How to Hold in Your Pee in the Car

Last Updated: July 18, 2022

When it comes to that moment where it feels as if your bladder may explode while in the car, this can be a most awkward time. If there are no bathroom facilities for awhile yet, you'll need to do your very best to hold on until the next stop.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Preparing for the trip

1
Try to limit your fluid intake before the car trip. Especially avoid drinks which have a diuretic effects, like coffee and alcohol.
2
Visit the bathroom before the car trip. Even if you don't feel an urgent need to go, it's a good idea to pee before the trip.

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3
Check where there are rest stops on your route in advance. This way you'll always know where the closest rest room is should you need to go.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dealing with having to pee during the drive

1
Notify the driver that you need to go. This alerts the driver to the need to find the first possible pullover point.
2
Cross your legs. Simply put one leg over the other and, using your hands, push hard on your inner thighs. Do not press hard on your lower stomach as you will put more pressure on your bladder area. Do not lean forward onto your bladder. Press your hands onto it, instead.
3
Try not to move too much. Squirming or fidgeting only makes the urge to pee feel even worse. Also avoid laughing, coughing or sneezing, since these might cause you to accidentally pee a little.
4
Use positive self-talk. Think, "I can hold it" or "I can make it". Do not think about water, rain, waterfalls, etc. Do not think about what happens when you can relieve yourself before you actually do. Thinking about this excites the bladder before it happens and can cause you to release your urine before you make it to the toilet. Also avoid sexual thoughts. If you think about a sexual fantasy or even romantic connections with someone else, you may well lose the urge to release your bladder waste.
5
Loosen your lower body clothing. Loosen up your pants or jeans if you are wearing them. Loosen belts, and shift tight waistbands if at all possible.
6
Try to distract yourself. Read a book or watch a movie to keep your mind off of the urge to pee.
7
Consider letting out a little bit to help you hold longer. If you let out a little pee into your pants you will be able to hold a little longer without having a full accident.
8
Go at the first possible moment you reach a convenience. Continuing to hold in the urine may lead to urinary tract complications.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

What to do if you can't hold any longer

1
If you can, pull over and pee at the side of the road. If you can't get to a bathroom in time, peeing on the side of the road might be your next best option. Once you have pulled over, try to find the most discreet place to pee, for example behind some bushes. However you shouldn't feel too embarrassed even if people driving by see you pee.
2
Pee into a container. If there's no way you can pull over and pee, you can try peeing into a cup, a bag or other container. A container with a lid is preferable to prevent the keep from spilling while driving. Pee in a plastic bag only as a last resort since they can easily leak.
3
If you feel you are going to pee your pants, try to protect your seat somehow. Place a plastic bag or a towel on the seat to protect it.
4
If you end up peeing in your pants remain calm. Accidents happen and there's no need to panic. Just change your pants and clean up your seat as soon as possible.

Community Q&A

Question

What if you don’t have a container?

WildManatee

Community Answer

Try using a plastic bag that has no holes. Otherwise, stop on the shoulder lane if it is safe to do so and turn on your hazard lights (avoid stopping on steep and/or winding roads), and pee outdoors between two open car doors. If you can find a siding or rest area, that would be preferable.
Question

I'm a girl. What If I pee on my own clothes and seat while trying to pee in the bottle / container?

Ashley

Community Answer

Try to remain calm and, depending on who you are with, try to hide it and change clothes ASAP, and put your wet clothes in a bag or the boot (trunk) of the car.