The urinary system, comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, each plays a distinct role. The kidneys filter blood to produce urine, which then flows to the bladder for temporary storage before being expelled. When the volume of urine in the bladder reaches a certain level, nerves send signals to the brain, creating the urge to urinate. This is a normal physiological mechanism that helps the body eliminate waste and reduce pressure on the urinary tract.

Some individuals frequently hold their urine due to work demands, long journeys, or reluctance to use public restrooms. Master of Science, Doctor Cao Vinh Duy of the Urology Department, Center for Urology - Nephrology - Andrology, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, warns that consistently maintaining this habit places significant stress on the urinary system.

Doctor Duy examines and consults a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Excessive bladder distension is a common consequence of holding urine. When urine is held for too long, the bladder must continuously stretch to accommodate the additional fluid. If this occurs frequently, the bladder muscles gradually lose elasticity and their ability to contract effectively. Over time, patients may experience incomplete emptying, intermittent urination, difficulty urinating, or frequent urination with small volumes. Severe cases can lead to acute urinary retention, where the bladder is full but unable to empty naturally, requiring intervention for urine drainage.

Urinary tract infections are another risk. Normally, the flow of urine helps flush bacteria out of the body. When urine is retained in the bladder for too long, bacteria have more time to grow and multiply, leading to cystitis or urinary tract infections with symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urges, cloudy urine, unpleasant odor, or lower abdominal pain. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, patients may experience high fever, flank pain, and impaired kidney function. This condition is more common in women due to their shorter urethra, which facilitates easier bacterial entry.

Urine reflux to the kidneys can also result from prolonged urine retention. Increased bladder pressure can cause urine to reflux back up the ureters and into the kidneys. In the long term, this can lead to hydronephrosis, increasing the risk of kidney infections and impairing blood filtration. Individuals with pre-existing urinary conditions or reduced kidney function are at a higher risk.

The formation of urinary stones is another potential issue. When urine remains in the urinary tract for too long, minerals are more prone to precipitation. Individuals who habitually hold their urine often also drink less water to reduce restroom visits, leading to more concentrated urine. This creates a favorable environment for stones to form and grow.

Doctor Duy advises against intentionally holding urine when the body signals a need to void. For individuals with existing urinary conditions such as stones, overactive bladder, prostate enlargement, or urinary tract infections, prolonged urine retention can exacerbate their condition, increasing the risk of urinary retention, infections, and impaired kidney function.

To protect the urinary system, everyone should drink sufficient water, maintain regular urination habits, and seek early medical attention for abnormal signs such as painful urination, blood in urine, flank pain, or fever accompanied by painful or frequent urination.

Dinh Lam