Doctor Doan Du Manh, from the Vietnam Vascular Society, issued this warning as many people waiting for concerts or parades hold their urine for extended periods. "Frequently holding your pee can harm your kidneys and urinary tract," Dr. Manh said. Holding it for too long can also lead to nephritis, a cause of kidney failure, especially for those with pre-existing kidney conditions.

The bladder acts as a reservoir for urine, expanding when full and contracting when empty. A healthy adult bladder can hold 500 ml of urine.

The urge to urinate typically occurs when the bladder reaches 300-400 ml. With normal fluid intake, a person urinates 6-7 times a day, roughly every 3-4 hours.

Holding your pee increases the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney disease. Stagnant urine in the bladder creates a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to bladder infections. In extreme cases, bacteria-laden urine can reflux into the kidneys via the ureters, causing chronic nephritis.

The risk is higher if you don't drink enough water. When dehydrated, the bladder doesn't fill enough to trigger the urge to urinate, trapping bacteria in the urinary tract.

Thousands of people with raincoats and umbrellas shelter from the rain on Lieu Giai Street, welcoming the convoy of soldiers passing by on 24/8. Photo: Thanh Tung

Thousands of people with raincoats and umbrellas shelter from the rain on Lieu Giai Street, welcoming the convoy of soldiers passing by on 24/8. Photo: Thanh Tung

Doctor Nguyen Van Thanh, from the Department of Internal Medicine at Hanoi Medical University, said that while he doesn't encourage urinating at the very first urge, as this can create a bad habit of frequent urination, he also advises against regularly holding urine for extended periods.

"Instead of limiting fluid intake to avoid bathroom breaks, drink small sips of water frequently to stay hydrated," Dr. Thanh advises. He also suggests adding electrolyte powder to replenish fluids and electrolytes.

Doctors recommend urinating every 2-3 hours to prevent the bladder from becoming too full. If you experience difficulties urinating, blood in your urine, urinary retention, incontinence, or loss of the urge to urinate, consult a urologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Thuy Quynh