Sitting or standing? Urinating in the wrong position can cause bladder infections and dysfunction

16.11.2023 – 13:30

The question of whether men should urinate sitting or standing has been one to which answers have been sought for many years. Although this habit, which varies around the world, is mostly shaped by social and cultural patterns, experts believe it is the healthiest. Urology specialist. doctor. We spoke with Mirak Turan…

The method of urination in men varies from one country to another. While men in Western societies generally urinate while standing, in the majority of Asian countries it is common to urinate while sitting or squatting. So: “Which position is the healthiest for urinating?” This question has been discussed for a long time.

Scientists recently examined toileting preferences, which vary by region. Research conducted by YouGov, a UK-based survey and data analysis company, revealed that most men around the world prefer to go to the toilet standing.

However, it has also been observed that urination while sitting has become increasingly common among men. Another detail that stands out in the research is that the people most likely to urinate while sitting in the Western world are German men.

So which one is right in terms of health? Sitting or standing? Urology specialist. doctor. Mirak Turan We talked about strange things.

“The anal sphincter contracts due to anxiety about passing gas or stool.”

Kiss. doctor. Mirak TuranHe said that urinating while sitting allows the pelvic muscles to relax and the bladder muscle to contract and drain more urine with a stronger flow.

“The anal sphincter contracts when urinating while standing due to fear of passing gas or leaking stool.” Mirak Turan said:“Such a position reduces the comfort of complete urination and causes diseases other than the prostate.” He said.

What happens if urine cannot be completely emptied? What types of urinary problems can be caused by people’s urination patterns, other than the prostate?

This can cause many problems, especially urinary tract infections, Turan said. “Problems such as chronic prostatitis and bladder dysfunction may also occur.” He said.

“Sitting while urinating greatly protects the bladder.”

There are also stereotypes about urinating, especially while sitting. The most important information is that “urinating while sitting protects against prostate diseases.” So, does the risk of prostate disease actually decrease in people who have urinated while sitting since childhood?

“The prostate is an accessory reproductive gland found in every man. Urinating while sitting does not reduce a person’s risk of prostate cancer or enlarged prostate. Turan continued his speech as follows:

“But it protects the bladder to a great extent. “It also reduces the risk of diseases such as urinary tract infection, chronic prostatitis, and bladder dysfunction.”

“Incomplete emptying of the bladder may lead to kidney infections.”

Gerald Collins, an expert at the UK-based Circle Health Group, also stated that urinating while sitting may be more beneficial for men.

Confirming that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs due to a change in the hormonal environment within the prostate, especially starting at the age of 40, Collins said:

This problem occurs when the prostate gland and surrounding tissue become enlarged and block the urethra (the tube that runs from the bladder through the prostate to the penis), making urination difficult. “Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia can develop bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and even kidney infections when they do not empty their bladder completely.”

‘‘This is a matter of respect’

Aside from its health effects, what is the cause of cultural and social differences?

Mirak Turan, “Religious and social customs in toilet use, different materials such as urinals or bidets, diversity of areas of use and genetic characteristics are the factors that create differences.” He explained this issue by saying:

How do men explain this change in Germany, where urinating while sitting has become more common day by day?

A 36-year-old man who lives in Berlin told Vice: “I don’t find it healthy to urinate while standing. I don’t like getting drips on my pants. “Also, urinating while sitting makes me more comfortable.” He said.

This person mentioned that stickers are being placed on the toilets of many restaurants and bars in Berlin to urinate while sitting. “Someone started this trend and we see it spreading rapidly in recent years.”

He said.

Patrick, the 37-year-old project manager who also lives in Berlin, said: “I try to urinate while sitting down. I only use the urinal if the toilet is very dirty. It’s also a matter of respect. You should leave the toilet clean for the person who is going to use it after you. “I think men prefer to urinate sitting at home, even if they don’t admit it.” He confirmed.