We’ve all been in this situation… You’re on a road trip. You realize you have to pee, but think “I can hold it a little longer, at least until there’s a real bathroom.”
Then, nothing. Nowhere to pull over or turn out. Just you in your car with a growing sense of urgency and panic setting in. Minutes feel like hours and you’re starting to question all of your life’s decisions.
Then, hallelujah! You find a bathroom and are barely able to pull your pants down in time. As you drain your pipes, the panic fades and is strangely replaced with a sense of euphoria and deep pleasure.
You may have experienced a “peegasm”. And yes – it’s exactly what it sounds like.
Are peegasms real?
Let’s get this out of the way first. While a peegasm may feel great at the moment, holding your pee can increase your risk of developing UTIs and bladder infections. More on that later!
When we say peegasm, we mean you experience an orgasm or sexual pleasure while peeing.
There is very little research on orgasming from peeing, but personal experience does matter. Many people report having an orgasm or feeling deep pleasure occasionally when urinating. This is more common when you have to go really badly, like in the scenario we described earlier.
Take a gander around Reddit and you’ll find people looking for answers about why this happens or if it happens to anyone else. You’ll also find people calling it “piss shivers” or comparing it to “ASMR tingles”. Both men and women say they’ve experienced this sensation.
While peegasm definitely isn’t a scientific term, it’s probably the best way to describe the very unique sensation that can come when you realllllly gotta go.
Orgasmic incontinence
On the other hand, there is some research on people who happen to pee when they orgasm. This is called orgasmic or coital incontinence and is actually more common than you may think.
About 50% of adult women have urinary incontinence, with that number increasing in people over age 65. Approximately 60% of those with incontinence also experience peeing or leaking during sex.
Urinary incontinence can develop in people who have given birth, experienced pelvic floor injuries, have a UTI, or are on certain medications. While it’s nothing to be ashamed of, incontinence is something that can be incredibly stressful or shameful for someone experiencing it, whether it’s during sex or sneezing in the grocery store.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get back to the topic at hand.
Is a peegasm the same as squirting?
You might be thinking “Isn’t peeing during sex just squirting?”
Many people still doubt whether squirting is even real or if it’s just a stunt in unrealistic porn scenes. It is real, and it is not the same as peeing.
For an estimated 10-54% of women, squirting is a normal part of sex but that doesn’t mean that they’re peeing. While “squirt” does have some urine in it, that’s not all that it is.
When someone squirts, they expel liquid from their urethra. This liquid is largely made up of urine, but it also contains fluid from the Skene’s gland, which is sometimes considered the “female prostate”.
While orgasmic incontinence can feel like a loss of control, many people who squirt have some control over it and describe it as a pleasurable “release”.
“Pee kinks”
No article about peegasms would be complete without addressing the elephant in the room – pee kinks. Pee play, often known as “golden showers”, is the act of urinating on or in front of your partner.
The fact that so many people experience pleasure while they pee (whether or not they’re having sex) makes it easy to understand why people would engage in pee play.
People engage in pee play for many different reasons. For some people it’s about vulnerability, others love the taboo nature of it, and for some, it’s a visual representation of their partner’s pleasure.
If you do want to try out pee play, be sure you discuss with it your partner and have enthusiastic consent from all parties involved. You’ll also want to plan out the best way to minimize mess (or have a good cleanup plan in place).
We care about the health of your bladder
Peeing and pleasure have a lot of overlap, but a word to the wise: As much of a relief as a peegasm may be, we strongly discourage you from intentionally holding it in just for the sensation.
Your urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys are all incredibly sensitive. Holding pee in for too long could lead to a urinary tract infection, which can move up to your kidneys. We all have to hold it occasionally and this is unlikely to lead to any harm. That being said, frequently holding your pee for too long can increase your risk of:
- Urinary tract infections
- Urinary incontinence
- Stretched bladder
- Kidney stones
While there’s nothing wrong with occasionally enjoying the sensation of peeing or accidentally (or purposefully) peeing during sex, you want to take steps to keep your bladder and the rest of your urinary tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria.
If you’re looking for new ways to experience pleasure, the world is your oyster! There are plenty of practices you can explore that don’t compromise your health. Why not explore anal sex, sensation play, or wax play?
