4 Bodily Functions to Let Out

Sometimes, being polite is bad for your health

You’ve probably been there before: Clenching through a business meeting after downing tacos for lunch, or suppressing a burp while drinking beers with friends at the big game.

While some bodily functions like sneezing can be disruptive, others like gas can be downright embarrassing. Depending on the circumstances, letting it out may even be rude. Holding back a bodily function for your sake — and for everyone else around you — might feel polite in the moment, but your body doesn’t always agree.

“We’re all guilty of holding back bodily functions when they’re not socially acceptable,” says Susan Werner, MD, a Geisinger family medicine provider. “But what you may not realize is that it can have negative effects on your health. Bodily functions are supposed to be let out, and holding them in can cause infections or serious health issues.”

Let’s take a closer look at 4 natural bodily functions, what happens when you bottle them up and why your best bet is to just let them go.

Is it bad to hold in a sneeze?

For most people, sneezes are far from subtle — which is understandable. Your body is forcefully expelling air (and whatever’s irritating your lungs) up to 70 miles per hour.

People hold in sneezes to avoid being disruptive, but the effects of pinching your nose and clamping your mouth shut might be more than you bargained for.

Sneezing is your body’s way of clearing out irritants like dust, pollen and germs from your nose and airways. Block that force, and all that pressure has nowhere to go and gets redirected internally, shooting into places it shouldn’t, which may lead to injury.

“There are cases of people rupturing their throats after holding in a sneeze,” says Dr. Werner. “The force is enough to break through your windpipe and push the air through the soft tissue in your neck. In these cases, it may be necessary to stay at the hospital for a week to heal completely.”

Trapped pressure can also push mucus and bacteria deeper into your sinuses, potentially leading to sinus infections or prolonged nasal congestion. It could even cause ruptured ear drums or blood vessels.

While these are rare events, they do still happen. So, the next time you feel a sneeze coming on, let it happen — just aim for a tissue or elbow to prevent the spread of germs.

Is it bad to hold in urine?

While you can sneeze anywhere you want, it’s not so easy when you have to urinate. Holding your urine is sometimes necessary, but if you find yourself doing the “gotta go” dance, it’s time to make a pit stop.

As liquid waste builds up in your bladder, you get the urge to urinate. It’s not harmful to hold it for a few minutes until you can find a bathroom. But if you’re consistently delaying bathroom trips, the effects can be unpleasant and even dangerous. Over time, it can stress the bladder and the rest of your urinary system.

Holding your urine for too long can weaken the bladder muscles over time. This can lead to problems like incontinence or trouble fully emptying your bladder.

Holding your pee for extremely long periods also allows bacteria to build up in the bladder, instead of being flushed out, which can lead to urinary tract infections. In addition, it can increase your risk of kidney disease and in rare cases even risk your bladder bursting — a condition that can be deadly.

Instead, try not to wait longer than 3 to 4 hours between bathroom trips during the day.

Is holding bowel movements harmful?

There are plenty of reasons to hold back a bowel movement. For most people, it’s not just a matter of finding a bathroom, it’s about finding the right bathroom with some peace and quiet.

As a result, some people may hold their bowel movements for too long.

“Waiting too long can backfire,” says Dr. Werner. “The longer you wait, the more water your body removes from the waste — making it drier and harder to pass later on. Eventually, this can lead to constipation and even severe blockage, which may require laxatives or even surgery to remove.”

Regularly holding it in also can lead to uncomfortable hemorrhoids or reduce rectum sensitivity to the urge over time, which can worsen constipation.

So, the next time your body gives you the “gotta go” signal, be sure to listen. Getting into a routine, preferably about 20 to 30 minutes after meals, eating more fiber, staying active and hydrated can help, too.

What happens when you hold in gas?

Belches and flatulence are embarrassing, especially when they strike at the worst possible moment. And because gas can smell or make a noise, most people try to hold it in until they find a secluded place.

Luckily, holding gas doesn’t have serious or harmful side effects. However, the trapped air can cause bloating, cramping and discomfort. Your body produces gas as a normal part of digestion, and it needs to be released.

“Interestingly, some early studies show that holding gas can lead to bad breath, too,” says Dr. Werner. “When you hold gas in, the bubbles can break down and get reabsorbed into the bloodstream and ultimately breathed out by the lungs — which can end up making your breath smell.”

While the occasional suppressed gas won't cause major harm, it’s best to just let it go when you get the chance.

Bottom line on bodily functions

Bodily functions like burping, sneezing and urinating are natural — and universal — signs of a healthy respiratory and digestive system. Regularly holding them in, on the other hand, can be harmful to your health.

So, the next time you feel the urge, listen to your body’s signals by responding to its needs.

“You can try avoiding triggers that might make you sneeze or gassy, but if the urge comes on, don’t hold it in,” says Dr. Werner. “Instead, responding in the moment supports your overall health — from your sinuses and ears to your bladder, bowels and gut.”