The debate over peeing in the shower continues, with many advocating for the practice due to its water-saving benefits. However, Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a pelvic health specialist, warns that for those assigned female at birth, this habit could have unintended health consequences.
The Water Conservation Argument
One of the strongest arguments for urinating in the shower is its potential to save water. By eliminating the need for a separate toilet flush, a person could save approximately 2,190 liters (579 gallons) of water per year. If the entire U.S. population adopted this practice, it could lead to an annual water savings of 699 billion liters (185 billion gallons). This significant reduction in water consumption highlights the environmental advantages of shower urination.
Potential Health Risks: The Pelvic Floor Connection
Despite the environmental benefits, the potential health consequences of this habit must be considered. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas explains in a TikTok video that regularly peeing in the shower may lead to pelvic floor and bladder control issues.
The Pavlovian Response
Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas likens this habit to Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiment, where dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell with food. Similarly, repeatedly urinating in the shower can train the brain to link the sound of running water with the urge to pee. This association may result in involuntary urination triggered by running water sounds, such as a faucet, toilet flush, or even rain.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Risks
For individuals with existing pelvic floor dysfunction, this learned association can exacerbate bladder control problems. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas explains that urinating while standing in the shower does not allow the pelvic floor muscles to fully relax, potentially leading to incomplete bladder emptying. Over time, this can contribute to urinary retention and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Some argue that squatting while urinating in the shower might alleviate pelvic floor strain. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas acknowledges that a full squat position allows for better pelvic floor relaxation, but she still advises against making shower urination a habit. If one must urinate in the shower, a proper squatting position is preferable to standing.
Why Doesn’t Toilet Flushing Trigger the Same Response?
A common question is why flushing the toilet doesn’t condition the brain in the same way. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas clarifies that by the time a person flushes the toilet, they have already urinated, so no association is formed. However, individuals who struggle to resist the urge to urinate when exposed to running water may already have underlying bladder control issues.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition, particularly among women. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, rectum, and other organs. Dysfunction occurs when these muscles become too weak or too tight, leading to symptoms such as:
- Urinary and bowel incontinence
- Lower back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Increased urgency or frequency of urination
Factors such as childbirth, surgery, aging, obesity, and high-impact activities can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Given that urinating in the shower might worsen symptoms, individuals should be aware of these risks before adopting the habit.
The Biological Factor: Why Female Anatomy Matters
Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas emphasizes that those with female anatomy are not designed to urinate while standing. Unlike male anatomy, where the positioning allows for better bladder emptying while standing, females may struggle to fully relax the pelvic floor in this position. This can lead to incomplete bladder emptying, increasing the risk of UTIs and other urinary complications.
Pros and Cons of Peeing in the Shower
Pros:
- Water conservation: Reduces toilet water usage significantly.
- Convenience: Saves time, particularly during a rushed morning routine.
Cons:
- Pelvic floor health risks: May contribute to bladder control issues and pelvic dysfunction.
- Conditioned response: Can create an involuntary urge to urinate when exposed to running water.
- Sanitation concerns: While urine is mostly sterile, it can still contain bacteria that may pose hygiene risks.
The Bottom Line
While peeing in the shower may seem like an eco-friendly and convenient habit, it is important to weigh the potential health risks. Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas’s insights serve as a reminder to consider the long-term effects of our daily routines. Striving for sustainability should not come at the cost of personal health. Ultimately, making an informed decision based on both environmental and health factors is key to maintaining overall well-being.
Tattoo artist shows off freckles she inked on customer who travelled 900 miles for them
In the ever-evolving world of cosmetic tattoos, one trend continues to spark curiosity and debate—freckle tattoos. A Brisbane-based tattoo artist, Daisy Lovesick, recently went viral after showcasing a client who traveled a staggering 900 miles just to get her signature freckle tattoos.
While some people spend their lives covering up freckles, others are going to great lengths to get them permanently inked. But what makes freckle tattoos so desirable, and why did this particular case gain so much attention? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of cosmetic freckle tattoos, the process behind them, and the internet’s divided reaction to this unique beauty trend.
The Artist Behind the Viral Freckle Tattoo
Daisy Lovesick, a renowned tattoo artist in Brisbane, has built a reputation for creating hyper-realistic freckle tattoos. She specializes in subtle, natural-looking designs that blend seamlessly with the client’s skin, giving the illusion of naturally sun-kissed freckles.
