Hovering over the toilet? You may be hurting your bladder

Time of India

5 days ago

New Delhi: Hovering over public toilets to avoid germs may seem hygienic, but doctors warn it can harm your bladder. The half-squat position often adopted by women prevents full bladder emptying, increasing the risk of urine retention, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and long-term pelvic floor issues.
"It causes increased bladder pressure and can raise the risk of UTIs, bladder irritation, and even long-term problems," said Dr Nikhil Khattar, associate director, urology, PSRI Hospital.
He explained that when this posture is used regularly, it trains the body into a habit of incomplete urination. This affects how the bladder muscles function, and may eventually cause symptoms like frequent urgency, leakage or difficulty emptying the bladder fully.
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"Retained urine also provides a good environment for bacteria to grow, which increases the chance of recurrent UTIs and, in some cases, even kidney infections," he said.
The risks are similar when people delay urinating for too long, which many do in public places to avoid using unclean restrooms. "Whether you are holding your urine or not sitting properly while passing it, both habits harm the pelvic floor muscles and interfere with normal bladder emptying," Dr Khattar added.
Dr Neelam Suri, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said the full squat position — as used with traditional Indian toilets — is much healthier. "In a full squat, the pelvic muscles relax fully, making it easier to empty both the bladder and bowel," she said. "Half-squatting or hovering keeps the muscles tense and doesn't allow proper urination."
According to her, many women hover over Western-style toilets out of fear of infection.
But the posture itself can do more harm in the long run. "Studies suggest that hovering increases the risk of incomplete urination and pelvic strain, which can lead to chronic issues," she added.
Dr Gaurav Garg, senior consultant, urology, Max Smart Hospital, Saket, also said long-term half-squatting can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction and stress incontinence — where urine leaks out during coughing, sneezing or physical activity.
"Many women who come to us with these issues don't realise it's linked to their posture during urination," he said.
Doctors also clarified a common myth: simply sitting on a public toilet seat doesn't directly cause UTIs. "UTIs are primarily caused by bacteria like E. coli entering the urethra and multiplying in the urinary tract," said Dr Khattar. "Poor hygiene, improper wiping, touching contaminated surfaces or not washing hands properly are bigger risks.
The toilet seat itself is rarely the cause."
D
r Atul Goswami, director of urology and uro-oncology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, said awareness is key and women should feel empowered to sit properly by using tools like disposable seat covers or toilet seat sanitisers when using public toilets. "Touching the seat is not as dangerous as incomplete urination, which can cause real and lasting harm," he said.
Experts stressed the need to educate women about proper toilet habits and break the widespread fear around public toilet seats. "We must spread the message that sitting properly and emptying the bladder fully is essential for good urinary health," said Dr Suri.
In a country where access to clean public toilets remains a challenge, doctors say small changes — like carrying hygiene products and choosing to sit instead of hover — can help protect long-term health. What feels like a quick fix may be doing silent damage, and the best choice might just be the one that feels most uncomfortable: sitting down.