Urinating in the Shower May Be Harmful... "Linked to Multitasking Obsession"

Expert: "Avoid the Habit of Urinating in the Shower"
"Urinary Tract Infections and Even Kidney Failure May Occur in Severe Cases"

Experts have warned that urinating in the shower may be harmful not only to bathroom hygiene but also to your health.

On May 17, American urologist Dr. Teresa Irwin stated in a video posted on social media platform TikTok that people should avoid the habit of urinating in the shower, a practice that about 60% to 80% of the general population engages in.

Dr. Irwin explained, "If you frequently urinate while showering, your brain may start to associate the sound of running water with the urge to urinate. As a result, you might feel the need to urinate just by hearing water running, such as when washing your hands or doing the dishes."

She warned that this could affect bladder control and potentially lead to overactive bladder.

Women may be at greater risk than men. The standing position used to urinate puts strain on the pelvic floor muscles, which can prevent the bladder from emptying completely. This, in turn, can cause urinary retention (when urine remains in the bladder), urinary tract infections, and, in severe cases, even kidney failure.

Pelvic floor therapist Dr. Elisha Jeffrey Thomas explained, "The female body is not designed to urinate while standing."

The risk of skin infection was also highlighted.

Although the urine of healthy individuals is typically sterile, in cases of urinary tract infection or cystitis, bacteria present in the urine can cause infection if they come into contact with skin wounds.

However, experts added that the risk of infection is generally low, since the running water during a shower washes away the urine.

According to foreign media outlets such as the New York Post, American polling company Talker Research released the results of a survey in March that examined the age groups and rates of people who urinate in the shower.

In this survey of 2,000 Americans, 25% of millennials (born 1981-1996) reported urinating in the shower, a higher percentage than any other generation.

Among Generation X (born 1965-1980), 13% said they urinate in the shower, while only 6% of baby boomers (born 1946-1964) reported doing so.

There were also differences by gender. The survey found that 30% of men and 20% of women urinate in the shower. In particular, men were more likely to view the act as a natural behavior.

Clint Cryder, an American marriage and family therapist, said, "The habit of urinating in the shower may be related to psychological factors," adding, "It could be linked to the modern obsession with multitasking." He continued, "It reflects a desire to use time efficiently even during moments that should be restful," and noted, "This may be a sign of deep anxiety about a lack of time among modern people."