How long can a man contract his external urethral sphincter?

Question

Hello doctor,

I want to know for how long can a man contract his external urethral sphincter. Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The external sphincter is a muscle that controls urine flow. This is under voluntary control. We usually use it when we want to control the flow of urine during a urine urge. One can control it for a few minutes like 10 to 15 minutes if the bladder is completely full. It is not advisable to hold urine for too long by contracting the sphincter. During the Kegal exercise also sphincter is controlled, as part of the exercise, for 20 to 30 seconds multiple times. I hope I have cleared all your doubts.

Thank you.