Pushing during urination, also known as straining, is not recommended. This common habit can develop over time. While it may feel helpful, forcing urine out interferes with the body’s natural voiding process and can lead to various health issues. Understanding bladder function and the impacts of straining encourages healthier urinary habits.
The Natural Urination Process
The body has a system for urine elimination involving the bladder and surrounding muscles. When the bladder fills, stretch receptors send signals to the brain, indicating a need to void. When ready, the brain signals the bladder’s detrusor muscle to contract.
Simultaneously, pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincters, which normally keep urine in, relax. This coordinated action allows urine to flow naturally out of the bladder and through the urethra without external force. The process relies on relaxation and the bladder’s muscular contractions, not abdominal pressure, to efficiently empty.
Consequences of Pushing During Urination
Straining to urinate has several negative consequences for the urinary system. Pushing engages abdominal muscles, increasing intra-abdominal pressure. This external pressure disrupts the natural coordination between the detrusor muscle and urethral sphincters, forcing urine out instead of allowing the bladder to contract efficiently. Over time, this habit can weaken pelvic floor muscles, which support pelvic organs and bladder control. Weakened pelvic floor muscles contribute to issues like urinary incontinence, where urine leaks involuntarily.
Pushing can also lead to incomplete bladder emptying because the detrusor muscle may not fully engage. Residual urine creates a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Chronic straining places stress on the bladder and urethra, potentially leading to conditions such as bladder diverticula, small pouches that can form in the bladder wall. Persistent straining can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse, where pelvic organs like the bladder descend from their normal position, particularly in women. Increased pressure can also exacerbate or cause hemorrhoids due to strain on rectal veins.
Reasons for Pushing
Individuals often push during urination for various reasons. A common factor is habit, developed over time, especially if a person feels a rush or perceives a need to empty their bladder quickly. People might also strain due to a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, believing pushing will help expel all remaining urine.
Underlying bladder conditions can also prompt this behavior. An overactive bladder (OAB), characterized by sudden, strong urges, might lead individuals to push to prevent leakage. Weakened bladder muscles or bladder outlet obstruction, which can occur due to an enlarged prostate in men, may cause a slower or weaker urine stream, leading individuals to strain. Constipation is another frequent contributor, as a full bowel can press on the bladder, reducing its capacity and making urination feel difficult, encouraging straining.
Cultivating Healthy Bladder Habits
Stopping the habit of pushing during urination involves conscious effort and adopting healthier bladder practices. Practice relaxed urination: sit comfortably, allow pelvic floor muscles to relax fully, and let the bladder empty naturally without forcing. For women, sitting fully on the toilet seat rather than hovering aids relaxation. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking enough water, which keeps urine diluted and helps prevent bladder irritation and UTIs.
Avoid “just in case” peeing, as this can train the bladder to hold smaller volumes and increase urgency; instead, listen to your body’s natural cues and go when your bladder feels full. Aim for a regular voiding schedule, every three to four hours. Addressing constipation is important, as regular bowel movements reduce pressure on the bladder and support overall pelvic health. If issues like persistent incomplete emptying, frequent urges, or difficulty urinating continue, consult a healthcare professional, such as a urologist or a pelvic floor physical therapist, for specialized guidance and treatment.