Anatomy professor Michelle Spear debunks women's bathroom trips myth

Anatomy professor Michelle Spear of the University of Bristol explains that the common belief that women need to use the bathroom more often because they have smaller bladders is inaccurate. She notes that bladder capacity is similar for both sexes, holding about 400‑600 ml of urine.

The difference lies in the pelvic anatomy: a woman's bladder shares space with the uterus and vagina, leaving less room for expansion. Hormonal changes and heightened sensory awareness can also trigger the urge to void earlier. Additionally, the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder may weaken over time or after childbirth, reducing bladder control. A shorter urethra in women further increases susceptibility to urinary‑tract infections, contributing to the perception of more frequent bathroom trips.