Showering is not just for hygiene for many people; it is about self-care, downtime, and relaxing. From a health perspective, showers can have benefits and some downsides, like the cleanliness of the washroom, the products you are using, etc. Sometimes, a neglected shower soap or an expired shampoo bottle could be the reason you fall sick. Another thing you must be careful about is the porcelain floors and slippery tiles as they can be a health hazard. In a recent post, a doctor pointed out another thing that could be a surprising factor of health concern in the showers: urinating. Doctors have issued a warning for people who may be in the habit of urinating while standing in the shower. While it may seem like a harmless activity, may be a bit uncomfortable to talk about, it can have health consequences you may not have considered. How Does Urinating In The Showers Put Your Health At Risk? American urogynaecologist Dr. Teresa Irwin, a board certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS), took to the social media platform TikTok to advise people against this practice, which polls suggest is quite common, with 60-80% of the public reportedly admitting to it. In her video, Dr Irwin explained that peeing while showering can train the brain to associate the sound of running water with the urge to urinate. Running Water Can Trigger Unwanted Urge Speaking to her followers, Dr Irwin drew comparisons between this habit with the Pavlov's dog experiment, where the sound of a bell triggered salivation. She explained that over time, every time you hear running water – whether washing hands, showering, or doing dishes – your bladder might start to feel the urge to empty, even if it's not truly full. Dr Irwin cautioned that this learned association could disrupt the body's natural internal control over the bladder in the long run. This disruption might lead to more frequent and unnecessary trips to the toilet as the bladder becomes overly sensitive to the sound of running water. Dr Irwin also pointed out potential health hazards specifically for women who urinate while standing in the shower. She mentioned an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and, in more severe scenarios, even kidney failure. Why Shouldn’t Women Urinating Standing Up? Unlike men, whose bladder is supported by the prostate when urinating while standing, women lack this anatomical support. Dr Irwin explained that women who try to urinate while standing put extra strain on their pelvic floor muscles, which can hinder the bladder from emptying completely. Dr Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist who shares informative videos on social media explains that there can be more consequences for women urinating upright. She explains a pelvic floor therapist based in Boston, has previously supported the idea that women's bodies are "not designed to pee standing up." She explained that the pelvic floor muscles won't relax correctly in that position, making it difficult to fully empty the bladder. While the primary concerns are related to bladder control and potential UTIs, there's also a minor risk of skin infection. If there are open wounds on the lower body, bacteria present in the urine could potentially cause an infection. However, experts suggest this risk is relatively low as the shower water should wash the urine away.