The debate over peeing in the shower continues, with many advocating for the practice due to its water-saving benefits. However, Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a pelvic health specialist, warns that for those assigned female at birth, this habit could have unintended health consequences.
The Water Conservation Argument
One of the strongest arguments for urinating in the shower is its potential to save water. By eliminating the need for a separate toilet flush, a person could save approximately 2,190 liters (579 gallons) of water per year. If the entire U.S. population adopted this practice, it could lead to an annual water savings of 699 billion liters (185 billion gallons). This significant reduction in water consumption highlights the environmental advantages of shower urination.
Potential Health Risks: The Pelvic Floor Connection
Despite the environmental benefits, the potential health consequences of this habit must be considered. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas explains in a TikTok video that regularly peeing in the shower may lead to pelvic floor and bladder control issues.
The Pavlovian Response
Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas likens this habit to Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiment, where dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell with food. Similarly, repeatedly urinating in the shower can train the brain to link the sound of running water with the urge to pee. This association may result in involuntary urination triggered by running water sounds, such as a faucet, toilet flush, or even rain.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Risks
For individuals with existing pelvic floor dysfunction, this learned association can exacerbate bladder control problems. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas explains that urinating while standing in the shower does not allow the pelvic floor muscles to fully relax, potentially leading to incomplete bladder emptying. Over time, this can contribute to urinary retention and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Some argue that squatting while urinating in the shower might alleviate pelvic floor strain. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas acknowledges that a full squat position allows for better pelvic floor relaxation, but she still advises against making shower urination a habit. If one must urinate in the shower, a proper squatting position is preferable to standing.
Why Doesn’t Toilet Flushing Trigger the Same Response?
A common question is why flushing the toilet doesn’t condition the brain in the same way. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas clarifies that by the time a person flushes the toilet, they have already urinated, so no association is formed. However, individuals who struggle to resist the urge to urinate when exposed to running water may already have underlying bladder control issues.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition, particularly among women. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, rectum, and other organs. Dysfunction occurs when these muscles become too weak or too tight, leading to symptoms such as:
- Urinary and bowel incontinence
- Lower back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Increased urgency or frequency of urination
Factors such as childbirth, surgery, aging, obesity, and high-impact activities can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Given that urinating in the shower might worsen symptoms, individuals should be aware of these risks before adopting the habit.
The Biological Factor: Why Female Anatomy Matters
Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas emphasizes that those with female anatomy are not designed to urinate while standing. Unlike male anatomy, where the positioning allows for better bladder emptying while standing, females may struggle to fully relax the pelvic floor in this position. This can lead to incomplete bladder emptying, increasing the risk of UTIs and other urinary complications.
Pros and Cons of Peeing in the Shower
Pros:
- Water conservation: Reduces toilet water usage significantly.
- Convenience: Saves time, particularly during a rushed morning routine.
Cons:
- Pelvic floor health risks: May contribute to bladder control issues and pelvic dysfunction.
- Conditioned response: Can create an involuntary urge to urinate when exposed to running water.
- Sanitation concerns: While urine is mostly sterile, it can still contain bacteria that may pose hygiene risks.
The Bottom Line
While peeing in the shower may seem like an eco-friendly and convenient habit, it is important to weigh the potential health risks. Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas’s insights serve as a reminder to consider the long-term effects of our daily routines. Striving for sustainability should not come at the cost of personal health. Ultimately, making an informed decision based on both environmental and health factors is key to maintaining overall well-being.
She was expected to be Hollywood’s biggest star. But then everything changed tragically
Sharon Marie Tate’s story began on January 24, 1943, in the heart of Texas. The eldest of three daughters, she grew up in a military family, moving from city to city, each new place adding a layer to her intriguing persona.
As a child, Sharon was a beacon of beauty and grace, traits that would later define her career. By the time she was 16, she had already earned her first title, “Miss Richland,” hinting at the stardom that lay ahead.
The Hollywood Dream
Sharon’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t a simple leap; it was a series of calculated steps. Moving to Los Angeles in 1961, she started with small roles in television series like “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” But it was her role in the 1967 film “Valley of the Dolls” that truly showcased her talent and charisma.
Audiences were captivated by her ethereal beauty and on-screen presence. Films like “The Fearless Vampire Killers,” directed by her future husband Roman Polanski, and “Don’t Make Waves” solidified her place in Hollywood.
Marriage to Roman Polanski and Glamour
Sharon Tate’s life was a blend of Hollywood glamour and personal charm. She met Roman Polanski in 1964 on the set of “The Fearless Vampire Killers.” Their connection was instant, and they married in a picturesque ceremony in London on January 20, 1968.
Their relationship was a whirlwind of passion, creativity, and mutual admiration, often described as a modern-day fairytale amidst the glitz of Hollywood. They say Sharon always liked shorter and plump guys. Some say it was like that because she wanted to be worshiped by her lovers.
A Dark Night in Hollywood
The fairytale, however, was tragically short-lived. On August 9, 1969, the world was rocked by the news of Sharon Tate’s brutal murder. Eight months pregnant, Sharon and four others were killed by members of the Manson Family in her Los Angeles home. This act of senseless violence not only ended her life but also marked a dark chapter in Hollywood history.
The Manson Family, led by the deranged Charles Manson, targeted Sharon’s home due to its previous occupant, a record producer who had spurned Manson. The horrific event shattered the peace of the 1960s, leaving an indelible scar on the collective memory of the nation.
She was expected to be even bigger than Marilyn Monroe and other Hollywood stars at the time. Her life was taken so early and we were deprived of an amazing and young aspiring actress.
An Enduring Legacy
Sharon Tate’s life, though tragically brief, continues to resonate deeply in popular culture. Her performances, particularly in “Valley of the Dolls,” have immortalized her as a symbol of beauty and talent cut short.
Tarantino sought to capture her essence as a vibrant, kind-hearted individual whose life was filled with promise and joy. The film received critical acclaim and reintroduced Sharon to a new generation, ensuring that her legacy as a beloved actress and a symbol of lost potential endures.
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