Many people hesitate to wake up at night to urinate, choosing instead to hold it and force themselves back to sleep to avoid interrupting their rest. However, this seemingly temporary physiological suppression is, in fact, silently initiating a cascade of mechanical, neurological, and infectious disorders. According to Dr. Nguyen Vinh Binh, Head of Urology Department at Xuyen A General Hospital in TP HCM, this repeated habit directly harms the urinary system and kidney function.

Mechanically, the bladder's elasticity allows it to hold up to 900 to 1,500 ml of urine. However, maintaining this distended state for many hours overnight can lead to bladder muscle paralysis, chronic urinary retention, overflow incontinence, and even the dangerous risk of bladder rupture.

Urination is a natural mechanism for the body to eliminate waste and cleanse the urinary tract. Holding urine causes stagnation, creating an environment for bacteria to multiply and increasing the risk of acute cystitis. Symptoms of acute cystitis include painful or frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, and cloudy or bloody urine. If prolonged, this condition can develop into chronic interstitial cystitis, causing persistent pelvic pain, and also heighten the risk of mineral crystallization, forming bladder or kidney stones that can lead to obstruction and severe colicky pain.

More dangerously, prolonged urine retention increases bladder pressure, causing urine to reflux into the kidneys. This creates conditions for bacteria to cause kidney inflammation, fibrosis, impaired function, and progression to chronic kidney failure, leading to body intoxication.

Holding urine at night harms the urinary system, damages kidneys, and increases the risk of infection and stones. Illustration: Pexels

Dr. Binh specifically notes that this habit is more dangerous for certain groups, particularly pregnant women. An enlarged uterus directly compresses the bladder, reducing its capacity. If a pregnant woman tries to hold urine, the distended bladder can, in turn, compress the uterus. Furthermore, a urinary tract infection could stimulate the cervix, potentially triggering contractions that lead to miscarriage or preterm birth.

The second group at risk is men over 50 years old, who often experience benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition compresses the urethra and causes difficult urination, making it very easy for holding urine to lead to acute urinary retention.

To protect the urinary system, the doctor advises people to urinate immediately when they feel the urge. It is recommended to drink enough water, distributed throughout the day, and to limit excessive fluid intake, especially caffeinated beverages and alcohol, 2 hours before bedtime. Additionally, establishing a habit of completely emptying the bladder before going to bed is crucial.

Individuals who frequently experience difficult or painful urination, notice abnormal urine, or feel their bladder has not completely emptied should consult a urologist for timely examination and treatment.

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