We’ve all been there. You walk into a public restroom, cringe at the questionable seat, and instinctively hover. It feels like the clean and responsible thing to do, right? But here’s the twist—what feels hygienic might actually be hurting your body more than you think.

If you’re someone who avoids sitting on public toilet seats by squatting or hovering, it’s time to rethink that habit. Turns out, this well-meaning move could be causing hidden damage to your bladder, pelvic floor, and even your bathroom experience overall.

The Surprising Science Behind Hovering

When you hover over a toilet, your legs engage and your pelvic floor muscles stay clenched. According to research, these muscles can remain up to 40% engaged while hovering. That means your body doesn’t fully relax—especially the muscles involved in urination.

Why does that matter? Because a relaxed pelvic floor is essential for completely emptying your bladder. If you’re tense, you’re basically pinching off the flow before the job is done.

Video: Squatty Potty® toilet stool: How toilet posture affects your health

Why Incomplete Urination Spells Trouble

Think of your bladder like a cup of water. If you only pour out half, and then pour in more later, what happens? It overflows.

That’s exactly what happens when your bladder doesn’t empty all the way. Leftover urine becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, and that can lead to a bunch of problems:

• Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Constant urge to pee—even when you just went
• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Increased risk of bladder irritation or inflammation

And let’s not even talk about that annoying feeling of having to go again right after you leave the restroom. That’s your bladder trying to get your attention—again.

How Hovering Can Mess With Your Muscles

Doing anything the wrong way over and over again builds bad habits. And when you train your body to pee while tense, it learns to think that’s normal. Over time, that can actually confuse the bladder and weaken its function.

Here’s what you might start to notice:

• Leaking when you laugh or sneeze
• Difficulty holding your urine
• Increased urgency but reduced output
• Feeling like you never fully emptied

Think of your bladder like a muscle—because it is. And just like skipping reps at the gym weakens your muscles, peeing in a tense, unsupported posture weakens your bladder’s coordination and control.

What Should You Do Instead?

Okay, so you don’t want to hover anymore—but you’re still worried about public toilet germs. Fair enough. The good news? You don’t have to pick between hygiene and health. You can have both.

Here’s a smarter bathroom strategy:

• Use disposable toilet seat covers – Most public restrooms have them.
• Bring disinfectant wipes – Wipe the seat and sit down.
• Keep a small pack of tissues – In a pinch, create a layer between you and the seat.
• Choose a full squat when possible – In countries where squat toilets are common, full squatting (not hovering) actually improves bladder function.

Sitting down or squatting fully helps your pelvic floor muscles relax completely, allowing the bladder to empty the way it’s supposed to. That’s not just good for comfort—it’s crucial for your long-term urinary health.

But Isn’t Hovering Cleaner? Let’s Be Honest…

Sure, it feels cleaner to hover. But studies have shown that toilet seats aren’t as germ-ridden as we think. Most public toilet surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected—certainly more than the door handles we touch on our way out.

In reality, your hands, phone, or purse are probably carrying way more bacteria than the toilet seat. Gross? Maybe. Surprising? Definitely.

So don’t let fear steer your health decisions. Sometimes, doing what feels clean can come at the cost of your body’s actual needs.

Don’t Let Hovering Become a Habit

Video: Is It Bad To Hover Pee? Why You Should NOT Hover Above The Toilet Seat To Pee

Like anything else, habits become hardwired the more we repeat them. If you’ve been hovering for years, it might feel weird or even uncomfortable to start sitting down again. But just like bad posture takes time to correct, so does this.

Start by choosing cleaner restrooms where you feel safe sitting. Build up trust in the process. Remind yourself that your body needs support—literally—to function properly. Give it that support, and it will return the favor by keeping you healthy and comfortable in the long run.

A Quick Word on Pelvic Health

Especially for women, pelvic health is a big deal. Weak pelvic muscles don’t just affect urination—they can lead to issues like prolapse, incontinence, and lower back pain. And hovering? It contributes to all of it.

The fix is simple, really: sit down when you can. Or use a full squat if you’re comfortable and practiced with it. Support your body so it can do what it’s built to do—efficiently and naturally.

Conclusion: Support Your Body, Not Just Your Cleanliness Standards

Let’s face it—we all want to avoid sketchy bathrooms. But hovering over the toilet isn’t the solution. It might feel right in the moment, but over time, it can quietly damage your bladder, confuse your muscles, and throw your whole system off balance.

Sitting down fully (or squatting properly) allows your pelvic floor to relax, lets your bladder empty completely, and helps your urinary system stay healthy and strong. And that’s way more important than avoiding a few germs.

Next time you’re tempted to hover, remember this: your bladder deserves better. So sit, relax, and let nature do its thing—the right way.