A scientist has revealed why a popular public bathroom habit could be putting you at a serious health risk.
It's all happened to us at one time or another. Nature calls and we're faced with a questionable public bathroom that has seen better days.
While some might grit and bear it, others might find it tempting to hover or half squat above the toilet seat. But according to medical experts, this common bathroom behaviour could actually be causing more harm to your body than good.
Dr. Primrose Freestone, a clinical microbiologist from the University of Leicester, has issued a clear warning about the practice of squatting over public toilets.
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Despite how logical it might seem to avoid contact with potentially dirty surfaces, she argues that people should always sit down on the toilet seat.
"Squatting may actually cause injury or increase the risk of infection," Dr. Freestone wrote on The Conversation.
What happens to your body when you hover?
When you squat above a toilet seat, your body isn't relaxing comfortably. Instead, the muscles in the pelvic floor, glutes, back, abs, and hip rotators are working hard to keep you upright.
This widespread muscular tension - what's known as the pelvic girdle - makes it 'difficult for urine to flow easily.'
Because the muscles aren't relaxed, the bladder cannot completely empty, which can lead to increased frequency and urgency of bathroom trips.
In extreme cases, Dr Freestone warns that this could even lead to an increased likelihood of bladder infection.
What are the long-term health consequences of hovering?
Over time, the incomplete bladder emptying caused by hovering creates a domino effect of health problems.
According to Brianne Grogan, a women’s health physical therapist: "This pelvic girdle tension makes it difficult for urine to flow easily, often requiring you to push or “bear down” slightly to make the urine come out quickly.
"Frequent pushing or bearing down to urinate can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse." This is a condition where pelvic organs shift from their normal positions and is particularly problematic for women who have given birth.
Is sitting on public toilets dangerous?
The risk of catching diseases from toilet seats is actually much lower than people realise.
"Developing an infection from your bottom sitting on a toilet seat is very unlikely, as most intestinal diseases involve hand-to-mouth transfer of bacteria as a result of faecal contamination of hands, food and surfaces," Dr. Freestone explained. "Human skin is also covered by a layer of bacteria and yeast which functions as a highly effective protective shield."
Instead, the real danger comes when toilets are flushed.
"A 2011 study found that when the toilet is flushed, microbes in descending water droplets quickly settle over quite a wide area – including the toilet lid, door, floor and the toilet paper holder," Dr. Freestone added. These ejected particles can spray out and land as far as five feet (about 1.5 metres) away from the bowl.
The microbiologist advised: "To avoid being misted by the toilet contents – which includes your germs and those of previous toilet users – it might be advisable to leave the cubicle immediately after you press the flush button."
And don't forget to wash your hands!