Until recently I thought the concept of the pee shiver was a universally accepted fact. However, in a recent conversation with my wife, I realized that she has never heard of this before. I have had the idea confirmed by multiple of my guy friends that have also get shivers from time to time while they pee. Someone please eli5 so I can relay the information on to my wife.
In: Biology
Its because of an interaction between your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
the parasympathetic nervous system is in control of relaxing the muscles in your urethra and contracting the muscles in your bladder to allow you to urinate. its also the part of the nervous system that kicks up your “fight or flight” response.
meanwhile, the sympathetic nervous system controlls the bladder function, and is what allows you to hold your pee in. its basically in control of keeping you relaxed, and deals with digestion and other stuff.
when the PNS takes over, and urination begins, that lowers your blood pressure upon voiding. and that, completely on accident, causes a reaction from the sympathetic nervous system.
the sympathetic nervous system responds by releasing catecholamimes such as epinepherine, norepinepherine and dopamine. it is believed that the rush of chemicals is what causes the shudder.
the two are not usually acting at the same time, and it’s a little glitch in the nervous system where both systems are fighting for control.
also should be noted that pee shivers are not exclusive to men. it also happens to women as well.
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