Peeing in the Shower: Why Doctors Say Women Should Think Twice

• Urinary or bowel incontinence

• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder

• Lower back or pelvic discomfort

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Frequent or urgent urination

A number of factors can contribute to pelvic floor problems, including childbirth, surgery, aging, obesity, and high-impact physical activities.

For people who already experience pelvic floor dysfunction, regularly urinating in the shower may potentially make certain urinary symptoms more noticeable.

Why It May Be More Relevant for Women

There is another factor worth considering for people with female anatomy.

According to Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas, the female urinary system is not anatomically designed for urinating while standing in the same way it is for sitting or squatting.

When standing to urinate, the pelvic floor may not relax as effectively. If this happens repeatedly, the bladder may not empty as completely as it should.

Incomplete bladder emptying can contribute to urinary problems and may potentially increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

That does not mean that one occasional shower pee will automatically cause a health problem. The bigger concern is turning it into a regular habit, particularly if you already have bladder or pelvic floor symptoms.

The Pros and Cons of Peeing in the Shower

Photo by Cláudia Back on Unsplash

Like many everyday habits, peeing in the shower has both potential advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Water conservation:
Skipping a toilet flush can save water, and doing so consistently could add up to a significant amount over the course of a year.