It’s a well-known scene: pressed by desire, we enter a public toilet that is not very reassuring. Without a second thought, we decide not to sit down and opt for the “squat” position above the toilet. A small acrobatic balance that gives us the impression of protecting ourselves from germs. But what if this maneuver was in fact counterproductive? Experts are sounding the alarm…
Crouching over the toilet: a false good idea?
We do it almost mechanically: as soon as the toilet seems dubious, we try to “float” above the seat to avoid any contact. However, according to microbiologist Dr. Primrose Freestone, this reflex would be more detrimental than useful. Yes, squatting like this requires a significant muscular effort, especially for the pelvic floor. As a result, the bladder has difficulty emptying completely, which can lead to frequent trips to the toilet… Not very practical, nor pleasant.
What Your Body Endures When You Get High
Staying balanced above the toilet activates a real army of muscles: back, abs, hips… all are mobilized to keep you in position. This tension prevents the body from relaxing, making it difficult to urinate. Result? Incomplete emptying of the bladder which can in the long run promote urinary problems or a recurrent pressing need. And in the most extreme cases, it could even weaken the pelvic area, especially after pregnancy.
Pushing to urinate: a reflex to avoid
Brianne Grogan, a physiotherapist specializing in women’s health, warns that when squatting becomes frequent, we end up pushing to speed up the process. A habit that can weaken the pelvic floor and, in some cases, promote organ sagging (called “prolapse”). A situation not to be taken lightly, especially for those who have already given birth.
What if we sat down with confidence?
The good news is that the fear of bacteria on public toilet seats is greatly exaggerated. According to Dr. Freestone, the transmission of infections via a toilet seat is extremely rare. In reality, germs are spread through hands or poorly cleaned surfaces. In addition, our skin acts as a very effective natural protective barrier. In other words: you can sit serenely, especially if you put down a small tissue or use disposable protection.
The real danger is flushing!
Surprise: the riskiest moment is not when you sit down… but when you flush the toilet. A study has shown that droplets projected into the air can disperse up to 1.5 meters around the bowl. These micro-particles carry traces of everything in the bowl, including germs from previous users. The trick? Press flush, then quickly exit the cabin. Neither seen, nor taken, nor splashed!
In short, sitting is better than squatting – and it’s not just a question of comfort, but also of health.
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