Do you stand or sit when you go to the bathroom to pee? It’s truly one of the oldest debates in all of human history and it’s still a hot topic of conversation. There are staunch die-hards on both sides of the aisle, with some even citing masculinity as a reason to stand. So.Gay put on its detective hat, tossed a splash guard into the urinal, and is ready to dive into this deep divide.
On average, humans pee 5-6 times a day. We’re here wondering why some folks stick to the status quo by standing or prefer to pop a squat.
Weighing the Peeing Pros and Cons
The art of scrolling on your phone without feeling rushed is one of the only surefire serotonin boosts you’re guaranteed throughout the day. Drink lots of water and you may get that screentime into double digits. People may be expecting you back at the table, but giving yourself that mental relief is a valid reason to sit.
If you’re already sitting, you won’t have to do that awkwardly embarrassing flip-and-sit move when it’s time to poop. You know, when you’re mid-pee and realize more is on the way… out the back door. We don’t always know if a number one can turn into a number two, so sitting from the start can make the whole process flow more smoothly.
You won’t piss off (pun intended) any sitters in your household. One mom online chimed in that she appreciates the change made by the men in her home: “I’ve finally convinced my husband and son to sit to pee after showing them just how much splashback ends up on the floor… the bathroom is SO much cleaner for it.”
Sitting lowers your chances of missing. Let’s be serious, if you sit to pee and somehow miss the bowl, we either have to get you to a urologist. You can claim your aim is top-notch but we’ve seen the messes made by too many men who say they’re the exception. Nobody is the messianic, always straight-shooting urinator, so if you do go Jackson Pollock with that thing, be courteous and bring out the Clorox wipes for damage control.
Public bathroom stalls can provide a much-needed break. For anyone with special needs regarding sensitivity or those who require privacy to prevent a panic attack or overstimulation, having a 100% anyone-else free area like a stall is a welcomed space to recharge.
Peeing. At. Night. No, not the name of a piss kink’s favorite movie at an artsy film festival, but going to the bathroom in the dark can turn treacherous fast. Sitting guarantees you make full contact, and you won’t have to turn on those godforsaken lights at 3 a.m. Your retinas will thank you.
There are downsides to sitting. You’re more likely to get germs on your phone, experience potential splashback on your butt, and come into contact with a public seat, which can be nasty.
The Science Stands with Standing
It’s scientifically proven that standing empties your bladder more efficiently. According to a study from the Department of Urology, Hyogo College of Medicine in Hyogo, Japan, “Urination was more efficient in upright position than in supine position, as expressed by higher average rate of bladder emptying and also by fewer participants showing significant residual urine.” Empirical evidence and measured bladders reveal a big boost for Team Standing.
Efficiency at the urinal is a strong perk of standing. While stall lines can grow pretty long, especially at sporting events or concerts, urinals make for a quick and clean solution. Guys are lucky to have an option that helps the flow of traffic (both in the bladder and around the bathroom) move much more quickly. Skipping the stall helps you avoid touching dirty door handles, dealing with whatever bowel-based chaos came from the person before you, and gets you back to the event ASAP.
Asking the Audience
One Redditor shared, “As a woman, I really appreciate guys sitting down to pee. Whenever a guest does not, or I go to a house where men don’t sit, the difference is obvious.”
Some people were passionately on the opposite side of the debate. “Well I found my line in the sand, I’m not sitting down to piss.” shares a TikToker.
Many NSFW opinions were offered. “If I’m hard in the morning, the pee is going everywhere. Team Sit.” An anonymous commentator said his micropenis disallows him from standing. Some super tall men shared that sitting means their tip will touch toilet water, so standing is their preferred method. More than just preference, a lot of guys have to choose the biologically best bet for them and their relieving bladders.
Room For Both?
Maybe you have a set of rules for yourself when it comes to peeing. Like only using a urinal when you’re desperate, or always stand but you never forget to put the seat down. I encourage you to not only question why you self-impose standing or sitting, but to walk on the wild side and try the other way. You may find that mixing up your routine can open the floodgates on why both sides have valid points. And if you’re reading this while sitting on the toilet, that’s a point for Team Sit.
