To think that holding in urine can cause a UTI?

[mumto3xxx]

My daughter (who has autism and other special needs) gets very anxious about passing urine and therefore tries to go as little as possible (she will sometimes go 24 hours without passing any)- I’m quite worried about this and I was talking to my mum today who says that this won’t cause a urine infection (she has had a few urine infections in the past year) and most likely won’t do her any harm so I shouldn’t worry. I was just wondering if anyone knows if holding in urine for extended periods can actually cause a uti and also if I am being unreasonable/unnecessary in worrying? Thank you

It unfortunately can definitely cause urine infections.

It can - just as not fully emptying your bladder when you go can also start the stings. I'm really prone to cystitis and those are both things that might bring it on for me.

@grincheux thank you for your reply! Yes, I don’t think she completely empties her bladder either when she does go- she doesn’t sit for long at all l- I’m sure that must be contributing too

yes it can. urine isn`t sterile (unlike popular myth), so all that bacteria sitting will have a party! Have a google and show her ? Or take her to a nurse who will explain ?

Many eldery (ladies particulary) will drink minimal and then not go the toilet . UTI `s a plenty....

@wellballstoyou thank you for your replies- she does drink a fair amount but then won’t go pass urine for over 24 hours so I have explained to her that the bacteria just staying there will cause an infection

Yes it can do. She also needs to empty her bladder fully each time she goes. How old is she?

It absolutely can. Urine is normally largely sterile due to its acidity. But if urine remains in the bladder for an extended period of time, it becomes more alkaline. This can lead to bacterial growth. On top of that, the mechanical action of urine flowing over the urethra dislodges a lot of bacteria. The less you pee, the less that happens.

@snowalpsandpeaks thank you for your reply! She's 23, but has quite strong sensory issues and struggles with the sensation of going to the toilet. I've tried explaining to her the benefits of going regularly and she seems to understand at the time- but when she comes to going she becomes distressed

Absolutely it can and will if someone is holding urine for 6 hrs plus.

Absolutely it can.

Is it at all possible she already has a UTI and urinating is causing soreness/discomfort?

What about in a bath? The sensation is different and it's hard to hold it on when you're in a bath.

Yes I'm a nurse and it definitely can. Get her checked for uti. Normally you can just send sample to Dr without appointment and they can test it.

Holding it in can also weaken the bladder muscles. My brother now can't go to the toilet without using a catheter (for life!).
He hated using the toilet at work and kept it in far too long.

I had reflux of the kidneys as a child and have had recurrent infections all my life, I had to go to the toilet as soon as I felt the need or it was game over for me.

I am 27 now and am still the same, am also 24 weeks pregnant and peeing every hour or so.

If she struggles with the sensation, (sorry if Tmi) is if the external feeling or the feeling inside when she goes? If it's external, a warm flannel (clean of course) pressed over yourself when going helps.

It must be uncomfortable for her too to hold it in. Have you tried the the angle of if you pee more, then you won't need to pee as long? As if she has held it in for a long time there will be alot of urine to pass.

*hold flannel at the front and at the back.