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.

The old adage, “When you gotta go, you gotta go,” couldn’t be truer when it comes to helping to prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI). Because bacteria can replicate more easily in the setting of stagnant urine, the more (and longer) you hold it in, the more at risk you are putting yourself for a painful urinary tract infection (UTI), especially if you are already prone to them. Therefore, it can be helpful to respond to the urge to urinate at least four to six times per day, especially if prone to UTIs. And, remember to take your time and relax so that the bladder has time to empty completely each time.

Of course, it is also difficult to ignore the urgency and frequency that most women experience when they have a UTI. The pain can create tension in the pelvis that may make it difficult to relax and empty completely, as well. If you are experiencing these symptoms and think you have a UTI, drink a lot of water, take Cystex® urinary pain relief tablets (sold over-the-counter at drug stores nationwide) and call your doctor for an appointment. Cystex not only helps relieve the pain and discomfort of a UTI, but unlike other OTC urinary pain products, it can control the progression of the infection until you see your doctor, who will want to confirm the diagnosis of a UTI and treat you with an antibiotic to clear up the infection.

So the next time you really need to go to the bathroom, go with the flow! Don’t hold it in – even if you’re not at home. The Cystex Web site (www.cystex.com) has a public restroom finder (we’ve partnered with the Bathroom Diaries) that lists and rates public bathrooms by cleanliness, accessibility and hours of operation. Be in the know and find out where the best ladies rooms are in your city, so when you “gotta go,” you can.