Urinating in the shower has long prompted debate online, with shower-pee proponents claiming the act can actually help conserve water. In 2021, theMichigan Daily found substituting a toilet flush for a minimally longer shower can save anywhere between 1.5 and 23 litres of water – in the US, at least.
One survey in 2015 also found 61% of Americans admitted to tinkling in the shower, while 41% said they even peed in swimming pools.
Now, Dr Emma Qureshey, an obstetrician gynaecologist in Houston, Texas, has taken to TikTokto share how women can maintain their gynaecological health – including resisting the urge to urinate in the shower.
“The first thing I would never do is pee in the shower, or more importantly, pee standing up,” Qureshey said in the clip last week, which has amassed more than 764,000 views at the time of writing.watch below..
Urinating in the shower may have its water-saving benefits, but according to Dr. Emma Qureshey, there are some potential risks associated with this practice, especially for women. In a recent TikTok video, the obstetrician gynaecologist from Houston, Texas, shared her insights on how women can take care of their gynaecological health, and one of her top tips was to avoid peeing in the shower.
Dr. Qureshey emphasized that women should never pee in the shower or, more importantly, pee while standing up. While some may argue that it’s a convenient and eco-friendly practice, she pointed out that it can have negative implications for women’s health.
When women pee in the shower, especially while standing up, it can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other gynaecological issues. The warm, moist environment of the shower provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can easily enter the urethra and cause infections. Additionally, the act of peeing while standing up can disrupt the natural flow of urine and potentially lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder, which can also contribute to UTIs.
While it may be tempting to multitask and save a few extra seconds by peeing in the shower, Dr. Qureshey strongly advises against it for the sake of women’s health. Instead, she recommends using the toilet as intended to ensure proper hygiene and reduce the risk of complications.
So, the next time you feel the urge to pee in the shower, remember Dr. Qureshey’s advice and opt for the toilet instead. Your gynaecological health will thank you in the long run.