Paridhi Kamra, a 32-year-old professional, spends at least 6.5 out of 8 hours of her desk job, sitting. Caught in multiple on-camera meetings, she finds it hard to take enough breaks – loo breaks included. What she doesn’t know is that the damage that sitting too long may cause, even includes her urinary health. Holding urine in can be a key side effect of desk-bound lifestyles, says a doctor, who warns against the increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney problems and even pelvic organ prolapse in women.
“Prolonged sitting periods and the tendency to frequently defer urination negatively impact bladder and urinary health. It may be harmless to defer a bathroom visit once while working, but frequent repetition may introduce short-term as well as long-term effects on health,”
Dr Malla Devi Vinaya, General Physician and Diabetologist, Apollo Clinic, Kondapur, tells Health Shots.
Link between desk job and urinary health
Urine retention in the short-term can lead to the following reactions, says the expert:
- Bladder distension and pain
- Increased risk of UTI and stone due to bacterial growth and urinary stasis in the bladder
Long-term urine retention may cause: - Frequent urinary tract infections
- Bladder dysfunction (frequency, urgency, or an overactive bladder)
- Pelvic organ prolapse in women
- Kidney damage due to strain on the urinary system
Side effects of sitting for too long on urinary health
Other than delayed urination, the sedentary way of life of sitting work itself poses a risk to urinary health, says Dr Vinaya.
“Sitting for long periods of time may be guilty of causing urinary frequency, urgency, and even urinary leakage or incontinence in some patients. Irregular exercise and bad posture over time can weaken pelvic floor muscles in the long run and further incline towards bladder control problems and pelvic organ prolapse, particularly in females,” she adds.
Warning signs of bladder problems
Normal warning signs for urinary dysfunction or bladder strain are normally:
- Frequent urination
- Sudden and urgent need to urinate
- Pain or burning on passing urine
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Urine leakage
- Strain during urination
“These symptoms should not be ignored, as they may be manifestations of underlying pelvic or bladder health problems that require treatment,” Dr Vimaya asserts.
How to keep the bladder healthy with a desk job
To maintain bladder health in the presence of a stationary work lifestyle, follow these doctor-suggested tips:
- Drink enough water to keep the impurities out and thin concentrated urine
- Indulge in frequent movement and posture exercises throughout the day to support pelvic positioning and bladder function
- Pelvic floor exercises such as Kegels are especially beneficial for strengthening muscles that govern urinating
- Ensure you follow a daily pattern of bathroom breaks, even in the absence of such need, to prevent overdistension of the bladder and maintain good urinary habits.
“By taking heed of these factors and building healthier daily habits, the individuals can safeguard their urinary health and reduce the possibility of developing chronic bladder issues due to sedentary as well as high-pressure lifestyles,” says Dr Vinaya.