Don't Make Holding Your Urine a Habit

NIH's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says regularly holding urine in can wear out your bladder muscles, and you are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection if you hold it in. Its advice is simple: use the bathroom whenever you have an urge to go.

The institute says people often hold their urine because it is not a good time to go. But it says UTIs can cause urinary retention, a condition where the bladder does not empty the way it should. You cannot always prevent urinary retention, according to NIDDK, but you can lower your chances of developing it.

It suggests staying in tune with your body. If it becomes easier to delay the bathroom and you stretch out the time between trips, NIDDK says you may gradually stretch out your bladder. It also says to note if it becomes harder to begin urinating or you feel you cannot completely empty your bladder, which may be early signs of urinary retention.

NIDDK adds that retention commonly develops after surgery or a serious back injury, either right away or over time. It says to talk with your health care professional if you notice any of these signs, since getting help early may keep the condition from becoming more severe.

Other habits help too, the institute says. Pelvic floor exercises, also called Kegel exercises, can strengthen those muscles and improve bladder and bowel function for both men and women. Getting enough fiber, drinking plenty of water and staying physically active can help prevent constipation, which NIDDK says can also lead to urinary retention.