Have you ever found yourself in the shower, feeling the urge to pee, and wondering if it’s okay to just go for it? You’re not alone.
There are lots of gross habits that many people won’t own up to, and letting loose in the shower is one of them, and yet according to a survey by
YouGov, a significant number of people say they urinate in the shower.
58% of those surveyed admitted to doing it, and while 48% said they think it’s acceptable, 42% disagree and find it unacceptable.
Peeing in The Shower is a Common Practice, But is it Really Hygienic and safe? Let’s take a closer look.
First of all, it’s important to understand what’s in urine. It’s mostly water, but it can also contain urea, urochrome, creatinine, and ammonia.
If you’re taking certain medications or vitamins, you may excrete those in your pee as well.
These components travel from your kidneys through the ureters and into your bladder, where it stays until you’re ready to release them.
Contrary to popular belief, urine is not sterile. For a long time, scientists thought that the urinary tract (including the bladder) was sterile, but recent research suggests that the bladder has a microbiome – bacteria that live inside it and keep it healthy.
Just like the gut and vagina, the urinary tract has a microbiome, which means that some of these bacteria can end up in your pee.
If you have a health issue like a urinary tract infection (UTI), bacteria from the infection can also get into your pee.
So, What Does this Mean for Peeing in the Shower?
In theory, harmful bacteria from your pee could get into any open skin on your legs and cause an infection.
For example, cellulitis, a common bacterial skin infection that affects the legs, can be caused by bacteria entering the body through a break in the skin.
Certain strains of bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also known to cause cellulitis.
If you have a UTI or are experiencing symptoms, there is a risk that the bacteria could enter your urine.
You might think you’d be aware of any cuts on your skin that could potentially lead to a bacterial infection, still, it’s possible to have small cuts or tears in your skin that you may not be aware of, such as those caused by exfoliating or shaving.
These micro-tears can provide an entry point for bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
While it’s very unlikely that you’ll get a skin infection from peeing in the shower, it’s still a good idea to be aware of the potential risk.
Even if you have a UTI, the chance of getting a skin infection from urine running down your legs is low. But it’s still worth noting, just to be on the safer side.
Aside from the Potential Risks, if You Do Decide to Pee in the Shower, Do You Need a Rewash After You Pee?
“If you’re worried about the cleanliness of your urine, we have some good news for you. Pee has a very low amount of bacteria, and it’s actually healthy bacteria. In fact, there are typically fewer bacteria in pee than what’s normally found on your skin. So, there’s no need to worry about peeing in the shower. Not only will it help keep your underwear clean, but it’s also better for the environment. Happy peeing!”
Unless you have any cases of infection we discussed before—which is rare—Peeing in the shower doesn’t pose any health risk, but as for the need to wash after you tinkle, if the urine is part of the whole running water situation, then there’s no real reason to rewash.
But it’s still a good idea to use anything strong enough to disinfect and clean the area after you pee to avoid lingering urine.
Whenever you do decide to pee in the shower, it’s best to do so in the privacy of your own home rather than in public places like the gym.
Likewise, if you share a shower with others, it’s important to clean the area with soap and water to maintain basic hygiene.
With that being said, it’s your call, whether or not peeing in the shower is gross is subjective. Just remember that it’s important to regularly disinfect your shower to remove any salts.
Don’t worry about special cleaning protocols for urine – just use a strong cleaner and you should be good to go.”
Is peeing in the Shower Any Good?
Did you know that peeing in the shower can be good for the environment?
Flushing the toilet less often can save water, and washing with water is gentler on the skin and can effectively remove urine and bacteria
So, while it may not be for everyone, peeing in the shower isn’t the end of the world and it has the added bonus of helping the world.
Peeing shower has an added advantage over the use of toilet paper
Peeing in the shower is also more hygienic than using toilet paper, as toilet paper can spread urine and bacteria, leading to skin irritation.
Washing with water at an appropriate temperature, not to mention it’s gentle on the genitals and washes away any urine, feces, or bacteria.
Peeing in the shower is not just for one gender, as it can prevent the risk of spreading bacteria by wiping back to front and also cuts down on accidental urine splatter on walls or other surfaces.
In fact, peeing in the shower under running water dilutes and sends the urine almost directly to the drain, avoiding any splatter.
