Peeing in the Shower: Doctor Explains Why Women Shouldn’t Do It — And It’s Not Just About Cleanliness
It might seem harmless, even convenient. You’re already in the shower, water’s running, and nature calls. Why not just go with the flow? For many people — women included — peeing in the shower is a regular habit. But according to health experts, there’s a surprising reason why women should think twice before making it a routine.
And no, it’s not just about hygiene or clogged drains.
The Surprising Link Between Peeing in the Shower and Bladder Health
According to Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a pelvic floor physical therapist, peeing in the shower can actually confuse the way your body associates urination — especially in women. The main concern isn’t the act itself, but what it teaches your bladder over time.
“When you urinate in the shower,” she explains, “especially if you do it while the water is running, your brain can start linking the sound of running water with the urge to pee.”
This means that later, when you’re simply washing your hands or brushing your teeth with the tap running, you might feel an urge to urinate even when your bladder isn’t full. Over time, this could contribute to urge incontinence or a “triggered” bladder response, especially in women with weak pelvic floor muscles.
Why It Affects Women More Than Men
Men urinate standing up, which is their natural position. Women, however, are meant to urinate sitting or squatting. When a woman stands and slightly leans forward to pee in the shower, she’s not fully relaxing her pelvic floor. This awkward angle can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder, or subtle strain on the pelvic muscles — which may contribute to dysfunction over time.
Over months or years, this habit could lead to:
- Increased bladder sensitivity
- Leaking or urge incontinence
- Pelvic floor issues
- Confused bladder signals
Should You Stop Completely?
Doctors aren’t saying an occasional accident is dangerous. But making it a daily habit — especially if you already struggle with bladder control, pelvic pain, or urinary urgency — isn’t advised.
Instead, train your body to associate urination with proper time and posture: sitting on a toilet in a relaxed state. This helps maintain strong bladder habits and protects your pelvic health.
Final Thought
Peeing in the shower may seem like a small act, but over time, it can change how your bladder functions — especially for women. Listening to your body and developing healthier habits can save you a lot of discomfort down the line.
So next time you feel the urge in the shower? Hold it in. Your pelvic floor will thank you.
