When nature calls, many people are tempted to hit the snooze button on their bladder, CNN reports.
Whether it’s finishing a work meeting, enduring a long car ride, or avoiding a crowded public restroom, holding in urine is something most people do from time to time. But while occasionally delaying a trip to the bathroom is unlikely to cause harm, experts warn that making it a habit could have serious health consequences.
The body’s system for managing urination is more complex than it seems. It all starts with the kidneys, which filter waste from the blood and produce urine. Urine then flows through tubes called ureters into the bladder, where it is stored until it’s time to go.
“Normal bladder capacity is about 400 to 600 cubic centimeters,” says Dr. Jason Kim, clinical associate professor of urology at Stony Brook University’s Renaissance School of Medicine.
Once the bladder is about half full, nerve receptors send signals to the brain, triggering the urge to urinate. The brain responds by telling the bladder muscles to contract and the urethral sphincter (the muscle that holds urine in) to relax, allowing urine to exit.
This system is designed for survival.
“If we just peed as we walked along a road, our predators would smell us,” explains Dr. David Shusterman, a board-certified urologist at NY Urology.
The ability to delay urination gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. But modern habits of frequently “holding it in” can come with health risks.
While the occasional delay in urination is usually harmless, experts say habitual holding can strain your bladder and increase your risk of certain health issues.
1. Higher Risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
One of the most common risks of holding in urine for too long is an increased chance of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urination helps flush out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract, especially after activities like sex. Delaying urination allows bacteria to thrive in the bladder, creating a breeding ground for infections.
“Retaining urine can create a breeding ground for bacteria”” says Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health.
If untreated, a UTI can move up to the kidneys, causing a more serious condition called pyelonephritis. In severe cases, the infection can even enter the bloodstream, leading to urosepsis, a life-threatening condition.
2. Weakened Bladder Muscles
Repeatedly holding in urine puts unnecessary strain on the bladder muscles. Over time, this strain can weaken the bladder, making it less effective at emptying urine when you finally do go.
“When the bladder muscles weaken, they can’t generate enough force to fully empty the bladder,” explains Dr. Brahmbhatt.
This incomplete emptying of urine increases the risk of infection, as bacteria have a chance to accumulate.
3. Bladder Control Problems
Ignoring the body’s natural urge to urinate can disrupt the signals that tell you when it’s time to pee. Over time, the brain may stop recognizing the body’s cues. This is seen in certain professions like nurses or teachers, who sometimes avoid bathroom breaks during long shifts.
“We see a lot of this happening in nurses and teachers,” says Dr. Kim.
As a result, the nerves that control urination may stop working properly, making it more difficult to recognize when it’s time to go.
4. Risk of Bladder and Kidney Damage
In extreme cases, holding urine for too long can cause it to back up into the kidneys, leading to a condition called hydronephrosis. This condition occurs when urine causes the kidneys to swell, putting pressure on the delicate kidney tissues. Prolonged pressure can damage the kidneys, potentially causing permanent harm.
Hydronephrosis can also cause abdominal pain, cramping, and bladder stones. While it’s rare, in severe cases, the pressure from backed-up urine can lead to kidney failure.
While anyone can experience health problems from holding their pee, certain groups are at higher risk.
- Pregnant People: The added pressure of a growing uterus on the bladder increases the likelihood of urinary issues. Pregnant people are also at a higher risk of UTIs.
- Older Adults: Aging can naturally reduce bladder function, especially for men with enlarged prostates or women with narrowing urethras.
- People with Neurogenic Bladder or Kidney Disorders: Those with nerve-related bladder problems or kidney diseases are more vulnerable to complications from holding in urine.
- Those Exposed to Toxins: People who smoke or work around chemicals like gasoline have an increased risk of bladder cancer. Holding in urine for too long could add to that risk.
For a healthy person, occasionally holding in urine for a short period — like finishing a meeting or road trip — is not likely to cause harm.
“If you’re healthy and do it a few times a week, you’ll probably be fine,” says Dr. Shusterman.
But chronic, repeated delays can cause lasting problems.
If you find yourself holding it often because you’re going to the bathroom too frequently, that could be a sign of other health issues like:
- Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A condition where the bladder contracts frequently, even when it isn’t full.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar can make you feel the urge to urinate more often.
- Urinary Tract Infections: Frequent urination is one of the first signs of a UTI.
If you notice you’re running to the bathroom much more often than usual, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor.
If you feel like you have to pee but can’t, it’s important to seek medical attention. Inability to urinate can be a sign of a blocked urethra, a nerve issue, or a more serious condition like bladder stones. If untreated, this can lead to hydronephrosis, kidney infections, or sepsis.
Treatment options include:
- Self-catheterization: A method where a small tube is inserted to empty the bladder.
- Bladder pacemakers: A device that sends electrical pulses to help the bladder muscles work properly.
- Catheters: In severe cases, a catheter may be used to drain urine from the bladder on a long-term basis.
Tips to Avoid the Risks of Holding It In:
- Take bathroom breaks regularly: If you’re in a job where breaks are limited, try to schedule trips to the bathroom during natural pauses in your work.
- Address public bathroom fears: If public restrooms make you uneasy, carry disinfecting wipes or portable seat covers to reduce anxiety.
- Drink water throughout the day: Staying hydrated helps keep your urinary system functioning properly.
- Don’t wait for the “perfect time”: Listen to your body’s signals and go when you feel the need. Your bladder and kidneys will thank you.
Holding your pee occasionally is usually harmless, but doing it too often can lead to bladder infections, kidney problems, and weakened bladder muscles. For certain groups — like pregnant people, older adults, and those with nerve-related bladder conditions — the risks are even higher.
If you notice you’re urinating more frequently than usual or have difficulty going when you need to, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. In these cases, it’s best to see a urologist for evaluation.
