The Psychological Link: How Your Brain is Conditioned
One of the most frequently cited reasons against peeing in the shower is the risk of developing a conditioned response. This concept is a form of classical conditioning, similar to Pavlov’s experiments with dogs.
When you consistently combine the act of urinating with the sound of running water from the shower, your brain begins to link the two. Over time, hearing any running water—whether from a faucet, a sprinkler, or a running toilet—could trigger the urge to urinate, even when your bladder is not full. This reflex can be particularly problematic for individuals with existing bladder control issues, like an overactive bladder or urge incontinence, potentially leading to involuntary leakage. For those without pre-existing conditions, it can still create an unwanted association that may manifest later in life. To avoid this, experts suggest making a conscious effort to separate the two actions by relieving yourself before or after your shower.
The Impact on Pelvic Floor Health
Another significant concern, especially for women, is the effect of urinating in a standing or hovering position on the pelvic floor muscles.
- Incomplete Bladder Emptying: When you stand, your pelvic floor muscles may not relax fully, which can prevent your bladder from emptying completely. A full emptying of the bladder is essential to prevent leftover urine from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Straining and Weakening: Continuously trying to urinate while your muscles are in a suboptimal position can lead to straining. Over time, this can weaken the pelvic floor, potentially contributing to bladder control problems and incontinence. The optimal position for urination is seated with feet supported, as this allows the pelvic floor to relax completely. While some argue that the warm water of a shower can relax muscles, the overall mechanics of standing to urinate remain a point of concern for some medical professionals.
Hygiene and Infection Risks
While some see peeing in the shower as a convenient and hygienic way to save water, there are specific situations where it could pose a minor health risk.
- Shared Showers: The biggest risk is in communal spaces like gyms or dorms. While a healthy person's urine may contain low levels of bacteria, if a user has a urinary tract infection (UTI), the bacteria count is higher. Even though the water washes it away, a person with an open wound on their foot could theoretically be at risk of infection from lingering bacteria. It is simply more considerate to use the toilet when sharing facilities.
- Open Wounds: Although rare, if urine comes into contact with an open cut or scrape on your foot, it could potentially introduce bacteria and interfere with the healing process. The skin is a natural barrier, but small tears from shaving or exfoliation can be entry points for bacteria, even if the risk is low.
Potential Upsides and the Counterarguments
It’s worth noting that the practice is not universally condemned. Many people and even some medical experts find the occasional shower pee harmless, pointing to potential benefits like water conservation.
- Water Conservation: For environmentally conscious individuals, peeing in the shower is seen as a way to save water by flushing the toilet one less time per day. The University of East Anglia in England famously launched a campaign around this idea, with students calculating significant water savings annually.
- Convenience: For many, it is simply a matter of convenience and time-saving, especially during a busy morning routine. When done occasionally and with good hygiene, the medical risks are considered minimal by some urologists.
Comparing Shower Urination vs. Toilet Urination
| Aspect | Urinating in the Shower | Urinating in the Toilet (Seated) |
|---|---|---|
| Bladder Health | Potential risk of incomplete emptying, especially for women standing, which can lead to bad bladder habits. | Promotes full bladder emptying due to relaxed pelvic floor muscles. |
| Pelvic Floor | Possible weakening or straining of pelvic floor muscles over time, increasing risk of incontinence. | Optimal position for pelvic floor relaxation and long-term muscle health. |
| Hygiene | Low risk in a personal shower but potential for infection if open wounds are present or in shared facilities. | Minimal hygiene risk when using a clean, personal toilet. |
| Psychological Effect | Risk of creating a conditioned reflex associating running water with urination. | No association created with sound of running water. |
| Environmental Impact | Saves one toilet flush per day, conserving water. | Uses water for each flush, a less environmentally friendly option in this specific context. |
How to Re-train Your Bladder and Improve Habits
If you have developed a habit of peeing in the shower and are concerned about the effects, particularly a sensitivity to running water, there are ways to re-train your bladder.
- Empty Your Bladder Beforehand: Urinate in the toilet before you turn on the shower to avoid the trigger of running water.
- Use Distraction: If you feel the urge in the shower, try to ignore it. Focus on washing your hair or body and wait until you are out of the shower to use the toilet.
- Use Behavioral Techniques: For those with a conditioned reflex, a pelvic floor physical therapist might recommend specific techniques, such as quick Kegel exercises or deep breathing, to suppress the urge when triggered by water.
For more in-depth information on pelvic floor health and bladder function, consider visiting the Cleveland Clinic website. They offer comprehensive guides and resources from medical experts.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, whether or not to urinate in the shower is a personal choice, but the reasons people advise against it are rooted in real medical concerns, not just social stigma. The potential issues of bladder conditioning, pelvic floor weakening, and minor hygiene risks, especially in shared spaces, are valid points to consider. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes long-term bladder and pelvic floor health over short-term convenience. For most, an occasional slip-up is likely harmless, but turning it into a regular habit could have unintended consequences down the line.
