Prostate Restored
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych Pexels Logo Photo: Max Vakhtbovych

Is peeing in the shower sanitary?

The bottom line is that peeing in the shower is unlikely to harm you. So whether it's part of your water-saving efforts or you can't stop the flow sometimes, it's pretty much fine to pee in the shower.

health.com - Is It Bad To Pee in the Shower? A Urologist Weighs In - Health
Why is my life full of sadness?
Why is my life full of sadness?

All these emotions can occur in response to a negative or unexpected situations, or life changes. Sadness often occurs at the same time as other...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 19, 2022
How long does it take for blood pressure to go down?
How long does it take for blood pressure to go down?

“It may take a month to six weeks to bring your blood pressure down by slowly raising your medication doses,” Durso notes. “Lowering blood pressure...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 7, 2021

Peeing in the shower is one of those things people don't talk about openly, but that doesn't mean it's uncommon. If you've done this before, you may wonder: Is it harmful or unhygienic to pee in the shower?

Is It Unhygienic To Pee in the Shower?

The short answer: It's fine to pee in the shower. That's according to Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, PUR Clinic urologist and Assistant Professor at UCF College of Medicine in Florida, who knows more about urine than most people. However, there are a couple of reasons to avoid peeing in a public shower—where this practice could become unhygienic if others have infections. So, if you do decide to pee in the shower, make sure you stick to your own, personal shower. Dr. Brahmbhatt explained why to avoid peeing in public showers and why to use your own shower, instead.

Is It Bad To Pee in a Public Shower?

If you decide to pee in the shower, it's best to do it in your own shower, not a public one. "Generally speaking, urine is sterile since it has no 'living' organisms," Dr. Brahmbhatt told Health. "But this isn't always the case since someone could have a urinary tract infection. Also, the urine could pick up some bugs from the end of the urethra as it exits." So peeing in your shower, not a public one, keeps you from being exposed to those bugs.

What Is Pee Made Of?

Since we're already talking about pee, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. What exactly is in urine? "Depending on how much fluids you take in, about 90% of your urine is water," said Dr. Brahmbhatt. "The rest are salts and compounds that are filtered out of your body." These substances in your urine can vary based on what you drank or ate, medications you have taken, and substances you have used, Dr. Brahmbhatt added. More than 3,000 compounds have been detected in urine. The fact that urine is mostly water with some added salts means it's highly unlikely to damage your shower tray or drain if that's a concern. "If you think about it, urine is probably 'cleaner' than what you wash off your skin during a shower in the morning or after a gym workout," said Dr. Brahmbhatt. "It's probably no different than the water coming from the faucet when it comes to its effect on your physical surroundings."

Can I Get an Infection?

If you're worried about accidentally peeing on your feet, well, at least you're in the right place for a rapid wash. And if you have a cut or other wound on your foot? "It's probably not a big deal," said Dr. Brahmbhatt. "There are people that pitch using urine as an antiseptic; i.e., when you have an open wound, you can pee on it to help avoid infection. But the science behind this theory isn't particularly strong."

A Quick Review

The bottom line is that peeing in the shower is unlikely to harm you. So whether it's part of your water-saving efforts or you can't stop the flow sometimes, it's pretty much fine to pee in the shower. Just make sure you are using your own shower. Since pee is supposed to be sterile and is made mostly of water, it likely won't have much of an impact on your or your shower floor.

Which food is best for control uric acid?
Which food is best for control uric acid?

Oats, whole grains, vegetables like broccoli, pumpkin and celery should be included in the diet to lower the uric acid level. These types of foods...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 17, 2019
Does running stop DHT?
Does running stop DHT?

Generally speaking, regular forms of cardio exercise, like jogging, a brisk walk, or a bike ride, will get your blood pumping, and drop your stress...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 23, 2018

What is unhealthiest chocolate in the world?
What is unhealthiest chocolate in the world?

White chocolate is said to be the unhealthiest of the three variants. On average, it has the most calories and also contains the most sugar. Milk...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 24, 2022
Can zinc help an enlarged prostate?
Can zinc help an enlarged prostate?

The prostate gland stores zinc, which not only prevents prostate enlargement but may also help to shrink a prostate gland that's already swollen.

Read More »
Last updated May 17, 2019
Can you live a normal life with an enlarged prostate?
Can you live a normal life with an enlarged prostate?

BPH might be life-disrupting, but with the right care and the correct approach to fluids, it's possible for most men to minimize their symptoms and...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 24, 2018
Why should we not wear socks while sleeping?
Why should we not wear socks while sleeping?

“There may be an increased risk of skin infection, especially if the socks used are made of synthetic material like nylon. Body temperature can...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 11, 2018