When you reach the age to read articles like this, it’s likely you’ve already perfected the art of using the toilet. However, a recent study highlights an aspect you might want to consider during your bathroom visits.
Enjoying a tranquil and fulfilling break in the restroom is a simple pleasure that most people can agree upon.
However, the duration of your urination (in terms of time, not distance) might reveal more about your health than you realize.
Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in mechanical engineering, conducted a study on urination and made some enlightening discoveries.
In their research, the team examined high-speed footage of various animals urinating and introduced the “The Law of Urination.”
The study revealed that animals weighing over three kilograms (6.6 pounds) tend to empty their bladders in about 21 seconds, whereas smaller creatures like rats do so in mere fractions of a second.
Moreover, the researchers discovered that the length of urination isn’t solely determined by bladder pressure (though it plays a role) but is also influenced by gravity.
According to the paper published in 2014, “How can bladders of both 0.5kg and 100kg be emptied in nearly the same duration? Larger animals have longer urethras, and so greater gravitational force driving flow.”
“These long urethras increase the flow rate of larger animals, enabling them to perform the feat of emptying their substantial bladders over approximately the same duration.”
Through this study, the researchers also determined the ideal duration for human urination.
Next time you head to the bathroom for a number one, consider timing yourself to see if you hit the 21-second mark.
If your time is significantly shorter or longer, it could indicate that you’re visiting the restroom too frequently—avoiding tasks, perhaps—or not enough—workaholics, take note.
Frequent bathroom trips might mean you’re dealing with an ‘overactive bladder,’ while holding it in for too long can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI), which you certainly want to avoid.
Infrequent urination could also be a sign of kidney disease.
Therefore, make sure to stay hydrated and appreciate the importance of bathroom breaks.