The ongoing discourse regarding whether or not to pee in the shower has spurred a variety of responses. Many individuals argue in favor of this act, pointing towards the significant water savings it yields. However, a medical perspective provided by Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a pelvic health specialist, cautions against this practice, particularly for those assigned female at birth.
In this article, we will explore this issue in-depth, outlining the pros and cons, the health implications, and the significant water savings involved. By the end, you should have a well-rounded understanding of the debate and be able to make an informed decision.
Understanding the Water Saving Argument
One of the most compelling reasons for peeing in the shower is the potential for substantial water conservation. By syncing your daily shower with a single instance of urination, you could save up to 2,190 liters (579 gallons) of toilet water annually. If the entire population of the US adopted this practice, the resulting water savings would amount to 699 billion liters (185 billion gallons) annually. These figures indicate a considerable environmental benefit if everyone were to take part in this seemingly unconventional habit.
But does this habit carry any health risks?
The Health Implications: Understanding Your Pelvic Floor
While the water-saving argument seems persuasive, it’s essential to examine the potential health implications.
Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a leading expert on pelvic health, addresses the issue in her TikTok video . She explains the potential harm to one’s pelvic floor and bladder fitness when peeing in the shower becomes a habit.
@thepelvicdancefloor Reply to @gwas007 why you shouldn’t pee in the shower (probably part 1 of multiple?) #learnontiktok#tiktokpartner♬ Similar Sensation (Instrumental) – BLVKSHP
The Pavlovian Association
Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas makes a fascinating comparison to the Pavlov’s dog experiment highlighting how our brains create associations over time. Pavlov conditioned dogs to associate a ringing bell with feeding time, eventually leading the dogs to salivate at the mere sound of a bell, regardless of food presence.
Translating this to the act of peeing in the shower, Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas explains, “If you pee in the shower or turn on the faucet, or turn on the shower and then sit on the toilet while the water’s running, you are creating an association in your brain between the sound of running water and having to pee.”
Potential Consequences
This association, especially coupled with pelvic floor dysfunction, could lead to some unforeseen urinary issues. If you have pelvic floor dysfunction and habitually pee in the shower, you might find yourself involuntarily peeing when encountering the sound of running water. This could occur when you hear a stream, someone turning on a tap, or even when you flush the toilet.
In addition to this, not emptying your bladder effectively can pose potential health problems. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas notes, “Even in this Captain Morgan pose [one leg up high] your pelvic floor isn’t going to relax appropriately, which means that you aren’t going to be emptying your bladder super well.”
Squatting in the Shower: Is it a Solution?
In response to the query about squatting in the shower to urinate, Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas explains in a follow-up video that it’s still better to resist the urge to pee while showering. However, if you absolutely must pee, you need to squat all the way down to relax your pelvic floor properly.
@thepelvicdancefloor Reply to @manonlucielavers ♬ original sound – The Pelvic Dance Floor
The Toilet Flushing Phenomenon
In response to the question of why flushing the toilet doesn’t trigger the urge to pee, Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas clarified that “when the toilet is flushed, you have already peed, so it’s not creating that association.” She also noted that the intensity of a bladder trigger varies by the individual. Therefore, if you find it impossible to stop yourself from peeing in the shower, it could indicate an underlying issue.
Unpacking Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Deeper Look
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that affects a significant portion of the female population. Here are some quick facts:
- The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support organs like the bladder, uterus (in women), prostate (in men), and rectum.
- When these muscles become weak or tight, they can lead to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.
- Symptoms include urinary and bowel incontinence, lower back pain, and discomfort during intercourse.
- Several factors can contribute to this condition, including childbirth, surgery, aging, obesity, and high-impact activities.
With the potential for peeing in the shower to exacerbate symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, it is imperative to understand these implications before forming a habit.
Beyond the general health considerations, it’s vital to consider the unique health implications for those assigned female at birth. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas explains that individuals with female anatomy are not designed to pee standing up. Thus, peeing in the shower might contribute to pelvic health issues.
The act of urinating while standing may prevent the pelvic floor muscles from relaxing appropriately. As a result, the bladder may not empty completely, contributing to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other urinary issues.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Given the extensive information, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision about whether or not to pee in the shower:
Pros
- Significant water conservation: Peeing in the shower can save a substantial amount of water annually.
- Quick and convenient: For many, it’s a matter of convenience.
Cons
- Potential health risks: Peeing in the shower could contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder control issues.
- Association with running water: There’s a risk of creating a Pavlovian response that could lead to involuntary urination when you hear running water.
- Not entirely hygienic: Even though urine is mostly sterile, it can still contain harmful bacteria, which may increase the risk of infections .
Conclusion
The debate on whether to pee in the shower is multifaceted. While the potential for significant water conservation cannot be ignored, the possible health implications are a cause for concern. Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas’s insights serve as a crucial reminder to consider our habits’ long-term impacts on our health. As we strive for sustainability, let’s not overlook the importance of maintaining our personal health and wellbeing. While the final decision rests with each individual, it is always wise to make choices informed by knowledge and understanding.
