Why ignoring the urge to pee can put your bladder and kidneys at risk

Busy schedules often lead people to delay bathroom breaks, but doctors warn that repeatedly holding urine can raise the risk of infections

Whether you’re caught in traffic, buried in work, or simply trying to avoid an unclean public restroom, many people ignore the urge to urinate. It’s something most of us have done at least once, but health experts warn that doing it regularly can take a serious toll on your body. Urination is not just a matter of comfort; it plays an important role in flushing out waste and maintaining urinary and kidney health. Here’s why holding your pee for hours could be riskier than you think.

 

Why your body urges you to pee

 

Your bladder is a muscular sac designed to store urine, the liquid waste your kidneys filter from your blood. As it fills, stretch receptors in the bladder wall send signals to your brain telling you it’s time to go. "These signals will differ from one person to the next. They also differ according to your age, the amount of fluid your bladder can hold, and the time of day. These signals, for example, decrease at night, allowing you to obtain a full night's sleep rather than running to the lavatory every few hours," explains Dr Pankaj Kumar Gupta, Consultant - Urologist, at CK Birla Hospitals – CMRI.

 

 

Is it safe to hold your pee?

 

Occasionally holding your pee is generally safe for healthy adults. A normal bladder can hold about 400–500 ml of urine, and a short delay may cause discomfort but usually does not lead to harm.

 

In some cases, controlled delay is even useful. Bladder training, often advised for people with an overactive bladder, helps increase the time between bathroom visits and improve bladder control.

 

However, regularly holding urine for long periods can raise health risks. Those more vulnerable to complications include:

 

- People with an enlarged prostate

- Individuals with kidney disorders

- People with neurogenic bladder

 

What are the side effects of holding your pee frequently?

 

• Increased risk of Urinary Tract Infection (uti) - When urine stays in the bladder for extended periods, bacteria have more time to multiply, creating an environment ripe for infection. Symptoms may include a burning sensation during urination, lower abdominal discomfort and cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Bladder stretching and muscle weakness - Persistent delay in emptying the bladder can cause it to stretch beyond its normal capacity, weakening the muscular walls. A stretched bladder may struggle to contract properly, potentially leading to urinary retention (difficulty emptying fully) or incontinence (unintended leakage). This weakening happens because the bladder muscles are not being used in a regular, healthy pattern, causing them to lose strength.
• Kidney stress and back-up effects - Urine normally flows in one direction, away from the kidneys and into the bladder. But when the bladder stays overly full, this flow can be disrupted. In some cases, urine may begin to flow back towards the kidneys, a condition known as vesicoureteral reflux, placing stress on the kidneys. Over time, this stress can contribute to kidney damage or infection if the problem persists.

 

"Many people also assume that their bladder may burst if they hold their pee in for so long. While a spontaneous urinary bladder rupture is possible, there is generally an underlying cause of the rupture, such as a blockage that prevents the bladder from voiding," informs Dr Gupta.

 

While serious complications are uncommon if it happens occasionally, making a habit of holding strong urges can raise long-term risk.

 

Pain, discomfort and focus loss

 

Even if you avoid serious complications, holding your pee isn’t just physically uncomfortable; it can affect your wellbeing.

• A full bladder can cause pelvic or abdominal pain, muscle cramping and persistent pressure
• Some experts note that a constantly full bladder sends repeated signals to the brain, leading to mental distraction, reduced focus and low-level stress

This means your comfort and cognitive performance can take a hit long before any medical condition appears.

 

Regularly delaying urination can also contribute to:

• Pelvic floor muscle damage, which supports bladder control
• Bladder stones, formed when minerals crystallise in retained urine

 

Healthiest way to handle nature’s call

 

Experts agree that occasional holding, such as during a long meeting, won’t cause lasting harm. But making a habit of ignoring the urge to go can carry cumulative risks.

 

A simple rule of thumb - when you feel the urge to urinate, it’s usually best to respond sooner rather than later. Not only does this support urinary and kidney health, it also keeps you more comfortable and focused throughout your day.

 

Moreover, if you’re noticing frequent discomfort, pain while peeing, or other urinary symptoms, it’s wise to speak to a healthcare professional. Early attention can help prevent minor habits from turning into medical concerns.   

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This report is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.