What risk do patients who habitually refuse to go to the bathroom face?

Patients who habitually refuse to go to the bathroom face a significant risk of incontinence. When individuals consistently avoid using the restroom, it can lead to an overdistended bladder. This can impair the bladder's ability to retain urine effectively over time, ultimately resulting in involuntary leakage of urine, which is known as incontinence.

The habit of withholding urine puts added pressure on the bladder muscles and can disrupt the normal process of urination. This behavior may create a cycle where the individual becomes less able to control their bladder function, compounding the incontinence issue. It is important for caregivers to encourage regular bathroom breaks to maintain bladder health and prevent such complications.