A recent survey investigated how men around the world use the restroom, and a urologist is here to shed light on the healthiest approach.
A YouGov survey conducted in 2023 explored "where in the world [...] men sit down to wee." The results showed a preference for sitting in some countries, with Germany leading the pack at 60%.
The survey explains: "Thinking about times where you go to the toilet to ONLY urinate (i.e. only having a pee, not also having a poo), how often do you sit down in order to do so? percent of men in each country."
The survey revealed that only 23% of American men sit down to urinate all the time, with the majority opting to stand at least some of the time.
In the US, the overall percentage was 23, with 10 percent of men consistently sitting down, 13 percent doing so most of the time, 23 percent occasionally, and 17 percent rarely. Six percent had no clue about the survey's focus, while 31 percent never sat down at all.
According to Dr. Gerald Collins, a urological surgeon, sitting can be more beneficial for your health. He told The Telegraph that sitting is "probably the most efficient way" to fully empty your bladder.
Failing to empty your bladder completely can lead to various health problems, including urinary tract infections (yes, men can get them too) and even kidney infections in severe cases.
These risks can become more significant with age and the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition common in men over 40.
The Mayo Clinic defines BPH as an enlarged prostate, a gland that can obstruct urine flow.
While not life-threatening, BPH can cause bothersome symptoms and increase the risk of bladder, urinary tract, and kidney problems.
Sitting while urinating allows for better bladder emptying, potentially reducing the risk of BPH complications.
For overall health and to potentially avoid future problems, Dr. Collins suggests incorporating more sitting urination into your routine.
So, the next time you use the restroom, consider taking a seat – your bladder might thank you for it.