Additionally, from a pelvic floor perspective, the position for peeing in the shower is not conducive to pelvic floor relaxation, Dr Jeffrey-Thomas states. “Your pelvic floor isn't going to relax appropriately, which means that you aren't really going to be emptying your bladder super well,” she says in the video.
“Peeing in the shower isn't recommended for pelvic floor function,” says Stephanie Taylor, Intimate Health Expert and Founder of Kegel8.
You may develop a prolapse. Over time, consistent pushing when you pee (or poop) may cause your pelvic floor muscles to weaken, leading to pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where one of your pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus, or rectum) collapses into the vaginal canal. You could develop, or worsen, hemorrhoids.
“When you are not sitting properly while peeing, you are making the pelvic floor weak… It is important that the floor of the pelvis stays strong, otherwise these organs can fall out,” she warned.
Factors that put pressure on the pelvic floor.
These factors include overweight or obesity, chronic constipation or chronic straining to have a bowel movement, heavy lifting, and chronic coughing from smoking or health problems.
It is important to be able to control your pelvic floor and successfully do Kegels or pelvic floor contractions just as it's important to be able to relax your pelvic floor. However, practicing while you are urinating is not the answer; it will only confuse your body.
Having to work hard to push your urine out can also lead to other problems such as hemorrhoids or a worsening of hernia symptoms, explains Dr. Brito.
Squatting over instead of sitting down on the toilet can change the mechanics of urinating; over time that can increase the risk of lowering urinary tract symptoms including pelvic floor dysfunction and infections.
Should guys wipe after they pee? While most men are content with shaking after they pee, it's a good idea to make a small wipe or dab to ensure that there is no remaining urine. This will help keep your urethra and your undies clean!
Maybe you don't pee in the shower. But you almost certainly know someone who does: A recent study found that a minority of 48 percent of Americans claim to never do this, while 52 percent of us readily admit to it. And for good reason—peeing in the shower really isn't as gross as it's made out to be.
In addition, as gross as it might sound, surveys have shown that around 70% of all people pee in the shower. That urine can become trapped if not cleaned away properly, causing an ammonia smell to build.
Try to urinate at least once every 3 to 4 hours. Holding urine in your bladder for too long can weaken your bladder muscles and make a bladder infection more likely. Be in a relaxed position while urinating. Relaxing the muscles around the bladder will make it easier to empty the bladder.
To do Kegels, imagine you are sitting on a marble and tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're lifting the marble. Try it for three seconds at a time, then relax for a count of three.
When we hold our urine by contracting the sphincter against an already strained bladder, the bladder wall can thicken and break down the normal one-way mechanism of urine flow from the kidneys into the bladder. This can increase the risk of infection and lead to long-term kidney and bladder issues.
Contract your pelvic floor muscle by imagining that you are stopping the flow of urine. You should be able to feel a squeezing and lifting sensation around your finger. If, after performing these self-exams, you were able to see and feel your muscles contracting, congratulations!
Keep doing the exercises, but do not increase how many you do. Overdoing it can lead to straining when you urinate or move your bowels. Some notes of caution: Once you learn how to do them, do not practice Kegel exercises at the same time you are urinating more than twice a month.
When Kegels are done properly, consistently, and in adequate volume, improvement in pelvic floor strength and symptoms of incontinence (weak bladder control) or pelvic organ prolapse should be noted around 6-8 weeks.
Pelvic pain, discomfort, or a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen or pelvis for six months or longer is one of the main symptoms of pelvic floor tension myalgia.
Lie on your back with the soles of your feet together and knees out to the sides. This should be a relaxing position.
Signs of a tight pelvic floor:
Difficulty with starting your stream with urination. Spraying urine while peeing or having a wildly unpredictable stream. Dribbling after you pee or feeling like you have to pee again right after you go. Constipation and/or very skinny poops.
Your pelvic floor can be damaged when sitting, and if it's damaged, it can lead to urinary or fecal incontinence. Incontinence is defined as the loss of bowel or bladder control, and it can interrupt your quality of life.
Wearing very tight pants, regardless of if they are high-waisted or low-waisted pants, can interfere with proper pelvic and lower limb blood flow, and nerve conduction.