Expert warns you should never use the loo 'just in case' before leaving house

03 February 2023 , 12:59

649     0

A pelvic floor expert has spoken out (Stock Photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Many of us will think nothing of nipping to the loo 'just in case' before heading off on a long car journey or big afternoon dog walk, understandably regarding this as the most sensible choice. Unfortunately, this all-too-common habit apparently won't be doing your bladder any favours in the long run, no matter how much it might put your mind at ease.

A clever pelvic floor specialist has now cautioned people against squeezing out a quick safety wee 'just in case' before leaving the house in the morning, urging them to instead wait until they genuinely do need to go in order to keep their pelvic floor in tip-top shape.

Many of us will nip for a wee 'just in case' before heading out (Stock Photo) (SHARED CONTENT UNIT)

Speaking with the Metro, specialist pelvic health physiotherapist Tiffany Sequeira warned that you should really only use the toilet when you actually need to pee if you want to maintain a healthy bladder. According to Tiffany, 'just in case' wees can put a harmful strain on your bladder to empty before it's properly filled with urine.

If this is something you do regularly, you could well end up mixing up the all-important signals between your bladder and brain, ultimately resulting in all sorts of uncomfortable issues with your pelvic floor.

This habit could be really bad for your bladder in the long run (Stock Photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Tiffany, who goes by the Instagram username Gynaegirl, told the publication: "Generally, as the bladder fills, the stretch of urine pressing against the bladder wall creates signals to your brain that results in the following series of urges, eventually resulting in you making it to the toilet and passing urine."

Cleaning expert shares bathroom mould magnet that people always forget to clean

She continued: "Going on that first signal to pass urine – or even worse going when you don't feel the urge to pass urine 'just in case' – can result in a bladder signaling dysfunction. Over time your bladder becomes accustomed to passing urine at a lower capacity than normal resulting in a 'weak bladder', as some refer to."

According to the NHS England website, bladder issues affect more than 14 million people living in the UK and can affect any person of any age.

Do you have an expert tip to share? Email us at [email protected]

Julia Banim