Should You Use a Squatty Potty When You Pee?
Have you ever heard of a Squatty Potty? It’s a simple device that elevates your feet while you’re sitting on the toilet. Originally, it gained popularity for helping with bowel movements by mimicking a squatting position, which is said to be a more natural posture for the human body to eliminate waste. Now, you might wonder, is it beneficial to use a Squatty Potty when you pee, especially considering it was designed with pooping in mind? Let’s break this down in a way that’s easy to understand and see if it makes sense for your bathroom habits.
What is a Squatty Potty?
Before we dive into whether you should use a Squatty Potty for urination, let’s quickly outline what it is. A Squatty Potty is a stool that fits around the base of your toilet. When you sit on the toilet and place your feet on it, your body leans slightly forward, and your knees are raised above your hips. This position is thought to straighten the bend in your colon, making it easier to go to the bathroom.
Using a Squatty Potty for Urination: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Better Bladder Emptying: For some people, especially those with pelvic floor issues, using a Squatty Potty might aid in more complete emptying of the bladder. The squatting position can reduce the angle between the bladder and the urethra, potentially making it easier to pee.
- Reduced Strain: The squat position can help relax the pelvic floor muscles, which might reduce the strain during urination. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience difficulty or discomfort when peeing.
Cons
- Not Necessary for Everyone: Most people don’t need a Squatty Potty to urinate efficiently. The human body is quite capable of emptying the bladder without the need for a squatting position. Unless you have specific medical conditions that affect urination, the benefit might be minimal.
- Comfort and Convenience: Not everyone finds the squatting position comfortable for urination, especially in public restrooms where a Squatty Potty isn’t available. Additionally, using it just for peeing might not justify the purchase if you don’t also use it for its primary purpose of aiding with bowel movements.
Should You Use Squatty Potty?
Ultimately, whether you should use a Squatty Potty when you pee depends on your personal comfort and medical needs. If you find it makes urination easier or more comfortable, especially if you have pelvic floor concerns, it might be worth trying. However, for most people, it’s not a necessity to urinate. If you’re curious, there’s no harm in giving it a go to see if it makes a difference for you.
Remember, if you’re experiencing significant difficulties with urination, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide advice tailored to your specific health situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can using a Squatty Potty help with urinary tract infections (UTIs)? While there’s no direct evidence that using a Squatty Potty can prevent UTIs, fully emptying your bladder can reduce the risk of infection. If the device helps you do that, it might indirectly contribute to UTI prevention.
- Is it recommended for pregnant women to use a Squatty Potty for urination? Pregnant women often find that squatting helps relieve pressure on the bladder, which can be beneficial given the increased frequency of urination. However, it’s always a wise idea to consult with a healthcare provider before trying new health or wellness products during pregnancy.
- Do men benefit from using a Squatty Potty for urination? Men, just like women, might find that the Squatty Potty helps in fully emptying the bladder, especially if they have conditions that affect their pelvic floor muscles. However, standing to urinate is generally efficient for most men, making the device less necessary for this specific use.
