The doctor explains why they believe women should never pee in the shower

The doctor explains why they believe women should never pee in the shower

The ongoing debate about whether or not to pee in the shower has led to mixed reactions. Many individuals advocate for this law, citing the significant water savings it will bring. From a medical perspective, however, Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a pelvic health specialist, prior to this practice, particularly for those assigned female at birth.

In this article, we will delve into this topic in depth, outlining the pros and cons, health impacts, and the significant water savings involved. By the end, you should have a thorough understanding of the debate and be able to make an informed decision.

Understanding the water saving argument

One of the most compelling reasons for peeing in the shower is the possibility of significant water savings. By synchronizing your daily shower with a single urination, you can save up to 2,190 liters (579 gallons) of toilet water annually. If the entire U.S. population adopted this practice, the resulting water savings would amount to 699 billion liters (185 billion gallons) per year. These numbers suggest significant environmental benefits if everyone took part in this seemingly unconventional habit.

But does this habit pose any health risks?

The Health Impact: Understanding Your Pelvic Floor

Although the argument for saving water seems compelling, it is important to examine the potential health impacts.

Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a leading pelvic health expert, addresses the issue in her TikTok video. She explains the potential damage to the pelvic floor and bladder fitness when peeing in the shower becomes a habit.

@thepelvicdancefloor Reply to @gwas007 on why you shouldn't pee in the shower (probably part 1 of several?) #learnontiktok #tiktokpartner ♬ Similar Sensation (Instrumental) – BLVKSHP

The Pavlovian Association

Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas draws a fascinating comparison to Pavlov's dog experiment, illustrating how our brains create associations over time. Pavlov conditioned dogs to associate the ringing of a bell with feeding time, which eventually led to the dogs salivating at the mere sound of a bell, regardless of whether food was present.

Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas translates this to the act of peeing in the shower, explaining, "When you pee in the shower or turn on the faucet or turn on the shower and then sit on the toilet while the water is running, you are creating something." an association in your brain between the sound of running water and the need to pee.”

Possible consequences

This connection, especially when combined with pelvic floor dysfunction, could lead to unforeseen problems with urination. If you have pelvic floor dysfunction and regularly pee in the shower, you may find yourself peeing involuntarily when you hear the sound of running water. This can happen when you hear a stream, someone turns on the faucet, or even when you flush the toilet.

In addition, inadequate emptying of the bladder can lead to health problems. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas notes, "Even in that Captain Morgan pose [one leg up high], your pelvic floor won't relax properly, which means you won't be able to empty your bladder very well."

Sitting in the shower: is that a solution?

When asked whether you should squat in the shower to urinate, Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas said in a follow-up video that it's still better to resist the urge to pee in the shower. However, if you absolutely have to pee, you will need to squat all the way down to properly relax your pelvic floor.

@thepelvicdancefloor Reply to @manonlucielavers ♬ Original sound – The Pelvic Dance Floor

The toilet flushing phenomenon

When asked why flushing the toilet doesn't trigger the urge to pee, Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas explains: “When you flush the toilet, you have already peed, so no such association arises.” She also noted that the intensity of a blister trigger varies from person to person. So if you can't stop yourself from peeing in the shower, it could indicate an underlying problem.

Unpacking Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Deeper Look

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that affects a significant portion of the population, particularly those assigned female at birth. Here are a few quick facts:

• Der Beckenboden ist eine Gruppe von Muskeln, die Organe wie Blase, Gebärmutter (bei Frauen), Prostata (bei Männern) und Rektum unterstützen.
• Wenn diese Muskeln schwach oder angespannt werden, kann dies zu einer Funktionsstörung des Beckenbodens führen.
• Zu den Symptomen gehören Harn- und Darminkontinenz, Schmerzen im unteren Rückenbereich und Beschwerden beim Geschlechtsverkehr.
• Mehrere Faktoren können zu dieser Erkrankung beitragen, darunter Geburt, Operation, Alterung, Fettleibigkeit und anstrengende Aktivitäten.

Because peeing in the shower can worsen symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, it's important to understand these effects before making it a habit.

Urine around the toilet floor? (7 Rea…

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Urine around the toilet floor? (7 reasons but 100% fixed!)

Beyond general health considerations, it is important to consider the specific health implications for those assigned female at birth. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas explains that people with female anatomy are not designed to pee standing up. Therefore, peeing in the shower can lead to pelvic health issues.

Urinating while standing can prevent the pelvic floor muscles from relaxing properly. As a result, the bladder may not empty completely, leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other urinary problems.

Weighing the pros and cons

Given the extensive information, it's important to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision about whether or not to pee in the shower:

Advantages

• Erhebliche Wassereinsparung: Durch das Pinkeln unter der Dusche kann jährlich eine erhebliche Menge Wasser eingespart werden.
• Schnell und bequem: Für viele ist es eine Frage der Bequemlichkeit.

Disadvantages

• Mögliche Gesundheitsrisiken: Pinkeln unter der Dusche kann zu Funktionsstörungen des Beckenbodens und Problemen mit der Blasenkontrolle führen.
• Assoziation mit fließendem Wasser: Es besteht die Gefahr einer Pawlowschen Reaktion, die zu unwillkürlichem Wasserlassen führen kann, wenn Sie fließendes Wasser hören.
• Nicht ganz hygienisch: Obwohl Urin größtenteils steril ist, kann er dennoch schädliche Bakterien enthalten, die das Infektionsrisiko erhöhen können.

Diploma

The debate about whether you should pee in the shower is varied. While the potential for significant water savings cannot be ignored, the potential health impacts are a concern. The findings of Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas are an important reminder to consider the long-term effects of our habits on our health. As we strive for sustainability, we cannot ignore the importance of maintaining our personal health and well-being. Although the final decision rests with each individual, it is always advisable to make decisions based on knowledge and understanding.

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