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.
- * All research and clinical data should be used as reference purposes only, results may vary.