Why Hovering Over the Toilet Might Be Hurting Your Health—Here’s What You Need to Know…
Let’s face it—public restrooms aren’t always the cleanest places. So it’s no surprise that many people prefer to hover over the toilet seat instead of sitting directly on it. While this feels like the safer, more hygienic choice, it could be silently harming your body—especially your bladder and pelvic floor.
The Hidden Problem with Hovering
When you squat or hover above the toilet, your pelvic floor muscles stay partially clenched—up to 40% engaged, according to research. This means your body can’t fully relax, which prevents your bladder from emptying completely. You might not notice it right away, but over time, this can lead to big problems.
Why It Matters:
Incomplete urination = leftover urine in the bladder
Leftover urine = a breeding ground for bacteria
Bacteria buildup = more frequent UTIs, irritation, and discomfort
Ever had that annoying feeling of needing to pee again right after you just went? That’s often because your bladder didn’t fully empty. The pressure builds, making your body think it’s still full—leading to frequent trips to the bathroom with little relief.
Long-Term Damage You Don’t See Coming
Hovering can also confuse your muscles. If you constantly pee while tense, your body starts thinking that’s normal. This can:
- Weaken your bladder function
- Lead to leaks or overactive bladder
- Make it harder to control urgency
- Over time, your bladder stops working as efficiently—and that’s a hard habit to undo.
A Healthier, Cleaner Way
If you’re concerned about germs, don’t give up your health for hygiene. Try these instead:
Use toilet seat covers or disinfectant wipes
Sit down fully—your body needs to relax to work properly
Or, if possible, try a full squat posture (like in squat toilets), which naturally supports better bladder emptying
Sitting fully (or squatting deeply) helps your pelvic muscles relax and your bladder to empty as it’s meant to—no straining, no lingering drops, no repeat trips.
So the next time you’re tempted to hover, remember: it might feel cleaner, but it’s not healthier. Give your body what it really needs—a safe, supported posture that lets it do its job. Your bladder will thank you. 🙌