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.
Pierce Brosnan loves “every curve” of his wife, who was offered weight-loss surgery by her friends
Pierce Brosnan’s talent and attractiveness astounded everyone. The Irishman quickly rose to fame in Hollywood, starring in a number of popular films.
His first wife was the one who was thrilled to guide him to glory behind this endearing movie star.
The famous person wed Australian actress Cassandra Harris, who is of German and English ancestry.
He reportedly said, “Cassie made me the man I am, the actor I am, and the father I am.”
They were introduced in the 1970s via a mutual friend. It took her some time to express interest in the actor, despite the fact that Brosnan was enthralled with her attractiveness from the start. Cassandra later wed British film producer Dermot Harris after first marrying William Firth.
Harris said, “I wasn’t interested in him.however, we never stopped chatting once we got to talking because we shared a lot of interests, including acting, literature, and music.
Brosnan was unaffected by the fact that Cassandra had two children—Charlotte and Christopher—with Dermot. After they were married, he adopted the kids after their father passed away in 1986. The performer disclosed:
We simply click as a family. I was Pierce at first, then Dad Pierce, and then I was Dad. In my life, Chris and Charlotte have been incredible.
Sean was welcomed into the family a few years following the couple’s marriage. The family had blended in well, and everything appeared to be going smoothly.
Sadly, they were told startling news in 1987. Cassandra’s disease ran in her family. The same ovarian cancer that killed her mother was identified as the cause of her body’s aggressive attack.
The Australian actress endured eight operations and chemotherapy, yet she never wavered in her bravery in the face of discomfort.
She was fortunate to have a caring family around her, who frequently helped her feel better and get back to her regular routine. Brosnan acknowledged:
Sean used to pretend to be a doctor. After I took care of her, she would feel better and carry on with her life, taking care of the kids, arranging my profession, and remodeling this house.
Cassandra tragically passed away in the Kenneth Norris Jr. Cancer Hospital in Los Angeles, USA, in 1991. She had been lying in the hospital bed with Brosnan holding her hand the entire time.
The actor claimed that on their fourteenth wedding anniversary, his wife “began her journey,” with everyone in attendance save for Sean. As his wife took her final breath, Brosnan grasped her hand.
Sean, for some reason, received the news well. When he learned of his mother’s passing, tears filled his eyes, and he remarked, “It’s for the best, Dad.” She is no longer in pain.
Following Cassandra’s death, Brosnan became a more involved parent. The family grew closer as a result of the grief; the father and kids went out frequently. He also continued to communicate with Charlotte, who was in London, at the same time.
Even though Brosnan committed himself to being the greatest parent he could be by being there for his kids, he understood that the sadness would not go away immediately. He made the decision to seek counseling for his youngest son, Sean, as a result.
The actor acknowledged that there was still fun in his home despite the difficulties of being a single father. He added that he did a superb job and had amazing kids.
Brosnan gets married again
A few years after Cassandra passed away, in 1994, the actor met reporter and television correspondent Keely Smith.
Before long, they were dating and knew they were meant to be. They were inseparable and spoke frequently. The Irish actor, who had recently been chosen to play James Bond, stated in 1995:
“I would send her tickets to come over so we could be together because I missed her wherever I went in the world.”
Following two failed attempts at marriage (the second one being the result of Sean’s health crisis), the pair eventually wed in secret at Ballytubber Abbey in Mayo, Ireland, in 2001.
The space held one hundred people and was soundproofed for seclusion. The pair later gave a sumptuous reception at Ashford Castle.
For a steep cost, Hello Magazine paid to have the special event photographed. Therefore, there was sufficient protection to stave off nosy paparazzi.
Additionally, Brosnan and his second wife had a nice family. Dylan, the actor’s third son, was born in 1997.
After graduating from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Dylan is a brilliant young man. He works as a model and a cinematographer.
Paris, the couple’s second child, is a model as well. He shares the same love in filmmaking as his older brother. He discussed the UN’s efforts to end child malnutrition in Sri Lanka and chronicled his trip there in 2019.
The family that Pierce Brosnan shared with Smith still amazes him. He has complimented her on her contributions several times. As per his statement:
“I’m among those men who think having a strong lady in your life is essential. Keely is one amazing woman I met. I couldn’t find one as good even if I tried a million times to look. Although it comes with a lot of responsibilities, becoming a father is rewarding.
Brosnan is amazed by his spouse.
The 007 star is aware that Brosnan and Smith are the cutest couple in Hollywood! He is in awe of his good fortune in discovering true love with the perfect person on two occasions.
He and Smith haven’t been involved in any scandals or controversies since their romance started. Conversely, the pair has grown inseparable and frequently praises one another in social media posts and interviews.
The actor honored his wife by sharing a photo of them together along with some moving remarks on the occasion of one of their wedding anniversaries. It said:
“My dear, happy anniversary. That evening, we danced, and we still do now. I could repeat the entire process.
Brosnan defended Smith once when an internet troll made fun of his wife by drawing comparisons between her appearance at the start of their marriage and her current appearance. He clarified that although several people had suggested she get surgery to reduce her weight, he still adores every curve on her body.
He continued by saying that from the start, her demeanor as well as her attractiveness had captured his attention. It’s true that Smith and Brosnan are a very close pair.
Above all, they have a lovely family that includes their gifted kids. This Hollywood marriage demonstrates to the younger generations that renowned couples may experience true love and that it is not a myth.
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