What Happens If You Hold Your Pee For Too Long

When you've got to go, you've got to go.

It's annoying and uncomfortable when you can't.

On a train for example.

The toilet's in such a state you can't face going in.

Or on a plane.

Maybe a couple is awkwardly joining the Mile High Club and you're having some trouble.

Or you've been stuck on a bus for 18 years.

The driver won't let you off.

It turns out, holding on to go to the washroom is also quite bad for your health.

In most cases, it's nothing to worry about.

But there a few reasons why you shouldn't wait too long.

You Could Actually Pee Your Pants!

That is quite obvious, and it would be quite embarrassing.

As your bladder gets fuller and fuller, there's a good chance you aren't going to make it

to the bathroom on time."

Yikes!

Many of us have been there: that "just barely made it" scenario, where the bathroom line

may have been just slightly too long, after you sprinted to get there.

This is more likely to happen to young children and the elderly, but that doesn't mean it

can't happen to you if you push your bladder too far.

Burst Bladder

Hugely unlikely.

But if it happens, it's bad.

When the bladder bursts, urine fills the abdomen, and emergency surgery is required.

It's more likely for your bladder to stretch.

When this happens, the muscles that allow you to hold on, weaken, and there's a greater

chance of wetting yourself.

It also makes going for a piss, more difficult.

In severe cases, a catheter might be needed.

Infection

Again, don't worry about this.

It probably won't happen.

But holding on too long does increase the chance of getting an infected urinary tract.

It's called a UTI.

It's down to bacteria.

Studies show that holding your pee for too long can cause bacteria to build up and multiply.

This can cause pain and stinging and make your pee dark and strong smelling.

If this happens, you'll need antibiotics.

Go to the doctor.

Incontinence

This might happen eventually.

But you don't want to speed up the process.

Incontinence is simply not being able to hold your pee.

It's caused by weakening pelvic floor muscles and a weak bladder.

If you hold on too long, this speeds up the process.

Other Organs Can Become Damaged

Your bladder connects to your urinary system, which includes your kidneys.

The kidneys create urine from the excess water in the blood stream and by filtering waste.

If urine travels back up the tubes that connect your bladder to your kidneys, it can cause

infections and kidney damage.

In long term cases of holding in your pee, elastic tissue can become damaged and eventually

be replaced by scar tissue, which then can cause kidney damage down the road.

Kidney Stones

Another bit of bad news relating to your kidneys.

Kidney stones form when waste products in the blood form crystals over time.

They're more common in people who don't stay hydrated.

However, most kidney stones can be passed out in your pee.

It hurts the bigger they are.

In some cases, they'll be too big, and surgery is required.

Kidney stones can cause aches, pains, nausea, and blood might develop in the pee.

Call a doctor.

Is "Breaking The Seal" Real?

Pub-goers will no doubt have heard the "breaking the seal" theory, which suggests you should

hold onto pee as long as possible or you'll end up going constantly throughout the night.

But there's not much merit to the theory, because when your bladder hits a certain amount

of liquid, your body will naturally want to dispel it.

It's worth noting however, that the intensity of signals from the bladder to the brain can

dull if you've been holding on for a while.

If you hold on for long enough your brain will start to ignore that signal and you won't

feel when your bladder is full.

It's just like when you're in a room with a strange smell or sound.

After a while your brain switches off, and you don't notice it any more.

Do you ever hold your pee for too long?

If so, why?

Let us know in the comments below.

If you thought this video was awesome, please give it a thumbs up and share it with your

friends.

For more videos like this, hit the subscribe button and click the little bell.

Thanks for watching!