Health Expert Warns: Stop Peeing in the Shower to Avoid Issues

Health experts are sounding the alarm about the common practice of urinating in the shower, citing potential long-term health consequences. Pelvic floor specialist Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas recently addressed this topic in a TikTok video, responding to a viewer’s comment questioning the cleanliness implications of this habit.

According to Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas, the act of urinating in the shower may lead to unintended consequences for bladder health. In her explanation, she referenced the well-known Pavlov’s dog experiment, where a dog learns to associate a bell with food. Similarly, she warned that associating the sound of running water with the urge to relieve oneself can create a problematic link in the brain.

Understanding the Risks of Shower Urination

Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas elaborated that this association might lead to “leak issues” in situations outside the shower. For example, individuals might experience an uncontrollable urge to urinate when hearing running water while washing hands or doing dishes. This reaction can become problematic for those who experience pelvic floor dysfunction, as they may struggle to control when leaks occur.

She emphasized that for individuals assigned female at birth, the body’s design is not conducive to standing while urinating. The pelvic floor may not relax adequately, making it difficult to empty the bladder completely. “Try to wee before you even try and turn on the shower water,” Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas advised, noting that if the urge arises during a shower, it is best to ignore it.

Despite the serious health concerns, some commenters on her video expressed indifference, suggesting that they were merely trying to conserve water. Others argued that this habit is not as significant as it might seem. Yet, hygiene expert @madamesweat reinforced Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas’s warnings. She cited a urogynaecologist who described the habit as detrimental, suggesting that forming such associations with running water could lead to complications.

Alternatives and Recommendations

Madamesweat recommended using the toilet before entering the shower to avoid potential issues. “This is just a bad habit,” she stated, urging individuals to break the cycle of associating water sounds with the need to urinate.

Some viewers raised questions about the frequency of urination without the presence of running water and whether it could counteract the habit formed by showering. Nevertheless, the consensus among health professionals is clear: maintaining bladder health is crucial, and breaking this habit may be a vital step toward better pelvic floor function.

As discussions surrounding health and hygiene continue to evolve, the message from experts like Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas and Madamesweat is an important reminder to consider the long-term implications of seemingly harmless habits.