We’ve all been there.

Drinking in the park or in an outdoor space with no decent bathroom in sight.

Either the brave go where they want or, like most, we wait for some miracle in the cabin.

a healthy bladder it can hold up to one and a half cups of urine, which is great news when you’ve only had a few sips of something, but not good news when you’ve been drinking all day.

Experts warn of the dangers of holding urine for long periods of time, which could increase the risk of a number of diseases and health problems.



Health hazards associated with urinary retention

If your urinary system is healthy, retaining urine is usually not dangerous.

If you are an adult and your bladder contains more than two cups of urine, you may start to feel uncomfortable.

Under certain circumstances, holding urine for a long time can be dangerous.

Experts warn that if you have any of these health conditions, holding urine is not a good idea.

These include:

  • enlarged prostate
  • neurogenic bladder
  • Kidney ailments
  • Urinary retention.

kidney disease

When we hold urine, the bladder shrinks and the lining begins to thicken.

A rupture will also occur when the normal one-way mechanism of urine flow from the kidneys to the bladder is disrupted.

This, in turn, increases the risk of infection and could lead to long-term kidney and bladder problems.

urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) they are more likely in those who retain urine.

“Many doctors recommend avoiding holding urine for long periods of time because it can increase the risk of UTIs, especially if a person has a history of frequent UTIs,” says Medical News Today.

The health site added: “People who don’t drink enough fluids may be more likely to develop a urinary tract infection because the bladder doesn’t tell the body to urinate often enough.

“This can cause the bacteria to spread into the urinary tract and cause infections.”

Symptoms of a UTI include:

  • A burning or tingling sensation when urinating
  • Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
  • A constant need to empty the bladder
  • Strong or foul-smelling urine
  • Cloudy or discolored urine
  • Always urine dark
  • bloody urine