CLAIM:
Regularly holding urine can stretch the bladder, weaken its muscles, and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Over time, this habit may lead to loss of bladder control, causing urine leakage while laughing or coughing.
FACT:
True. Regularly delaying urination may stretch the bladder and weaken its muscles over time, and it can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Guidance from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that frequently holding urine can affect bladder function, which may contribute to urinary retention or other bladder control problems if the habit continues for long periods.
In a viral reel posted by Charanjeet Kaur, a content creator who shares health and wellness videos on Instagram and has 1.3 million followers, she addresses a common habit many women may ignore - holding their urine for long periods. In the video, she cautions that repeatedly suppressing the urge to urinate could have consequences for bladder health.
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Explaining the concern, she says, “Girls who stop peeing, one day you will start peeing in your pants.” She clarifies that occasionally holding urine due to unavoidable situations is different, but making it a regular habit may affect the bladder over time. According to her, frequently delaying urination can stretch the bladder and weaken the surrounding muscles.
Kaur further claims that when the bladder does not empty properly, bacteria may start growing in the remaining urine, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). She also says that over time this may reduce bladder control, leading to situations where women may leak urine while laughing or coughing.
The reel has gained 2.8 million views, 43.5K likes, and 155K shares, sparking discussion about whether holding urine regularly can actually weaken the bladder and lead to urinary problems.
What is Urinary incontinence?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you don't get to a toilet in time.”
It states further that although urinary incontinence occurs more often as people grow older, it is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. The clinic notes that individuals should seek medical advice if the condition begins to affect their daily activities. It also adds that, for most people, simple lifestyle and dietary changes or appropriate medical care can help manage or treat the symptoms of urinary incontinence.
How do I know if I have urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence can appear in different ways, and the symptoms may vary from person to person. Some people experience occasional and minor urine leakage, while others may lose small to moderate amounts of urine more frequently. The condition generally refers to difficulty controlling the bladder, which can lead to unintentional leakage at certain times or during specific activities.
One common type is stress incontinence, where urine leaks when pressure is placed on the bladder. This can happen during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting heavy objects. Another form is urge incontinence, which involves a sudden and intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. People with this type may feel the need to urinate frequently, including during the night. Urge incontinence may sometimes be linked to conditions such as urinary infections, diabetes, or neurological disorders.
Some individuals may experience overflow incontinence, which occurs when the bladder does not empty completely. This can result in frequent or constant dribbling of urine. In other cases, functional incontinence may occur when a physical or mental condition prevents a person from reaching the toilet in time. For example, severe arthritis may make it difficult to remove clothing quickly enough to urinate.
There is also mixed incontinence, where a person experiences more than one type of urinary incontinence at the same time. This most commonly refers to a combination of stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
Many people feel uncomfortable discussing bladder control problems with a doctor, but t it is important to seek advice if the symptoms are frequent or begin to affect daily life. Urinary incontinence can lead individuals to limit their activities or social interactions and may negatively impact their quality of life. In older adults, it may also increase the risk of falls if they rush to the toilet. In some cases, it can also signal an underlying medical condition that requires attention.
Can women who hold their urine lose control of their bladder?
Guidance from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) advises responding to the body’s urge to urinate rather than repeatedly postponing it. The institute notes, “You can’t always prevent urinary retention, but you can take steps to lower your chances of developing the condition.”
It further explains that delaying urination frequently may weaken bladder muscles and increase the risk of infection. “Use the bathroom whenever you have an urge to go. Often, people hold their urine because it’s not a good time to go to the bathroom. However, regularly holding urine in can wear out your bladder muscles. You’re also more likely to develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) if you hold urine in. UTIs can cause urinary retention,” the guidance states.
It also adds that, “Pay attention to how often you feel the urge to urinate. If it becomes easier to delay using the bathroom and you stretch out the time between urinating, you may gradually stretch out your bladder. Also note if it becomes more difficult for you to begin to urinate or you feel that you’re not able to completely empty your bladder. These may be early signs of urinary retention.”
It advises people to watch for changes in urination after surgery or a serious back injury, as urinary retention can develop in such cases. It also recommends consulting a healthcare professional if symptoms appear to prevent the condition from worsening.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS