The popular notion that urine is sterile is a myth, new research finds.

Yes, the myth that comes up every time someone pees in a pool (or drinking water reservoir) is actually false. In fact, bacteria do live in urine, Loyola University researchers reported this week at the general meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Boston.

Some of the bacteria may even be linked to certain bladder conditions that have long been believed to be neuromuscular, not infectious, in origin.