Squatting Over The Toilet Might Risk Your Health

Squatting over the toilet when you pee might not be as healthy as you think. It can be problematic over time. We know you must be cautious, especially when peeing in public restrooms, but the coin has two sides.

1. A higher risk for urinary tract infections.

Your pelvic floor muscles are about 40% tensed, and the bladder is not fully relaxed if you keep squatting over the toilet. After you stand up, you will probably have urine left inside, which can create bacteria that might lead to a urinary tract infection.

2. The sensation of always needing to pee.

If you sneeze, jump, laugh, or cough, the urine left inside your bladder might accidentally leak. It can also give you an uncomfortable sensation of always needing to pee.

3. The bladder can become weaker over time.

If you keep squatting over the toilet very often, you are training your pelvic muscles not to relax. This will make your bladder weaker over time.

4. Do a full squat = Sit lower on the toilet.

The full squat goes even lower than the typical half squat you do to prevent touching the toilet. This position might be better for your health, rather than squatting over the toilet halfway. It will relax the pelvic and bladder muscles more.

Do you do this when you pee in public restrooms? What other precautions would you take? Tell us in the comments.