Our body knows how much accumulates because the wall of the bladder is full of small receptors that send a message to our brain when the bladder reaches its maximum capacity.

Fortunately, most of us have full control over bladder function, so when we receive this message, we can choose to relieve ourselves immediately or keep it a bit, whatever the circumstance (there is no bathroom nearby, we go in Car…).

But what exactly are we doing with our body when we retain all that urine?

It is normal to try to hold back the urge to urinate from time to time.

The normal bladder capacity is about 2 cups of fluid and even less for a child. The bladder can stretch to hold more than this, but doing it too often can be dangerous.

Consequences of holding the pee too long

In a healthy adult, occasionally holding urine will not cause problems, but there may be some unwanted effects if it becomes a habit. When the bladder is half filled with fluid, it sends a signal to the brain that it is time to urinate. The brain creates the urge to urinate while telling the bladder to hold on. There are no hard and fast rules about how and when it’s safe to hold pee. And some people may be more prone to side effects than others.

Possible side effects

1. Pain

People who regularly ignore the urge to urinate may experience bladder or kidney pain. Even peeing can hurt. The muscles can also remain partially tight after urine is released, which can lead to pelvic cramps.

2. Urinary tract infection

In some cases, holding your urine for too long can cause bacteria to multiply. This can lead to a urinary tract infection. The advice not to hold the pee too long is especially valid if the individual has a history of frequent urinary infections.
People who do not drink enough fluids may be more likely to develop a urinary tract infection, as the bladder does not tell the body to urinate often enough. This can cause bacteria to spread through the urinary tract, leading to an infection. Symptoms include: burning or stinging during urination, strong or foul urine, or bloody / very dark urine.

3. Stretching the bladder

In the long term, holding your urine regularly can cause your bladder to stretch. This can make it difficult or impossible for the bladder to contract and release urine normally . If this happens, additional measures may be necessary, such as a catheter.

4. Damage to the pelvic floor muscles

Frequently holding back urine can damage your pelvic floor muscles. One of these muscles is the urethral sphincter, which keeps the urethra closed, to prevent urine from leaking. Damaging this muscle could lead to urinary incontinence. Doing pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel, can help strengthen these muscles and prevent leakage or repair muscle loss.

5. Kidney stones

Retention in urine can cause kidney stones to form in people with a history of the condition, or people who have a high mineral content in their urine.

Can the bladder burst?

A common myth is that the bladder will burst if a person holds on to pee too long. Although this is extremely rare, it is possible. The bladder is much more likely to simply override the muscles that hold urine, causing the person to accidentally pee.

So to summarize, withholding pee occasionally doesn’t have to cause harm. However, doing it regularly can increase the risk of infection or other complications.