There are times when people find themselves in situations where they have to hold their urine despite not wanting to. Occasionally, this is fine, but if you frequently hold your urine for extended periods, you could face several kidney and bladder-related issues.
Urine production and its expulsion from the body is a natural process. Disrupting this natural process can cause various problems in the body.
While it is sometimes normal to hold urine, repeatedly doing so can lead to the following health issues.
Holding urine for extended periods can increase the risk of kidney stones, specifically due to the presence of uric acid and calcium oxalate in urine.
Prolonged urine retention can cause stretching of the bladder, leading to weakening. This can potentially result in serious problems like bladder rupture.
Ageing individuals who frequently hold urine may experience urinary leakage due to bladder weakness.
Holding urine for prolonged periods can also lead to urinary tract infections, which are more common in women than men. Symptoms include pain, burning sensation, and itching during urination.
According to Medical News Today, holding urine can create pressure in the bladder, potentially weakening it over time.
Therefore, it's advisable to try to urinate promptly. However, if circumstances require it, you can hold urine for up to 30 minutes.