Experts explain we're weeing wrong as common habit can cause painful infections

01 January 2024 , 17:31

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Apparently many of us aren't weeing properly (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It's something most healthy individuals do around four to eight times a day, but it turns out experts say many of us are weeing wrong.

Despite being something you've been doing for decades, experts claim there are some mistakes we make when urinating that could have worrying consequences - including painful infections. According to the NHS, your bladder should normally hold 400-600ml, or a pint, of urine - so it makes sense that we need to go to the toilet several times a day.

Exactly how much, and how often you need to go to the toilet will depend on your bladder size. But one of the mistakes people make is waiting too long before they go to the toilet. According to Chris Blick, a consultant urological surgeon at the Princess Grace Hospital, a rule everyone should follow is to go as soon as you feel you need to - or risk a painful infection.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, he said: "Generally speaking you shouldn't force yourself to wait until you are desperate to urinate. Occasionally, this technique may be used as part of bladder retraining to support patients with overactive bladders. Holding on too much can be painful and, if you have a urine infection, can make you feel unwell."

However, on the flipside, some people tend to go to the toilet too often - and this can cause problems too. Another rule of thumb is to never force yourself to go urinate if you don't have to. Chris said: "This will potentially train your bladder to empty when it doesn't need to, and can create a habit leading to unwanted frequency of urination. Sometimes, for example before a long journey we may try to urinate if not full and this is unlikely to have any consequences."

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When you do go to the toilet, you shouldn't push to make sure you get all the urine out. According to the expert, your bladder works best when your pelvic floor muscles are relaxed. If you force it out, you could cause these muscles to weaken - and even a prolapse. If you feel the need to push wnen urinating, this could be a sign of obstruction, and you should see a doctor.

Lastly, you should make sure to always sit down to pee, unless you're a man. Hovering can also lead to a prolapse, according to the doctor. He explained that women who hover over the toilet seat risk their pelvic floor muscles tensing up, which means all the urine won't be emptied from the bladder.

However, for men who are fit and healthy, it doesn't matter if they stand or sit as their flow rate will be the same. If you have any trouble with urination, or have worrying symptoms such as problems storing urine, passing urine or feeling like you can't empty your bladder, you should see a GP.

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz