Medical Consensus on Hygiene and Infection
When it comes to hygiene, doctors generally agree that peeing in your own shower poses a minimal risk to healthy individuals. This is because urine from a healthy bladder contains a very low count of bacteria and is quickly washed away by the running water, preventing the growth of germs. A healthy shower floor is exposed to far more microbes from dirt and sweat than from urine. However, this perspective changes significantly under certain conditions.
- Public and shared showers: Urinating in a shared or public shower is considered a serious hygiene concern. One cannot know if another person has a urinary tract infection (UTI) or an open wound. Bacteria, particularly from someone with a UTI, could pose a risk to others with cuts on their feet or legs.
- Infections and open wounds: If you have an active infection, such as a UTI, or an open wound on your body, it is best to avoid peeing in the shower. While rare, the bacteria in urine could potentially enter the wound and cause an infection.
- Proper rinsing is key: Even in a private shower, rinsing the shower floor thoroughly after urinating is recommended to prevent lingering bacteria or the growth of mold in a moist environment.
The Pelvic Floor Debate: Standing vs. Sitting
One of the most debated aspects among medical professionals regarding peeing in the shower is the effect on the pelvic floor. For women especially, the posture of standing to urinate is a central concern.
Some physical therapists and urogynecologists, like Dr. Emma Qureshey, argue against peeing while standing in the shower. Their reasoning is that the standing position does not allow the pelvic floor muscles to fully relax, leading to potential issues with incomplete bladder emptying over time. If practiced habitually, this can lead to bladder dysfunction or worsen existing pelvic floor weakness. The best position for bladder health is typically sitting with legs apart to allow for complete relaxation and emptying.
However, other urologists, like Dr. David Shusterman, offer a contrasting view. They suggest that the warm, relaxing environment of a shower can help the bladder sphincter relax, making urination easier and avoiding the need to strain. They argue that this can actually be beneficial for those who struggle with voiding. The key distinction lies in whether one is forcing urination versus allowing natural relaxation.
The Psychological Association of Running Water
Another significant concern raised by doctors relates to the brain-bladder connection. Routinely peeing to the sound of running water can condition the brain to associate that specific auditory trigger with the urge to urinate. For most people, this is a minor annoyance, but for those with existing bladder issues, such as urinary urgency or an overactive bladder, this learned association can be detrimental. Hearing a sink running or even washing your hands could trigger an involuntary urge to urinate. To avoid this, it is recommended to empty your bladder before starting the shower.
Comparing the Pros and Cons
| Aspect | Argument for Occasional Shower Peeing | Argument Against Frequent Shower Peeing |
|---|---|---|
| Hygiene | Running water flushes urine, and the risk is low for healthy individuals in a private shower. | Urine is not sterile and can pose a risk in shared showers, with infections, or around open wounds. |
| Pelvic Floor | Some say the warm water can promote muscle relaxation, assisting those with voiding difficulty. | Standing inhibits full pelvic floor relaxation, potentially leading to incomplete bladder emptying. |
| Bladder Training | No issue for individuals without pre-existing bladder conditions. | Can create a psychological association with running water, worsening incontinence. |
| Environmental Impact | Saves water by eliminating one toilet flush per shower, a clear ecological benefit. | The environmental benefit might be outweighed by long-term pelvic floor or bladder health risks for some. |
| Convenience | Saves time and potentially reduces toilet paper usage. | Potential for developing bad bladder habits that could require later retraining. |
Conclusion: Listen to Your Body
The medical community's verdict on peeing in the shower is far from a simple yes or no. For a healthy person using a private shower, the occasional act carries very little risk and offers a minor environmental benefit through water conservation. However, this practice is strongly discouraged for those with a pre-existing bladder condition, a weakened pelvic floor, or in cases of infection.
The most significant takeaways are the potential for long-term pelvic floor issues, especially for women, and the risk of training your brain to link running water with urination. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal health, circumstance, and weighing the minimal convenience against potential long-term risks. Always prioritize sitting on the toilet to ensure complete bladder emptying and maintain optimal urinary health. For more on this topic, consider reading the insights from the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.
