Have you ever considered hovering above a public toilet seat instead of actually sitting on it? It might seem like a clever way to avoid germs, but it could lead to some health problems. Let’s take a look at why this habit might not be as good for you as you believe.
The Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
When you sit in a squat position on the toilet, it makes your pelvic floor muscles work harder, keeping them about 40% tight. This tension can stop your bladder from relaxing completely. So, when you stand up, you might notice that you didn’t empty your bladder all the way, which can let bacteria grow. This can increase the risk of getting urinary tract infections.
Feeling Like You Always Need to Go
Hovering can lead to a higher chance of getting infections, and it might also make you feel like you always have to go to the bathroom. Simple things like sneezing, jumping, laughing, or coughing could cause you to accidentally leak urine, which can be really uncomfortable.
Potential Bladder Weakening
If you keep squatting over the toilet a lot, it might make your pelvic muscles stay tight. After a while, this could make it harder for your bladder to hold urine properly, which could cause problems with controlling your bladder or even lead to accidents.
A Healthier Alternative: Full Squatting
When using public restrooms, instead of just doing a partial squat, you might want to try a full squat. Sitting all the way down on the toilet seat can help your pelvic and bladder muscles relax, which can lower the chances of problems that come from hovering.
In conclusion, while it’s smart to avoid germs in public bathrooms, hovering over the toilet might not be the best for your health. It could raise the risk of urinary tract infections, make you feel like you need to pee more often, and even weaken your bladder over time. Doing a full squat can actually help keep your bladder and pelvic floor healthier.
We’d love to know what you think! Do you usually hover over public toilets? What other steps do you take to stay safe in public restrooms? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.