It started with a simple, slightly messy question on Threads: “Aye fellas when you’re in your own house do you still stand to pee?” When I clicked on the post, I expected the comment section to be a predictable mix of “macho” statements, jokes about aim, or defensive claims that sitting is something men just don’t do. I expected a debate on masculinity.
Instead, I found a debate on medicine.
Scattered among the jokes were genuine comments from men stating that their doctors had actually recommended they take a seat. Intrigued, I decided to do my own discovery to see if there was any truth to the claims. As it turns out, the “sit vs. stand” debate isn’t just a matter of preference; it’s a matter of health.
Here is what I found about the benefits of sitting down to handle your business.
1. It’s Better for Your Prostate
The most common medical argument for sitting comes down to the prostate. As men age, many experience Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. Research, including a notable study from the Leiden University Medical Center, suggests that for men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), sitting is significantly beneficial.
When you stand, you activate muscles in your pelvis and spine to maintain your balance. When you sit, the pelvic floor muscles are able to relax completely. This relaxation allows for a smoother, easier flow and reduces the pressure required to urinate, which is a game-changer for men dealing with prostate issues.
2. A More Complete Empty
The “dynamic voiding” profile, medical speak for how you pee, changes depending on your position. The research indicates that sitting leads to a more complete emptying of the bladder.
Residual urine (what’s left behind when you don’t empty fully) can lead to complications like bladder stones or urinary tract infections. By sitting and allowing the pelvic muscles to relax, you are more likely to empty the tank, reducing the risk of infection and that annoying feeling of needing to go again ten minutes later.
3. The Hygiene Factor (The Splash Zone)
While the health benefits are internal, the hygienic benefits are external and gross.
Physics is physics. Even with the best aim, standing creates “splashback.” UV light experiments have shown that standing to urinate creates an invisible mist of urine droplets that can travel several feet, landing on toothbrushes, towels, and walls. Sitting completely eliminates the splash zone. It’s not just cleaner for the bathroom; it’s more sanitary for everyone who uses it.
What started as a scroll through Threads turned into a health lesson. While cultural norms have long dictated that men stand, the science suggests that sitting might be the superior option for long-term bladder health and home hygiene.
So, the next time you’re in your own house, you might want to ignore the “bro code” and listen to the doctors.
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