Hovering Over Toilet Seat: Urinating without sitting on the seat in a public toilet can harm your bladder health. This habit can increase problems like urine retention and UTI.

Hovering Over Toilet Seat : Whenever women use a public toilet, the first thought that comes to their mind is , “ It is dirty, we might get an infection !” And due to this fear, most women prefer to urinate by half-squatting or bending over the seat instead of sitting properly on the toilet seat. But do you know that as clean as this habit seems, it can be equally dangerous for your bladder health?

According to doctors , this method does not allow the urine to come out completely, which can lead to problems like urine retention, frequent urinary infections ( UTI) and weakness in pelvic floor muscles. Dr. Nikhil Khattar , Associate Director, Urology, PSRI Hospital, says that urinating without sitting increases the pressure on the bladder and this habit gradually makes the body accustomed to incomplete urination.

Wrong position is more dangerous than toilet seat

Many women do not sit on the seat to avoid infection, but this does not allow the bladder to be emptied completely, which causes further damage. If you either hold urine, or do not urinate while sitting properly, both habits damage the pelvic floor muscles .

How true is the fear of infection from toilet ?

• The risk of infection from toilet seat is not as great as we think.
• The good thing is that if you want, you can clean the toilet seat with sanitizer or tissue , or use a seat cover and sit safely.
• You can keep yourself safe by giving up bad habits that harm yourself and by being a little clean and cautious.

What to do to stay safe and healthy ?

• Always sit properly on the toilet seat
• Sanitize the seat first
• Use disposable seat covers if needed
• do not hold urine at all
• Holding urine for too long weakens the pelvic muscles
• Drink plenty of water to keep your urine clear and diluted
• If you are having frequent UTIs , consult your doctor immediately.

It is important to avoid infection from public toilets , but urinating in the wrong position can be even more harmful . It is better that you pay attention to cleanliness and use the toilet seat properly .