Is It Safe to Urinate in the Shower?
The Age-Old Question: Is It Safe to Urinate in the Shower?
For many people, urinating in the shower is a common practice that sparks debate about its safety and hygiene. While some view it as unclean, others see it as a convenient and harmless act. So, what do the experts say? Is urinating in the shower safe, or are there potential risks to consider?
According to urologists, urinating in the shower is generally safe for both men and women. In fact, it may even have some health benefits. Dr. Karyn Eilber, a professor of urology, notes that there’s no downside to urinating in the shower, and it’s simply a matter of personal preference. “There’s no real harm in urinating in the shower,” she says. “It’s just a matter of what you’re comfortable with.”
One common argument against urinating in the shower is that it can lead to forced straining and incomplete emptying of the bladder, particularly for women. However, Dr. David Shusterman, a urologist, disagrees with this assertion. He explains that the muscles controlling urine flow are not affected by the position of the body, and that urinating in the shower can actually help to relax the pelvic floor muscles.
“The pelvic floor muscles are not affected by the position of the body,” Dr. Shusterman says. “In fact, urinating in the shower can help to relax the pelvic floor muscles, which can be beneficial for people with urinary incontinence or other bladder problems.”
Urination and Infections
While urinating in the shower is generally safe, there are some situations in which it may not be advisable. For example, if someone has a urinary tract infection (UTI), urinating in the shower may contaminate the water and increase the risk of infection. However, this risk is relatively low, and the shower water would likely wash away any contaminated urine.
“It’s not a significant risk, but it’s something to be aware of,” Dr. Eilber says. “If you have a UTI, it’s best to avoid urinating in the shower until the infection has cleared up.”
Another situation in which urinating in the shower may not be a good idea is if there is an open wound on the skin. Urine can provide a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can infect the wound and make it harder to heal.
“If you have an open wound, it’s best to avoid urinating in the shower until the wound has healed,” Dr. Shusterman says. “Urine can contaminate the wound and increase the risk of infection.”
The Psychological Association Between Running Water and Urination
Some people may experience a psychological association between the sound of running water and the urge to urinate. This is not a major problem for most people, but it can be an issue for those with overactive bladders. To avoid this association, it’s recommended to empty the bladder before turning on the shower.
“It’s not a significant problem, but it’s something to be aware of,” Dr. Eilber says. “If you have an overactive bladder, it’s best to empty your bladder before turning on the shower to avoid any accidents.”
Urination in Baths and Hot Tubs
While urinating in the shower may be safe, the same cannot be said for baths and hot tubs. Warm, stagnant water provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can increase the risk of infection. It’s recommended to avoid urinating in baths and hot tubs and to pee after bathing to reduce the risk of infection.
“Baths and hot tubs are a different story,” Dr. Shusterman says. “The warm water can provide a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can increase the risk of infection. It’s best to avoid urinating in baths and hot tubs and to pee after bathing instead.”
In conclusion, urinating in the shower is generally safe and may even have some health benefits. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize them. Whether or not to urinate in the shower is ultimately a matter of personal preference, and individuals should make an informed decision based on
