A survey on men’s urination habits has sparked a surprising discussion
A new study has led a doctor to claim that many men in the U.S. are urinating in a way that isn’t ideal for their health.
Ever wondered if there’s a right way to pee? A survey conducted in 2023 looked into how men position themselves when emptying their bladders and how often they do so each day.
Although men worldwide participated in the survey, the results suggest that many in the U.S. might not be choosing the most effective or health-conscious method.
The survey, carried out by YouGov last year, aimed to determine ‘where in the world […] men sit down to wee,’ and the findings were definitely eye-opening.
“Thinking about times where you go to the toilet to ONLY urinate (i.e. only having a pee, not also having a poo), how often do you sit down in order to do so? percent of men in each country,” the survey states.
Most people would probably assume that standing is the default position for men when urinating. But is that actually the best approach for their health?
A doctor has claimed men in the US are peeing wrong
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In Germany, for example, 60 percent of men prefer to sit down while urinating. But in places like the UK and the U.S., this habit is far less common.
In the U.S., the survey found that only 23 percent of men sit down to urinate, with just 10 percent doing so every time and another 13 percent doing it most of the time. Meanwhile, 23 percent said they sit sometimes, 17 percent rarely, 6 percent had no idea what the question even meant, and 31 percent never sit at all.
According to Gerald Collins, a consultant urological surgeon at The Alexandra Hospital, there is a particular way to urinate that is generally considered the healthiest for those with a penis.
Collins told The Telegraph that sitting down is ‘probably the most efficient way’ to ensure the bladder is emptied properly.
And if you’re someone who has ever struggled with not fully emptying your bladder, you’ll know it can lead to a lot of discomfort—and even some pretty serious health risks.
So, to all the men out there, it might be time to reconsider your stance, literally.
You’ve been peeing wrong all this time
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Failing to empty the bladder completely can result in a range of health issues, from urinary tract infections—yes, men can get them too—to kidney infections if symptoms worsen. It can also lead to the development of bladder stones.
The risks increase with age, especially for those who develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that typically starts ‘from the early 40s onwards,’ according to Collins.
To explain further, the Mayo Clinic states: “Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a health issue that becomes more common with age. It’s also called an enlarged prostate.”
“The prostate is a small gland that helps make semen. It’s found just below the bladder. And it often gets bigger as you get older.”
While this condition isn’t usually serious, the Mayo Clinic warns that ‘an enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder.
It also can cause bladder, urinary tract, or kidney problems.’