How Holding Pee Too Long Can Harm Your Kidneys
Ignoring the urge to urinate might seem harmless, but making this a habit can quietly put your kidneys and overall health at risk.
Why Holding Pee Is Bad for Your Kidneys
When you delay bathroom breaks, urine stays longer in your bladder, giving bacteria more time to grow. These bacteria can travel up to the kidneys, causing infections that may lead to lasting kidney damage. Over time, a constantly overfilled bladder can also create pressure that pushes urine backward toward the kidneys (a condition called reflux), which may injure delicate kidney tissue and increase the risk of kidney infections.
Other Negative Impacts of Holding It In
Beyond kidney-related problems, holding urine too long can overstretch your bladder, weakening its muscles and reducing its ability to empty fully in the future. This can result in frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder discomfort, and even a higher risk of developing kidney stones, as minerals have more time to crystallise.
When Is the Right Time to Go?
The best time to visit the restroom is as soon as you feel the urge. Most people need to urinate every three to four hours, but don’t wait longer than six hours between trips. Listen to your body’s signals, holding it in is never worth the risk.
- *所有研究及臨床數據應作為參考用途,實際效果因個人體質而異。