Why you should not pee in the bathtub

Passing urine is a natural process of eliminating waste from the body. Many euphemisms for urinating include: pee, piss, take a leak, use the johns, and plenty more.

Each of us has our favourite. And then there is the matter of where to pee. Most of us pee in a formally designated place, like the toilet. But you will find folk peeing almost anywhere, and everywhere. The shower isn’t an exemption.

But is peeing in the shower unhealthy?

The general medical consensus is that it isn’t. Showers have rapidly flowing water. If you happen to piss at the same time as you take a shower, the urine will be diluted by the flowing water and get washed down the drains.

If you have passed out any infective microbes, they won’t be left hanging around the shower waiting for somebody else to come through. Nothing will be passed on from one person to the next.

Others have argued whether peeing while standing is in any way detrimental to bladder control mechanisms. It isn’t really applicable in men as the natural way for them is to pee while standing. What about women? More effort may be required to relax the pelvic muscles in a standing position when women want to pee, eventually causing a strain and incomplete bladder emptying. The counterargument is that in a warm shower, its easy to relax the pelvic muscles and the urinary sphincters, allowing the urine just to flow out effortlessly. No harm caused.

But what about those who favour bathtubs rather than standing showers? Matters are completely different when it comes to bathtubs. Water tends to be more stagnant in bathtubs, and many people spend a considerable amount of time immersed in the water and enjoying their baths.

If you pee in a bathtub, the mostly stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for any bacteria that may thrive from the products of your pee. Such organisms may eventually find their way into your urethra, or the vagina in women. Don’t piss into a bathtub, and tell others not to.

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In the grand scheme of your health, where you choose to pee is mostly of little relevance. Observe sensible social etiquette and pee in appropriate places.

This more so for men who tend to pee anywhere, in total disregard of common decency and respect for bystanders. Beware of any unusual smell and color of your urine, or any discomfort as you pee. Such symptoms usually warrant a medical check.

Dr Alfred Murage is a Consultant Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist.