Let’s face it—public bathrooms often leave a lot to be desired when it comes to cleanliness. So, it’s no surprise that many people try to avoid making direct contact with the toilet seat by hovering or squatting instead of sitting. At first glance, this might seem like a smart, sanitary solution to an uncomfortable problem.

But while hovering may help you avoid germs, it could also be doing some real damage to your bladder and pelvic floor health over time. When you hover over the toilet, your body doesn’t enter a fully relaxed state. Instead of allowing your pelvic floor muscles to release completely, they remain about 40% tense, which can interfere with your ability to urinate properly. Your bladder needs those muscles to relax in order to empty fully, and when that doesn’t happen, leftover urine can stay behind and lead to bigger problems. One major issue is the potential for bacterial growth. If urine remains in the bladder because it wasn’t emptied all the way, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

This can increase your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder irritation, and even chronic discomfort. If you’ve ever had the sensation that you still need to pee right after using the bathroom, incomplete emptying could be the culprit. That feeling isn’t just in your head—it’s your bladder sending a message that it’s still under pressure. This lingering urgency can become a frustrating part of your day, especially if you find yourself running to the bathroom more often than usual, or planning your outings around restroom access. Over time, regularly hovering over toilets can also have a lasting impact on how your pelvic muscles function. Think of your muscles like a memory system—if you repeatedly train them not to relax fully during urination, they may eventually forget how to do it when needed. This can lead to long-term complications like weakened bladder control, more frequent urges, or even difficulties with emptying the bladder completely in the future.

Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives to hovering that still allow you to avoid direct contact with questionable surfaces. One option is to use a full squat position, where you bend your knees deeply and bring your body closer to the ground—similar to how you’d squat outdoors. This posture naturally allows your pelvic floor to relax and encourages more complete bladder emptying. In fact, cultures that use squat toilets regularly tend to experience fewer bladder and pelvic issues than those who don’t. Another simple solution is to carry disposable toilet seat covers or disinfectant wipes when you’re on the go. These tools allow you to sit fully and comfortably on the seat without worrying about germs. Sitting down allows your body to do what it’s naturally designed to do—release urine completely, without resistance from tense muscles.

Making this small change can support long-term bladder health and help prevent unnecessary issues. The bottom line is that while hovering over a public toilet might seem like a harmless way to stay clean, it can have unintended consequences for your urinary health. The tension caused by hovering keeps your muscles from relaxing fully, which interferes with complete bladder emptying. Over time, this can result in infections, discomfort, and reduced control. To protect your body, especially your bladder and pelvic floor, it’s worth making the effort to sit when possible, using sanitary covers or wipes to feel more secure. Your health is worth more than the few seconds of hovering might save, and your body will thank you in the long run for choosing a more supportive posture. Small daily habits, even ones as simple as how you use the restroom, can have a bigger impact on your well-being than you might expect—so the next time nature calls in a public place, consider sitting down for your health’s sake.