When nature calls, we all want to answer it as quickly and discreetly as possible, especially in public restrooms.
But did you know that squatting over the toilet might not be as healthy as you think? Let’s take a closer look at why this seemingly harmless habit can actually be problematic over time.
Squatting over a toilet may seem ideal if you’re using a public restroom or in a rush, but hovering can weaken the muscles in the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor dysfunction can increase your risk of UTIs and incontinence. Try placing toilet paper or a seat cover down before sitting down fully on the toilet seat.
What To Do Instead of Squatting
Squatting over the toilet is not something you want to do routinely. It’s probably fine to hover once in a while, but don’t make it a habit. If you’d rather not sit directly on the toilet seat, you have options.
In a study of 24 women published in 2019, researchers investigated the behaviors used to lessen worries about the cleanliness of public toilets. The women used methods like lining the toilet seat with seat covers or toilet paper and cleaning and wiping the toilet seat before sitting on it.
The way you sit can help you fully empty your bladder. You may try sitting down on the toilet seat and leaning forward, resting your elbows on your knees if you have trouble urinating. Rocking back and forth can also help you urinate.
What Happens When You Squat or Hover Over a Toilet Seat?
When you don’t completely sit down to pee, your muscles are not completely relaxed. These muscles are known as the pelvic floor, a group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. These muscles have to be relaxed for the bladder to completely empty.
You might train the pelvic floor to contract when it usually relaxes, such as when you pee or if you often squat over the toilet. As a result, you can develop pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor dysfunction causes weak muscles.
Other pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms include:
MedlinePlus. Pelvic floor disorders.
Having a frequent or urgent need to pee
Having trouble emptying the bladder
Leaking urine, especially if you cough, exercise, or laugh
Regularly having urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Struggling to make it to the bathroom
That “old” urine you’re carrying around can create bacteria that increase the risk of a UTI.3 The residual urine can also irritate the inside of the bladder, leading to incontinence. Urinary incontinence can make you feel as if you’ve got to go more often or more urgently than you really do.