We’ve all “held it” before. Maybe you avoided the port-a-potty at an outdoor venue. Or you were making good time on a long car trip and didn’t want to stop. Or perhaps you just didn’t want to get out of bed when duty called during the night.
But does maintaining a long holding pattern like this cause any problems? Will your bladder literally burst if you wait too long?
The bladder is a mighty strong organ and is unlikely to rupture just because you denied it the opportunity to empty when it’s ready. Instead, it’s more likely you’ll become increasingly uncomfortable until you finally give up and urinate. While rare, the bladder might rupture under certain non-bathroom circumstances, such as
- major trauma — for example, a pelvic fracture
- a surgical complication
- a bladder tumor that weakens a portion of the muscular bladder wall
- damage to the bladder from radiation.
Still, it’s probably not a good idea to frequently hold it. Doing so could cause bacteria to multiply, increasing your risk for urinary tract infections, especially if you’ve had prior episodes. (However, supporting evidence for this conjecture is slim.)
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Over time, holding it could cause the bladder to stretch and make it difficult to contract and release urine. It also may increase the formation of kidney stones in people prone to having them.
The bottom line: If you feel the urge to go, then go. And if you are unsure of facility access before you venture out, try to go beforehand, even if you don’t feel like it. Your bladder will thank you later.
Over time, holding it could cause the bladder to stretch and make it difficult to contract and release urine. It also may increase the formation of kidney stones in people prone to having them.
The bottom line: If you feel the urge to go, then go. And if you are unsure of facility access before you venture out, try to go beforehand, even if you don’t feel like it. Your bladder will thank you later.
Bible verses for today’s meditation and inspiration: Matthew E. McLaren
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NIV
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 NIV
The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Psalm 118:24 NIV
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 NIV
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV
Recommended contacts for prayer request and Bible study
https://www.hopechannel.com/au/learn/courses
https://3abn.org/all-streams/3abn.html
http://www.nadadventist.org/article/15/contact-us
https://www.adventist.org/en/utility/contact/
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