solid evidence to support this. In fact, prolonged moisture—regardless of urine—can increase the risk of fungal infections. Standing barefoot in a wet shower, especially a shared one, is the real concern. If you’re prone to foot fungus, wearing shower sandals and keeping feet dry afterward matters far more than what goes down the drain.

Pelvic Floor and Habit Formation

One of the more serious considerations involves pelvic floor health—particularly for women. Some clinicians warn that regularly urinating in the shower could condition the bladder to associate the sound or sensation of running water with the urge to pee. Over time, this conditioning may contribute to urgency issues, making it harder to “hold it” when you hear water elsewhere.

Additionally, standing to urinate—common in the shower—can prevent full relaxation of pelvic floor muscles for some women, potentially leading to incomplete emptying. This doesn’t mean shower peeing is dangerous, but if someone experiences frequent urgency or leaks, changing habits may help.

When It Might Be a Bad Idea

There are situations where peeing in the shower isn’t recommended:

• Open cuts or skin infections: While risk is low, avoiding urine contact is sensible.

• Shared or public showers: Courtesy and hygiene expectations matter.

• Plumbing issues: Older drains or poor water flow may not handle waste as efficiently.

If you’re sick with a urinary tract infection, experts generally advise sticking to the toilet, where hygiene practices are clearer and more controlled.

The Social Factor

Beyond health, there’s etiquette. If you share a shower, communication matters. What seems harmless to one person may feel uncomfortable to another. Clear expectations—and regular cleaning—go a long way.

So, Should You Stop?

For most healthy adults with a private, well-maintained shower, peeing in the shower is unlikely to cause harm. It can even save water. That said, it’s not a wellness hack, a medical treatment, or a habit everyone should adopt. Paying attention to pelvic health, cleanliness, and shared spaces is key.

In the end, the debate isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about awareness. Like many everyday habits, the impact depends on how, where, and how often you do it. Clean smart, listen to your body, and remember: good hygiene isn’t about perfection—it’s about informed choices.