The Bathroom Behavior That Spells Trouble

The bathroom is a private space where we take care of our personal hygiene needs. However, the way we behave in this room can reveal a lot about our overall health and well-being. Surprisingly, there is one particular bathroom behavior that experts say can spell trouble for our health – and it’s not what you may think.

The behavior in question is called “toilet hovering”. This is when a person hovers above the toilet seat without actually sitting down on it. It may seem like a harmless habit, especially in public restrooms where the cleanliness of the seat is questionable. However, this seemingly innocent behavior can actually have negative consequences for our physical and mental health.

Firstly, let’s address the cleanliness concern. While it’s true that public toilet seats may harbor bacteria and germs, it’s important to note that these are often harmless and cannot be transmitted through intact skin. In fact, studies have shown that toilet seats are not a significant source of infection. So by hovering, you may actually be putting yourself at a higher risk of infection by coming into contact with other surfaces in the bathroom such as door handles or faucet knobs.

But the real danger of toilet hovering lies in the impact it has on our pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles that support our bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When we hover over the toilet seat, we are essentially holding our body weight in a half-squat position. This puts a strain on our pelvic floor muscles, which can weaken them over time and lead to pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Urinary incontinence is a common issue, especially among women. It refers to the loss of bladder control and can range from occasional leakage to a complete inability to hold urine. Pelvic organ prolapse, on the other hand, occurs when the pelvic organs (such as the bladder or uterus) descend into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. This can cause discomfort and other symptoms such as a feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvic area.

Moreover, toilet hovering can also contribute to constipation. When we hover, we are not fully relaxing our pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for coordinating bowel movements. This can lead to incomplete bowel movements and constipation.

Aside from the physical consequences, toilet hovering can also have a negative impact on our mental health. It may seem like a small thing, but constantly worrying about the cleanliness of toilet seats and avoiding sitting on them can create unnecessary stress and anxiety. This can also lead to a fear of using public restrooms, which can greatly affect one’s daily life and activities.

So what can be done to break this harmful bathroom behavior? The answer is simple – sit down on the toilet seat! If you’re concerned about the cleanliness, you can use a seat cover or wipe the seat with toilet paper before sitting down. You can also carry travel-sized disinfectant wipes for added peace of mind. Remember, toilet seats are designed to be sat on, and they are not a significant source of infection.

In addition, it’s important to practice proper pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles that support our bladder and bowel. These exercises, also known as Kegels, involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. They can be done discreetly anywhere, including on the toilet.

In conclusion, what may seem like a harmless habit can actually have serious consequences for our health. Toilet hovering not only puts us at a higher risk of infection but also weakens our pelvic floor muscles and contributes to various health issues. So let’s make a conscious effort to break this behavior and prioritize our physical and mental well-being in the bathroom.