In a warm bathroom, where the water gently laps against the body, many women opt for a seemingly convenient way – standing up to urinate. Although this behavior may seem harmless, it may quietly bury hidden dangers to health. Imagine that Ms. Li, a busy working mom, habitually chooses to urinate standing while enjoying her rare bath time. Until one day, she went to the hospital for frequent urgency and pain, and was surprised to find that this "little habit" had a non-negligible impact on her body.
This is not an isolated case, but a question for all women to ponder. Standing to urinate may seem simple, but in fact, it may make the body pay three unknown "costs".
Why standing up to urinate may not be suitable for women?
The female urinary system is not designed to be optimized for standing urination. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra and is responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them from the body in the form of urine. The bladder is located in the pelvis, and the urethra is the passage through which the bladder empties urine outside the body.
The position of the bladder and urethra, as well as their orientation relative to gravity, may lead to incomplete urine passage when standing to urinate. In a standing position, the pelvic floor muscles need extra strength to support the bladder and facilitate the passage of urine, a process that may not be as natural and efficient as when sitting or squatting. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and they play a key role in maintaining urination and bowel control.
In addition, women have a shorter urethra, which is a natural design to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. However, when standing to urinate, the dynamics of the urine flow may change, resulting in an increase in the length of time urine stays in the urethra, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. Residual urine can also cause discomfort in the bladder wall, which can cause a range of urinary problems in the long term, including urinary frequency, urgency, and chronic pelvic pain.
Based on these characteristics of the female urinary system, a position with less pressure on the pelvis, such as a squat-sitting position, is recommended to promote complete emptying of the bladder and reduce residual urine. This posture is more ergonomic and helps maintain the health and function of the urinary system. By understanding these key points of a woman's anatomy, we can better understand why standing to urinate may not be the best option, and how to optimize health by adjusting urination habits.
Potential health "costs"
Increased pressure on the pelvic muscles: hidden risks
Standing to urinate puts unnecessary stress on the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are responsible for supporting pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, and uterus. Long-term increased pressure can lead to dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to problems such as urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. To maintain pelvic health, it is important to take the correct posture to urinate to reduce the burden on the pelvic floor muscles.
Poor urine flow and increased residual urine volume: hidden dangers that should not be overlooked
When standing, due to gravity and changes in the angle of the bladder to the urethra, the urine flow may not be as smooth as when sitting, resulting in incomplete emptying of urine. Increased residual urine volume is a breeding ground for urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections are not only painful, but they can also trigger more serious kidney problems. In order to maintain the health of the urinary system, it is very important to ensure that the bladder is completely emptied.
Physiological hygiene hazards: health threats in the details
Standing to urinate may affect personal hygiene, especially in public bathing settings. Splashing of urine can cause hygiene problems on the skin and intimate areas, increasing the risk of bacterial infections, especially on the health of the female reproductive system. Maintaining good personal hygiene, including proper urination posture, is essential to prevent infection.
Healthy choice: Master the correct posture to urinate
Urination is not only a physiological requirement, but also a part of a healthy life. For women, the correct posture of urination not only helps maintain personal hygiene, but also prevents potential health problems. This section will delve into the scientific urination position and its importance, providing a practical guide to women's urinary health.
Why is posture important?
The urination posture directly affects the efficiency of bladder emptying. Improper posture can cause the bladder to not empty completely, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. The scientific posture helps the pelvic muscles relax, ensuring that urine is drained smoothly and reducing residual urine.
Scientific analysis of urination posture
Squatting for urination: Squatting is the most natural and ergonomic position for urination. It helps the pelvic floor muscles relax and promotes a more complete emptying of the bladder. At home or in a public restroom, keep your feet flat and your back upright when using the toilet.
Avoid overexertion: Avoid using too much force when urinating, which can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor and cause muscle fatigue or damage. Urination should be allowed to occur naturally and shortness should be avoided.
Pay attention to hygiene: When using public toilets, try to use toilet paper mats or toilet covers to maintain personal hygiene. After urinating, use warm water and a mild detergent to clean your vulva to prevent bacterial growth.
Benefits of Posture Adjustment:
Proper urination posture not only helps keep your urinary system healthy, but it also prevents potential pelvic problems such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. In addition, good urination habits can improve personal hygiene and reduce the risk of reproductive diseases.
Application in practice
In daily life, develop good urination habits, such as regular urination, and avoid holding urine.
Strengthen pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegel exercises, to improve muscle elasticity and strength.
Eat a balanced diet, avoid excessive intake of diuretics such as coffee and tea, and maintain adequate fluid intake to promote normal urine production and excretion.