Doctors have revealed a disturbing truth about a one shower habit many are guilty of.
Move over from the toilet paper position debate, there's a new shower habit controversy to settle among the people.
Whether you're someone who thinks it's no big deal since it's all heading down the drain anyway, or you find the practice completely unhygienic, new research might make you change your mind.
How many people pee in the shower?
Recent research revealed that almost a quarter of Americans urinate in the shower regularly, based on a survey of 2,000 people. Overall, 45% of Americans admit to peeing in the shower at some point during the year.
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Explaining the common act, Clint Kreider, licensed marriage and family therapist with Still Water Wellness Group, said: “Peeing in the shower often reflects our modern obsession with multitasking—even in moments meant for relaxation.”
But is this habit actually harmful to your health?
The potential health risks
Medical experts warn that urinating in the shower could potentially lead to incontinence or worse, kidney damage.
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Meanwhile, American urogynaecologist Dr. Teresa Irwin turned to TikTok to discourage people from the common practice, arguing that urinating while showering conditions the brain to link the sound of running water with the urge to urinate.
The risks also differ between men and women.
While the male bladder is supported by the prostate when urinating while standing, women who urinate while standing are putting their pelvic floor muscles under extra strain, which can lead to the bladder failing to empty. This leftover urine, medically known as urinary retention, can lead to various health problems.
Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a Boston-based pelvic floor therapist, pointed out: "Your pelvic floor isn't going to relax properly, which means we're really not going to be emptying our bladder super well."
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Another danger of peeing in the shower is the risk of skin infections. Any open wounds on the lower body could become infected with bacteria that might be present in urine. However, experts note this risk is relatively small.
That said, there may be some advantages to relieving yourself while washing.
The potential benefits
“There’s no downside, and it is just convenient for some people,” explained Dr. Karyn Eilber, a professor of urology at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. “It’s really personal preference that people don’t like to associate a place where you clean yourself in the shower to a place where you also do some elimination.”
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According to urologists, urinating in the shower is unlikely to cause health problems, and it won't clog your drain either.
The argument that peeing in the shower causes bladder strain and incompletely emptying has been challenged by Dr. David Shusterman, a urologist and chief physician at Modern Urologist in New York City. He explained that pelvic floor problems only occur when people forcefully strain to push urine out, which tightens the sphincter muscles and creates pressure. However, in a warm shower, it's 'easy to relax the sphincter' and let urine flow without straining.
“Contrary to claims of urinating in the shower being unhealthy, I think it’s actually healthy,” Dr. Shusterman said.
Regardless, Krieder suggests not overthinking it.
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“Life’s too short to police your pee. Just aim wisely, laugh often and remember—the best self-care is whatever lets you step out of the shower feeling lighter,” Kreider said.
Ultimately, the choice is yours.