Going to the bathroom is a natural and instinctual bodily function. Yet for some reason, there seems to be a taboo around discussing it. Holding in your urge to go may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can actually be harmful to your health.

In this article, we will explore why holding in your urge to go may be harmful.

The Urge to Go

When your body needs to go, it sends a signal to your brain that you need to find a bathroom. This signal is known as the urge to go. It is a natural and necessary function of the human body.

Ignoring this signal and holding in your urine or bowel movements can cause a number of health problems.

Urinary Tract Infections

One of the most common problems associated with holding in your urge to go is urinary tract infections (UTIs). When you hold in your urine, bacteria can grow and multiply, leading to an infection.

UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, and if left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems.

Kidney Damage

Another potential problem from holding in your urine is kidney damage. When urine is held in for too long, it puts pressure on the kidneys and can cause them to malfunction.

This can lead to a build-up of toxins and waste products in the body, which can be harmful to your health.

Bowel Problems

Holding in your bowel movements can lead to a number of problems, including constipation, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures. Constipation occurs when stools become hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that can be painful and uncomfortable. Anal fissures are small tears in the skin around the anus that can be extremely painful.

Incontinence

Ironically, holding in your urge to go can also lead to incontinence. When you ignore the urge to go, it can cause the muscles in your bladder to weaken, making it harder to hold in your urine.

This can lead to frequent and unexpected leaks, which can be embarrassing and cause social anxiety.

Bladder Overdistension

Bladder overdistension is another potential problem from holding in your urine. When the bladder is overdistended, it can cause the muscles in the bladder to weaken and can lead to urinary retention.

Urinary retention is a condition in which the bladder cannot empty completely, which can cause a number of health problems.

Cancer Risks

There is also some evidence to suggest that holding in your urine for long periods of time may increase your risk of bladder cancer.

While more research is needed in this area, it is thought that the build-up of toxins in the bladder from holding in urine may contribute to the development of cancer cells.

Conclusion

Holding in your urge to go may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can actually be harmful to your health.

From urinary tract infections to bladder cancer, there are a number of potential problems that can arise from ignoring the signals your body sends you. Make sure to listen to your body and respond to the urge to go when you need to.