How Many Seconds Does It Take to Urinate? Why This Is No Laughing Matter

Holding in Urine or Urinating Too Often Can Harm the Bladder
The Ideal Frequency for Adults Is 4 to 8 Times a Day

Research has found that excessively holding in urine, or conversely, urinating too frequently, can negatively affect bladder health.

On July 7 (local time), the UK’s Daily Mail reported on the findings of a research team from the Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States. The team analyzed urination videos of various animals and derived what they called the "law of urination time consistency." This study previously won the Ig Nobel Prize, which recognizes achievements that combine humor and science.

Western-style toilet. Photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. Pixabay

According to the study, mammals weighing more than 3 kilograms take an average of about 21 seconds to urinate. However, experts emphasize through the media that these findings should not be dismissed as mere curiosity. Dr. Chris Blick, a British urologist, told the Daily Mail, "Repeatedly holding in urine can make the bladder more sensitive or weaken its function," adding, "It will eventually take longer to fully empty the bladder compared to the average."

The average adult bladder holds 400 to 600 milliliters of urine, and it is appropriate for humans to urinate 4 to 8 times a day. However, if the habit of holding in urine is repeated, the risk of urinary tract infections increases, and if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can worsen into kidney damage.

Previously, in 2020 in China, a man in his 40s experienced a ruptured bladder after holding in his urine for nearly 18 hours. It was found that he had fallen asleep after drinking alcohol and did not urinate for an extended period. Eventually, he was rushed to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. Medical examination revealed that his bladder had ruptured in three places, and part of his intestines had been pushed into the bladder. If not for emergency surgery by the medical team, his life could have been in danger.

On the other hand, urinating too frequently can lead to overactive bladder syndrome. This is a condition in which a person feels the urge to urinate even when the bladder is not full. Urination patterns become irregular, and quality of life deteriorates. Dr. Blick explained, "Excessive urination actually trains the bladder to hold less than the average capacity."