A medical expert has issued a stark warning about a common toilet routine practised by millions, suggesting it could be setting people up for long-term bladder problems and increased anxiety.
The 'Just in Case' Habit We Need to Break
Most of us were taught from a young age to visit the bathroom before leaving the house, a pre-emptive move to avoid being caught short. This well-intentioned advice, often given by parents, has become a deeply ingrained habit for countless adults, especially before embarking on a journey.
However, Doctor Daria Sadovskaya, a specialist in immunology and nephrology, has used social media to challenge this practice. In a TikTok video, she explains that forcing yourself to urinate without a genuine urge can be detrimental to your bladder's health.
How Forcing the Issue Harms Your Bladder
Dr Sadovskaya clarifies that the bladder operates as a sophisticated muscle-nerve organ. When it fills to a certain capacity, it sends natural signals to your nervous system, creating the authentic sensation that you need to go.
The core of the problem lies in conditioning. If you repeatedly empty your bladder when it's only partially full—simply 'just in case'—you train your nervous system to trigger the urge to urinate at lower and lower volumes. Over time, this can lead to a hypersensitive bladder.
The consequences, as outlined by the doctor, include more frequent and urgent needs to use the toilet, a persistent feeling of needing to go, travel-related anxiety, and increased tension in the pelvic floor muscles.
Public Reaction and Clarifying the Advice
The revelation surprised many of Dr Sadovskaya's followers, with numerous comments confirming they had always followed the 'just in case' rule unaware of any potential harm. Some viewers misunderstood the guidance, thinking they were being told to hold it in when they genuinely needed to go.
The crucial clarification is this: you should always heed a real, natural urge to urinate. The warning is specifically against pre-emptively going when you feel no physical need, which disrupts the bladder's normal training and function.
Official Guidance for a Healthy Bladder
Charity Bladder and Bowel UK supports this medical advice. They state that emptying your bladder should be in response to nature's call, which for a well-hydrated person typically occurs every two to three hours.
They warn that holding on for excessively long periods can also be harmful, potentially leading to incomplete emptying and a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Regarding the 'just in case' habit, the charity explains: "If you go too often when you do not need to pass urine, then the bladder can eventually become smaller and therefore hold less, increasing the need to go to the toilet more often."
To maintain good bladder health, they recommend hydrating with:
- Water
- Diluted cordial or squash
- Diluted fruit juice
- Fruit and herbal teas
- Red bush tea
Beverages to limit or avoid include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, and energy drinks
- Fizzy drinks
For more detailed information on maintaining bladder health, you can visit the Bladder and Bowel UK website.
