"Take a Seat,"
In a 2008 survey conducted by Cystex® urinary relief tablets, 70% of women indicated they have walked out of a public restroom without using it because they felt it was “too dirty.” However, if you squat when you urinate in a public restroom to avoid an infection from the toilet seat, you may actually be doing more harm then good.
According to Elizabeth Kavaler, M.D., urologist and author of “A Seat on the Aisle, Please! The Essential Guide to Urinary Tract Problems in Women,” (Copernicus Books, 2006), squatting over the seat can actually prevent the complete emptying of the bladder, which can lead to infection, especially in women who are prone to urinary tract infections(UTIs).
When you squat over the toilet seat, you keep your pelvic muscle contracted, which reduces your ability to empty your bladder completely, as you would be able to if you were sitting and relaxed. When the bladder doesn’t empty completely, the remaining urine can become a breeding-ground for bacteria, which may lead to a UTI. Prevent this by using a toilet seat cover when available or line the seat with toilet paper and take a seat. It’s important to note that you will not catch any infection, including STDs, from sitting on a public toilet seat.
Visit www.cystex.com to view the new Cystex “Know Your Bladder Better” video series or connect with Dr. Kavaler directly by visiting the new interactive “Ask the Urologist” feature to submit an informational question about bladder health.
Please note that the new “Ask the Urologist” and Q&A with Dr. Kavaler on the Cystex Web site (www.cystex.com) or other sites associated with the Cystex Web site are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a personal medical diagnosis or formal medical advice. If you have any health questions or concerns, we recommend that you seek medical advice from your physician.
Tags: cystex, preventing a UTI, squatting, Urinary Tract Infection, uti