How to Hold Your Pee

There will come a time in your life when you will have to hold your pee. You may have a lack of privacy, time, opportunity or acceptable facilities, but there are ways to cope.

If you don’t want to risk looking like a preschooler in the habit of peeing with their pants on, then follow these simple tips:

It’s all in the mind.

Stay focused and try not to think of peeing even for one second. Some images to avoid are toilet seats, model toilet displays, or even bathroom tiles. Stay calm and don’t panic. When a bathroom becomes available, try not to get your bladder too excited until there is actually a toilet in front of you.

Avoid unnecessary movements.

Do not change positions too quickly, whether you are standing or sitting. If you are sitting, remain seated and avoid standing unless it achieves greater comfort. Be careful when changing positions and keep your movements fluid. If there’s a bathroom nearby, walk fast but don’t run to avoid accidentally peeing in your pants.

Make sure you close your urethra inward.

Put all your energies into squeezing the muscles around your urethra with your other muscles staying relaxed. Exert tension at the pee outlet by using your genito-urinary muscles. Also, avoid agitating your bladder by relaxing your pelvis and abdomen.

Know what to do when standing or sitting.

Make sure to cross your legs when standing. It should help you hold your pee by compressing your urethra and the genito-urinary opening for women. If you are sitting, avoid raising your thighs towards your abdomen so you’ll not exert pressure on your bladder. Relax but avoid slouching. Make sure your legs are comfortable. If and when you cross your legs, make sure that you don’t do it above your knee - just cross them at your shins or ankles.

Minimize drinking anything.

Drink only when you are actually thirsty and don’t drink anything just because it’s available. Just drink enough to maintain normal hydration but make sure you avoid unnecessary beverages like softdrinks from the nearest vending machine or a cup of coffee offered by a friend.

Holding your pee way too often can be harmful. Holding your pee may cause a buildup of bacteria in your urinary tract and this can lead to infections. Only follow these tips if and when the situation calls for it.