Health Expert Warns Against Peeing in the Shower: Here’s Why

A recent discussion on social media has brought attention to a common bathroom habit—peeing in the shower. Pelvic floor specialist Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas addressed this issue in a TikTok video, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with the practice. Her insights highlight not only personal hygiene concerns but also the broader implications for bladder health.

In her video, Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas responded to a viewer’s comment questioning the health implications of urinating while showering. She explained that this behavior could create an unhealthy association in the brain. Drawing on the well-known Pavlov’s dog experiment, she noted that just as dogs learned to associate a bell with food, individuals can start to associate the sound of running water with the urge to urinate. This connection can lead to uncontrollable urges in other situations, such as washing hands or swimming.

Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas elaborated, stating, “You’re creating an association in your brain between the sound of running water and having to pee.” This learned behavior could lead to a condition known as pelvic floor dysfunction, which makes it difficult to control urination at inappropriate times.

For individuals assigned female at birth, Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas pointed out that the anatomy makes it less conducive to urinate while standing. “Your pelvic floor can’t relax appropriately,” she explained, which can result in incomplete bladder emptying. Instead, she advises people to urinate before entering the shower and to ignore any urges that arise during the showering process.

This perspective has generated mixed reactions on social media. Some commenters expressed their intent to conserve water by urinating in the shower, insisting that it is not a significant issue. However, hygiene expert @madamesweat supported Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas’s caution, reinforcing that this behavior can lead to negative habits. “A urogynaecologist suggests that it’s habit-forming, and it’s not a habit that you want to form,” she stated.

Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas’s advice serves as a reminder that seemingly innocuous habits can have long-term repercussions for bladder health and pelvic floor function. By addressing this topic, experts aim to promote better practices that support overall health and hygiene.

In summary, while peeing in the shower may seem harmless, its potential effects on bladder health warrant consideration. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas and other health professionals encourage individuals to cultivate healthier habits, such as using the toilet prior to showering, to avoid complicating their bladder health in the future.