It might be a bit surprising, but a significant number of men don’t actually stand up when they go to the bathroom. In fact, in some countries, it’s the norm. In Japan, up to 70% of men sit down to pee, while in Germany, the figure reaches 62%. There’s even a word for it: Sitzpinkler, which literally translates to someone who sits to pee. Meanwhile, in the UK, only about 24% of men choose to sit, making it one of the lowest rates in Europe. But that percentage is on the rise. So, why are more and more men choosing to sit down to pee? Well, there are some surprisingly good reasons—some of which may make you rethink your usual standing routine.
The Hygiene Nightmare: Bacteria Everywhere
One of the biggest drawbacks of standing to pee is the potential for spreading bacteria all around your bathroom. Have you ever wondered what happens when urine hits the toilet bowl? Well, if you aim for the back of the bowl (as many men do), it can cause a huge amount of splashback. A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) revealed just how gross this process can be. The clip showed over 7,550 tiny droplets of urine splattering out of the toilet, potentially landing on nearby surfaces. And if your toothbrush is in the vicinity, those droplets could end up on it too—yikes!
Mechanical engineering expert Tadd Truscott explains that when urine hits the water from that height, it causes a large splash, sending droplets flying everywhere. “Water tends to have a large splash when droplets hit it from that height,” Truscott told The Guardian. “That means a lot of splash can come out of the toilet. I was actually telling a friend tonight that when you pee into a toilet like that, you tend to pee on your toothbrush.” While urine itself is sterile, the droplets can harbor bacteria, especially in a bathroom where fecal matter may also be present. E. coli, in particular, thrives in a wet environment, making your bathroom a breeding ground for unwanted germs.
Even with the best aim, it’s almost impossible to avoid splashback entirely. Sitting down on the toilet, however, can reduce this issue significantly. So, if you value cleanliness in your bathroom, sitting might just be the better choice.
The Health Benefits of Peeing Sitting Down
It’s not just about hygiene—there are some compelling health reasons to sit when you pee. Research from Leiden University Medical Center suggests that sitting down to urinate can help your bladder empty faster and more completely. This simple action can significantly reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are a common problem, especially for those who struggle to fully empty their bladder.
For men with an enlarged prostate, sitting down can also make the process easier. The prostate often gets in the way during urination, which can make it harder to completely empty the bladder when standing. By sitting down, you may find that you have fewer issues with this common problem, which can improve overall urinary health.
No More Splashback: Comfort and Cleanliness Combined
Another huge advantage of sitting down to pee is the lack of splashback. Nobody likes it when urine lands on their legs or the floor, but that’s an unfortunate reality for many men who stand up to pee. Sitting eliminates this problem completely, making for a much more comfortable and hygienic experience.
Many men who’ve switched to sitting down have also reported enjoying the comfort it provides. One user on X shared their reasons for making the switch: “1. You can’t miss. 2. More hygienic. 3. No splashback of pee landing on your leg. 4. More pee is removed from your bladder because your prostate isn’t in the way.” In fact, sitting allows for a more complete and relaxed experience. It’s no surprise that some men find it more comfortable to sit while using their phones or even making the transition to a bathroom break for other needs.
A More Relaxed Experience: Embracing the Comfort
When you sit down to pee, you give your body a chance to relax and let everything flow naturally. Unlike the often rushed experience of standing, sitting allows your body to ease into the process without unnecessary strain. This is particularly beneficial for older men or those with certain medical conditions who may experience discomfort or difficulty while standing.
Moreover, some men find that sitting to pee simply makes life easier. For example, one man explained, “I long stopped peeing while standing unless I really need to. No missing and much more comfortable that you can use your phone or transition to pooping if needed.” It’s a multitasking win! If you’re planning to do more than just pee, why not do it all at once? Sitting is a practical, efficient choice for those who appreciate comfort and convenience.
Environmental Impact: Less Splash, Less Clean-Up
Another aspect to consider is the environmental impact of your bathroom habits. If you’re standing to pee, that means more cleaning is necessary—more splashes, more mess, more cleaning time. Sitting, on the other hand, tends to result in less mess overall, which translates to fewer resources spent on cleaning products and less water used for cleaning purposes. It’s a small but meaningful way to make your bathroom routine a little more eco-friendly.
The Psychological Benefits: No More Urinary Anxiety
Why men shouldn’t pee standing up pic.twitter.com/Mx2xDgofV6
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) November 4, 2024
Interestingly, some men who struggle with the anxiety of aiming while standing have found that sitting down reduces stress. In some cases, men who are not completely comfortable with the act of standing and peeing in public restrooms have turned to sitting as a way to avoid anxiety. It may sound odd, but for some men, the idea of sitting down offers a more peaceful and stress-free experience, especially when it comes to relieving themselves in unfamiliar places.
Conclusion: Should You Sit or Stand?
There are plenty of reasons why more men are choosing to sit down to pee, from hygiene concerns to health benefits and even comfort. Peeing while standing might seem like the more natural option for many, but when you consider the potential bacteria spread, the health benefits, and the lack of splashback, it’s easy to see why sitting down could be a better choice for both your well-being and your bathroom cleanliness.
If you’re someone who’s always stood while peeing, it might be worth considering switching things up. After all, the benefits—hygienic, physical, and even psychological—might just make it worth the change. So, next time you visit the bathroom, why not give sitting down a try? You might just be surprised at how much more comfortable and cleaner the experience can be.
