American urologist Dr Teresa Irwin has warned that urinating in the shower could lead to long-term bladder problems, especially for women. She said the habit might eventually cause a loss of bladder control.
Dr Irwin shared her concerns in a TikTok video. She explained that peeing in the shower can train the brain to associate the sound of running water with the need to urinate.
Over time, this can create an automatic response, leading to frequent urges or even accidental leakage.
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Running Water May Trigger Urge to Urinate
Dr Irwin said that frequent urination in the shower may condition the brain in a way similar to Pavlov’s dog experiment. In the experiment, dogs were trained to salivate at the sound of a bell after it was repeatedly paired with food. She explained that the brain can form a similar link between water sounds and urination.
“It’s kind of like Pavlov’s dog training where every time they heard a little bell ring they will start to salivate,” she said. “So every time you’re washing your hands, taking a shower, washing the dishes, if there is running water your bladder is going to ‘salivating’ because it wants to go and pee.”
This learned response may affect the body’s natural bladder control and lead to more frequent or urgent trips to the toilet.
Women May Face Greater Risks
According to Dr Irwin, women are more likely to be affected by this habit. Men have pelvic structures that support urination while standing, aided by the prostate. Women lack this support, which makes the posture less ideal and can strain the pelvic floor muscles.
She added that while peeing in the shower might help women fully empty their bladders in some cases, doing it regularly is not recommended. The repeated association between water sounds and urination can still lead to long-term issues.
Boston-based pelvic floor therapist Dr Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas also advised against the practice. She said women are not designed to urinate while standing, and doing so can prevent the pelvic floor from relaxing properly. This may result in incomplete bladder emptying, known as urinary retention.
Urinary retention can lead to health problems such as urinary tract infections and, in severe cases, kidney complications.
Skin Infection Risk Also Present
There is also a minor risk of skin infection when urinating in the shower, especially if a person has open wounds on the lower body. Bacteria in the urine could enter the wound. However, this risk is generally low since shower water typically washes the area.
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Dr Irwin recommended that everyone, regardless of gender, should urinate only in the toilet. She said avoiding environmental triggers like running water can help preserve bladder control in the long term.
Surveys indicate that between 60 and 80 percent of people admit to regularly urinating in the shower.
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