Think Squatting Over the Toilet Seat is Safer? Not Really

How many times have you found yourself whether at a gas station restroom, mall bathroom, or airplane lavatory, the need to squat or hover over a public toilet, dreading direct contact with the seat? More often than you'd care to remember, right? Who knows, after all, who wants to risk touching something that hundreds of strangers have used? But while it might seem the most secure, did you know that this habit can actually be damaging to your bladder health? If you've ever had to deal with lots of pee urges or surprise leaks, your hovering habit could be the cause.

It is an unpleasant experience to use a public toilet. In a restaurant, airport, or gym, most people will avoid sitting on the toilet seat itself because of hygiene issues. They hover or squat over the seat to keep contact to a minimum. This might seem like a reasonable precaution, but medical professionals advise that it's really an unhealthy habit that can have long-term effects on your bladder and pelvic floor health.

Why Do People Squat Over Public Toilets?

It's no surprise that so many individuals prefer squatting. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals using public toilets every day. Sharing a toilet seat with unknown people can make one feel nervous, and folklore regarding the spreading of infections due to toilet seat contact contributes to the anxiety.

A 2019 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health study on women's bathroom habits showed that the majority of people opt not to use public toilets at all. Those who do might hover in an attempt to avoid touching possibly germ-covered surfaces. Though this may seem safer, it has serious consequences.

Harmful Effects of Squatting While Peeing

Squatting on the toilet puts tension on the pelvic floor muscles so that they are not able to relax completely. This has the following adverse effects:

1. Incomplete Bladder Emptying

While squatting, your pelvic muscles are around 30-40% tense, thus not allowing the bladder to drain completely. This residual urine can cause pain, augment the frequency of urination, and even elevate the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

2. Increased Risk of Leaks

When urine accumulates in the bladder, it may lead to involuntary leakage, particularly upon laughing, sneezing, coughing, or jumping. This gradually weakens bladder control and may result in stress incontinence.

3. Bladder Irritation and Urgency

The residual urine left behind due to improper emptying can irritate the bladder lining, making you feel like you need to pee more frequently or urgently. This condition, often mistaken for an overactive bladder, can disrupt daily life and lead to discomfort.

Are Public Toilets Really That Dirty?

One of the primary reasons individuals hover is due to germs. Yet, numerous studies have indicated that the chance of getting an infection from a toilet seat is less than slight. Most everyday bacteria, such as E. coli and staphylococcus, exist for only a short time on hard, dry surfaces like toilet seats. Besides this, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cannot be acquired by sitting upon a public toilet.

Instead, the actual threat in public bathrooms is unwashed hands and dirty surfaces such as door handles and faucets. Proper hand washing after using the bathroom is much more likely to keep you from getting sick than staying away from the toilet seat.

What You Should Do Instead

If you're still worried about cleanliness but wish to guard bladder health, these safer alternatives can be used:

1. Use Toilet Seat Covers or Toilet Paper

Most public restrooms offer disposable seat covers, which act as a barrier between you and the seat. If covers are not available, toilet paper can be used to form a protective barrier.

2. Wipe Down the Seat

Keeping disinfectant wipes in your bag can be an efficient and speedy method of sanitizing the seat prior to use. Many find this to be reassuring and a good middle ground between hygiene and bladder health.

3. Practice Good Bathroom Habits

In addition to sitting correctly, taking your time when on the toilet is also important. Rushing is common, and it results in incomplete bladder emptying. Sitting for a few more seconds and practicing deep breathing can enhance urine flow and safeguard pelvic health.

When Is It Okay To Squat?

Although squatting is not advisable to do often, there are instances when it cannot be helped. If a toilet is too dirty or not properly sanitized, hovering occasionally won't immediately harm. But turning squatting into a habit can result in chronic pelvic floor dysfunction.

Identifying Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

If you squat over toilets on a regular basis and notice any of the following, it's time to re-evaluate your bathroom routine:

• Leaking urine during coughing, sneezing, or laughing
• Having an overwhelming urge to urinate even after recently going
• Struggling to make it to the bathroom in time
• Pain or discomfort before, during, or after urination
• Pressure or a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic region

Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause long-term bladder problems, but simple changes—such as sitting correctly when on the toilet—can have a great impact on urinary well-being.

Squatting on a public toilet might appear to be the most effective means of evading germs, but it might do more harm than good. Squatting stops the bladder from being able to fully empty, causing leaks, irritation, and urinary tract infections. Rather, choose to use seat covers, clean the seat, or just wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Your bladder health is worth it, and doing the right thing can allow you to have more control and comfort in the long term.