In recent years, several health professionals have focused on a gesture that, although simple, can have an impact on men's health: urinating sitting down. Beyond convenience or habit, there is increasing talk about its urological and cleaning benefits in the home environment.
Radiologist José Manuel Felices and other communicators have spread this message on social media, emphasizing that it's not just a matter of preference. They explain that sitting can become a Preventive recommendation to empty the bladder better and minimize the risk of infections.
What changes when you urinate sitting down
Adopting a sitting position facilitates pelvic floor relaxation and improves the angle of the urethra, which promotes more efficient emptying. This combination results in less residual urine after urinating, a key factor for urinary health.
The effect is especially interesting in men with prostate symptoms or difficulty emptying: since less effort is required, pressure on the area is reduced, and the urge to return to the bathroom quickly is reduced. In these cases, sitting can relieve discomfort associated with the prostate and nocturia.
Experts remind us that a poorly emptied bladder increases the risk of infections and other complications. When sitting, coordination between the detrusor muscle and sphincters is usually more favorable, which contributes to a healthy posture. a more complete and physiological emptying.
Educators like nurse Ana María Alcaraz insist that, when standing, certain muscles maintain more tone than desired, making urination difficult. However, when sitting, the The pelvic floor tends to relax better and the jet is more effective..
Hygiene at home: splashes and cleaning
The other big argument is cleanliness. When you urinate standing up, bouncing and microdroplets can travel farther than you imagine. In fact, several specialists warn against splashes that reach up to a distance of one and a half meters, with impact on towels, toothbrushes or other surfaces.
The sitting position significantly limits the dispersion of these particles, which helps keep the bathroom in better condition. In shared homes, it is a gesture of consideration for those who live together—for example, with children who can now go to the bathroom alone—, reducing the frequency of cleaning and the involuntary contact with urine residue.
Beyond the domestic aspect, minimizing splashing also reduces the burden of unpleasant odors and the buildup of waste around the toilet, aspects that become noticeable over time. That's why many healthcare professionals describe this practice as a simple measure of daily hygiene.
Exceptions: public restrooms and contact with surfaces
Dr. Felices himself clarifies that, in dirty or busy public restrooms, it may make sense to urinate standing up to limit contact with the toilet. In these situations, the priority is reduce direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
If the public restroom is clean, disposable toilet seat covers are available, or the surface can be disinfected, sitting would also be a safe option. Ultimately, each situation requires a risk-benefit assessment, using the following as a guideline: personal hygiene and prevention of contagion.
Custom, culture and masculinity
For decades, urinating standing up has been perceived as linked to masculine identity, making it difficult to change habits in certain environments. However, this debate is not about symbols: It's not a question of identity, but of health and practicality..
The professionals consulted encourage us to put stereotypes to rest and prioritize well-being. If sitting improves emptying and prevents splashing, it's worth incorporating it into our daily household routine, setting aside prejudices that they do not provide real benefits.
What healthcare workers say on social media
Nurse Ana María Alcaraz explained on Instagram that when standing, the muscles don't always relax completely, which can lead to incomplete emptying and discomfort over time. Her message summarizes the central idea: Sitting helps the body do its work with less resistance.
Nurse Jorge Ángel has also supported this approach in his videos, highlighting the added hygiene benefits of sitting. With his straightforward style, he insists that it's not about trends, but about adopt healthier and cleaner habits.
All of this content converges on the same idea: such a common action can be optimized with a simple change of posture. With the endorsement of various professionals, it is becoming normalized that sitting is a preferred option at home.
Evidence and clinical experience point in the same direction: urinating while sitting facilitates more complete urination, reduces the risk of infection, and keeps the bathroom cleaner; in less hygienic public spaces, standing up may be a good idea to avoid contact. Stereotypes aside, What best cares for health and hygiene prevails.
