Is standing to urinate 'not manly enough' for men? A Taiwanese urologist suggested that one patient switch to sitting while urinating—and successfully helped him resolve his issues. The doctor even listed four major benefits of sitting to urinate, breaking the common stereotypes about how men should urinate.
According to TVBS News, 62-year-old Mr. Li suffered from urine splashing when standing to urinate due to an enlarged prostate, which led to disputes with his wife over cleaning and odor issues. Under the suggestion of Taiwanese urologist Dr. Lü Jingheng, Mr. Li was initially resistant, but after trying it, he found that not only did his urination become smoother with less residual feeling, but bathroom odors also greatly decreased. Most importantly, conflicts with his wife eased.
Dr. Lü Jingheng pointed out that sitting to urinate is not new internationally, and its acceptance is gradually increasing. It is suitable not only for women or the elderly. He gave the example of international football superstar Messi, who publicly stated that he has the habit of sitting to urinate, challenging stereotypes about men's urination habits.
Many men may mistakenly think sitting to urinate is 'not manly enough,' but Dr. Lü explained that in German households, men are commonly required to sit and urinate; in Japan, the proportion of men using the seated method is also rising year by year. From a health perspective, for healthy young men, the difference in urination speed and residual urine between standing and sitting is not significant.
However, for those with an enlarged prostate or urination difficulties, sitting can help relax the sphincter muscles and reduce residual urine in the bladder, thereby improving urination efficiency and comfort.
Dr. Lü further listed four major benefits of sitting to urinate:
1. Helps delay bladder function decline: Sitting allows the pelvic floor muscles to relax more, so the bladder does not have to contract forcefully.
2. Reduces residual urine and lowers infection risk: More complete urination helps minimize bacterial growth in the urethra and prevents urinary tract infections.
3. Improves safety and prevents falls: Especially for elderly people, it can avoid the risk of orthostatic hypotension and dizziness that may lead to falls from standing to urinate.
4. Significantly improves hygiene: Greatly reduces urine splashes. A Japanese study found that when men stand to urinate, splashes can reach as far as three meters away, which is one of the main sources of bathroom odors and stains.
1. Helps delay bladder function decline: Sitting allows the pelvic floor muscles to relax more, so the bladder does not have to contract forcefully.
2. Reduces residual urine and lowers infection risk: More complete urination helps minimize bacterial growth in the urethra and prevents urinary tract infections.
3. Improves safety and prevents falls: Especially for elderly people, it can avoid the risk of orthostatic hypotension and dizziness that may lead to falls from standing to urinate.
4. Significantly improves hygiene: Greatly reduces urine splashes. A Japanese study found that when men stand to urinate, splashes can reach as far as three meters away, which is one of the main sources of bathroom odors and stains.
Dr. Lü Jingheng concluded that there is no right or wrong way to urinate—what matters is choosing the method that is most suitable and beneficial based on individual health status. He encourages men, especially those with urination difficulties or prostate issues, to try sitting to urinate. This is part of personal health management and can also effectively improve household hygiene, reduce family disputes, and enhance overall quality of life and family harmony.