Experts warn against common shower habit that could actually be really dangerous
Some call it time management, others call it unsanitary, no matter what you feel about it, experts have said that a common habit in the shower should be avoided at all costs.
Now, as many of us know, a shower after a long day is the ultimate form of relaxation.
When you're in the shower, lathered in soap, a cascade of water and steam surrounding you, you just want to stay in the enclosed space of peace forever.
But then, cursed by the sound of rushing water, a sudden urge comes over you, and you either have to relieve yourself there and then, or step out of your safe space of comfort.
Advert
To some, letting your bladder go while in the shower is multi-tasking, or even helping save water (anything to help the environment I guess), but to healthcare professionals standing and urinating can be damaging to your body.
The shower urination debate has been one that has been going on for awhile, but these warnings from the experts may settle it once and for all.
Healthcare professionals have taken to TikTok to get the word out and stop this form of urination.
One TikTok user, with the handle @kingsley.502, went viral for her video captioned: "Hot take but don't pee standing up in the shower or anywhere for that matter. Ladies you are training your bladder that it's okay to empty while standing. Don't do it! This could cause bladder leakage."
Kingsley's video has been seen by over two million people, and it seems everyone has got something to say about her controversial advice.
In the video's comment section, users added their own thoughts to the advice, with one commenting: "Propaganda I'm not falling for."
Meanwhile, another declared: "My body created a human...I'm gonna let her tinkle wherever she likes."
Many people, however, were in disagreement and others gave their support for such a warning.
Although everyone is entitled to their opinion, @kingsley.502 does provide the factual repercussions of going for a tinkle while you lather up in soap.
By releasing your bladder in such a way, it can cause damage to your pelvic floor and could lead to an overactive bladder, especially for women.
An obstetrician-gynaecologist agreed, stating on TikTok: “It is one, not very hygienic, but more important than that, it will destroy your pelvic floor, and also it might create mental associations where you hear water running and all of a sudden you need to run to the bathroom."
Taking a seat on the toilet does not have this strong effect, and Gerald Collins, a consultant urological surgeon at Alexandra Hospital in Cheshire told the New York Post that: "Sitting is probably the most efficient way of doing it."
Not only could the OG method of urination be healthier for women, but also for men.
Taking a seat to pee can help men with muscle relaxation and can help to completely empty the bladder, which can benefit a male's prostrate.
Also, as an added benefit, sitting on the toilet can prevent any unwanted mess or splash-back which may occur when having a distance between your urinating apparatus and the toilet bowl.
Merryn Hobson