Daisy’s TikTok account, @daisylovesick, is filled with videos showcasing her meticulous freckle tattooing process. Her recent post about a client named Michaela, who traveled 900 miles just for her service, caught the internet’s attention.
In the viral video, Daisy carefully mapped out the freckle placement before inking, ensuring that each dot complemented Michaela’s facial features. To add a personal touch, she even included a tiny heart-shaped freckle.
How the Freckle Tattooing Process Works
For those unfamiliar with the process, freckle tattooing is a form of semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing. Unlike traditional tattoos, freckle tattoos are created with a softer, more natural effect. Here’s how the process unfolds:
Video : Doctor Reacts to Freckle Tattoos
✔ Mapping Out the Freckles
Before inking, Daisy strategically placed the freckles, having Michaela approve the design first. “I always map my freckles with my clients sitting up,” she explained. “I have them check in the mirror to confirm they’re happy.”
✔ Adjusting for Facial Expressions
Freckles shift naturally with facial expressions, so Daisy asked Michaela to smile, make faces, and talk while finalizing the placement. This ensures the freckles move naturally when she emotes.
✔ Tattooing the Freckles
Once Michaela approved the design, Daisy began the inking process. Unlike traditional tattoos, freckle tattoos fade over time and settle into a more natural, blended appearance after healing.
✔ Immediate Aftermath
Immediately after the procedure, Michaela’s face appeared red and swollen—an expected reaction. Daisy reassured viewers, stating, “A lot of times, freckles look like this immediately after they’re done. Clients know this is how they’ll leave the studio.”
Daisy was thrilled with the outcome, saying, “I am absolutely obsessed with how these freckles turned out. I love the ones across the nose the most.”
The Internet’s Mixed Reaction to Freckle Tattoos
As with any beauty trend, not everyone is on board. The video quickly went viral, attracting both praise and criticism.
🚀 Supporters Loved the Look
Many users praised the tattoo artist’s work, admiring how the freckles gave a youthful, sun-kissed appearance. The client herself, Michaela, commented, “ITS MEEE hahaha I am so in love with these! Thank you so, so, so much.”
🚫 Critics Were Not Impressed
Others were less enthusiastic, questioning the appeal of freckle tattoos. Some users compared the fresh ink to blackheads, rosacea, or even grease burns.
👎 “Looks like she’s been bobbing for apples in a chip pan.”
👎 “It doesn’t look like freckles. It looks like she has rosacea.”
👎 “I have natural freckles and they look nothing like this lmao. This poor girl needs her money back.”
While some found the look unappealing, others couldn’t understand why someone would choose to get permanent freckles when others naturally have them and try to cover them up.
Freckle Tattoos: A Growing Beauty Trend
Despite the mixed opinions, freckle tattoos have gained popularity in recent years. Many people love the youthful, carefree aesthetic freckles provide. Here’s why they’re trending:
🔹 A Natural, Sun-Kissed Look
Freckles are often associated with a fresh, natural beauty that doesn’t require makeup. For those who weren’t born with them, tattooing offers a long-lasting solution.
🔹 Customizable Designs
Artists can tailor the freckles to match a client’s desired aesthetic—light and scattered, bold and clustered, or even incorporating tiny shapes like hearts or stars.
🔹 Semi-Permanent and Low Maintenance
Unlike traditional tattoos, freckle tattoos fade over time, usually lasting 1-3 years before needing a touch-up. This makes them a less permanent commitment compared to other facial tattoos.
Video : the real secret to natural, long-lasting henna freckles every time
What to Expect from Freckle Tattoos
If you’re considering getting freckle tattoos, here’s what you should keep in mind:
✔ They Will Fade – Initially, freckles appear darker but fade to a more natural look after a few weeks.
✔ Healing Takes Time – The redness and swelling seen in Daisy’s video are temporary. The final results take a few weeks to fully develop.
✔ Choose a Skilled Artist – Not all tattoo artists specialize in freckles, so do your research before booking an appointment.
✔ They Are Semi-Permanent – Over time, the freckles will fade and may require touch-ups to maintain their appearance.
Would You Get Freckle Tattoos?
The beauty world is constantly evolving, and what’s considered trendy today might not be tomorrow. While some people embrace freckle tattoos as a fun, youthful beauty enhancement, others remain skeptical about their appeal.
What do you think? Would you ever consider getting freckle tattoos, or do you prefer to stick with traditional makeup and natural freckles?
Drop a comment below and share your thoughts! And if you enjoyed this article, stay tuned for more beauty trends and tattoo stories that are making waves on social media.
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