Health Risks from Holding Urine or Feces in Mobile Toilets

Using mobile toilets while holding urine or feces can lead to various health issues and requires serious attention.

Risks of Holding Urine

Long-term urine retention can directly damage bladder function. The bladder muscles lose elasticity due to continuous expansion, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, incomplete emptying, and weak urination. In severe cases, urinary retention may occur. Metabolic wastes in the urine, such as urea and creatinine, cannot be expelled in a timely manner, allowing bacteria to breed in the bladder and repeatedly induce urinary tract infections, characterized by urgent urination, painful urination, and even hematuria. Additionally, sudden urination after holding urine can trigger micturition syncope: rapid bladder emptying causes a sudden drop in abdominal pressure, reducing blood return to the heart and leading to transient cerebral ischemia. If not treated promptly, this can be life-threatening. For patients with hypertension, immediate defecation after holding urine may trigger cerebral hemorrhage or angina pectoris due to a sudden increase in blood pressure, especially when blood pressure is higher in the morning.

Risks of Holding Feces

Habitual feces retention can disrupt the normal peristaltic rhythm of the intestines. The sensitivity of the intestines to defecation signals decreases, leading to chronic constipation. Stool remains in the intestines for an extended period, losing moisture and becoming dry and hard. Defecation requires excessive force to squeeze the blood vessels and skin around the anus, potentially causing hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and even hematochezia. For example, a high school senior boy who resisted using the school's open-air toilets and held his urine and feces for long periods eventually sought medical attention for intestinal spasms, indicating that long-term feces retention may induce intestinal spasmodic pain.

Potential Risks of Mobile Toilets

Some mobile toilets pose hygiene risks: high-frequency contact surfaces such as door handles and flush buttons may harbor pathogens like Escherichia coli and norovirus. Inadequate disinfection can exacerbate the risk of cross-infection with sexually transmitted pathogens. Additionally, slippery floors, lack of barrier-free facilities, or missing emergency call devices may increase the risk of hip fractures in the elderly or falls among individuals with physical disabilities. Patients with cardiovascular disease who squat for extended periods and then stand up quickly may experience transient cerebral ischemia due to orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness, blurred vision, or even falls.

Recommendations: When using mobile toilets, try to defecate on schedule and avoid prolonged urine or feces retention. Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet to reduce the risk of infection. If the toilet environment is poor or facilities are lacking, pay extra attention to slip prevention and emergency assistance measures.