Medical professionals have dismissed the widely held belief that voluntarily holding in urine can lead to kidney disease, stating there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
In an interview with PUNCH HealthWise, Consultant Nephrologist Dr. Babawale Bello and Public Health Physician Dr. Aliyu Sokomba clarified that only individuals with urinary tract obstructions are at risk of kidney damage due to urine backflow not those who occasionally delay urination.
Dr. Bello, who practices at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, explained that while chronic urinary obstruction can lead to kidney issues, simply postponing urination does not cause kidney failure. He described a condition known as ureteral obstruction a blockage in the tubes (ureters) that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, as a medically recognized cause of kidney dysfunction.
According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated ureteral obstruction can escalate quickly from mild symptoms like pain and infection to severe complications such as kidney failure, sepsis, or even death. However, this condition is treatable if diagnosed early.
The experts emphasized that kidney disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making regular wellness checks essential particularly for individuals with high-risk conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or HIV.
“One of the major challenges with kidney disease is its silent progression,” Dr. Bello noted. “By the time noticeable symptoms such as foamy urine or frequent nighttime urination appear, the disease may already be advanced.”
Dr. Sokomba added that early detection of kidney infections allows for effective treatment. However, when symptoms become apparent, dialysis is often required, and the condition becomes manageable rather than curable.
While holding urine isn’t linked to kidney failure, a 2022 study published in BMC highlights a related concern: habitually delaying urination is a behavioral risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in women. The study found that women who frequently postpone urinating are more prone to UTIs, which, if left untreated, can also pose health risks.
Conclusion:
Although holding urine occasionally is unlikely to harm your kidneys, making it a regular habit can increase the risk of UTIs. Experts strongly recommend regular kidney function tests and prompt medical attention when symptoms arise to ensure early detection and treatment of potential issues.
Credit: PUNCH
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