How to Defecate While Standing

Using public restrooms can sometimes be uncomfortable. This could be because of hygiene concerns or the unpleasantness of sitting on a cold toilet seat. No matter the reason, sometimes standing to relieve yourself can be more convenient. Here's a guide on how to do it.

Pick the best stall. If you find yourself in a public restroom, at least you can select the best stall for your needs. First and foremost, make sure the stall has a secure lock. You definitely don’t want to be interrupted while attending to nature's call.

• If cleanliness is a priority, opt for the stall closest to the door. Research suggests this is the least used spot, so it’s often the cleanest.

Check for toilet paper. You’ll need toilet paper. Before you attend to your business, make sure the stall or restroom has enough toilet paper and that it’s easily accessible. You might want to place a bit of paper on the toilet seat to prevent any splashing when you go.

• Consider carrying wet wipes in your bag or wallet. They’ll come in handy for cleaning up afterward.
• Bring some spare toilet paper into the stall. In case of issues, they’ll be more effective than regular toilet paper.
• If you know you’ll need to relieve yourself while standing, pick an outfit that makes it easier. Women in skirts have it easier—they just need to lift and wrap it around the waist. For men, avoid tight pants or formal trousers. These can be more restrictive than sitting on a dirty toilet, and you wouldn’t want to soil your nice clothes.

Find privacy. Some people feel anxious about using public restrooms. If that’s the case for you, there are ways to maintain as much privacy as possible. Look for a restroom that’s away from the entrance or lobby. These locations have fewer people coming and going, giving you a better chance of having the place to yourself and reducing stress.

• If you’re at a friend’s house and feel self-conscious about sounds, run the sink or faucet while you use the toilet. This helps mask any noise and adds to your sense of privacy.

Squat. You might find it easier to squat rather than stand fully. This position allows for more accuracy and ensures that what needs to fall into the toilet actually does. Squatting is also a more stable position, which reduces the risk of wobbling.

• Gently bend your knees and lean slightly forward to squat. You can also use your hands to help spread your cheeks, which can make the process quicker and easier.

Wipe thoroughly. Defecating while standing (or squatting) may make it harder to clean yourself properly, so it’s essential to wipe thoroughly and correctly. Always wipe from front to back.

• Wipe gently but firmly.
• If possible, dampen the toilet paper or wipes (just a little water) for a more effective clean.
• Consider carrying fragrance-free wet wipes. Choose unscented ones to avoid irritation, as chemicals in scented wipes may cause discomfort down there.

Clean the area. If you spill water, use toilet paper, tissues, or wet wipes to clean up the mess. Be sure to wipe down the toilet seat if there are any remaining stains. If you’ve placed paper on the seat, make sure to throw it in the trash or flush it down the toilet.

Wash your hands. Thoroughly washing your hands is the best way to avoid germs. Use warm water (not too hot) and soap. Scrub your hands under the water for at least 20 seconds.

• Dry your hands completely with a clean towel or a hand dryer.
• If there’s no sink, you can use the wet wipes you’ve brought along.

Consider the possibility of anxiety. Reflect on why you prefer to defecate while standing. Is it because of concerns about germs in public restrooms? Are you afraid of catching something? While these fears are common, the likelihood of actually getting sick from using a public restroom is small. Try to find a way to reframe these concerns.

• If you find that these fears are impacting your daily life, consider speaking with a doctor. They can offer advice on managing anxiety and may refer you to a mental health professional if necessary.
• Take deep breaths. This will help calm both your body and mind.

Avoid public restrooms. Before going to work or attending social events, make sure to use the restroom at home. Make this part of your routine. For example, if you typically need to go in the early morning, try waking up a bit earlier or leaving for work a bit later to ensure you have enough time to use the restroom. Don’t rush out the door too quickly.

Talk to a doctor. If your bowel movements are unpredictable, it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor. Most people go to the bathroom on a set schedule. If you can’t predict when you’ll need to go, you might have irritable bowel syndrome or another condition.

• Don’t be shy about discussing your bowel habits in detail with the doctor. The more specific you are, the better the diagnosis and treatment plan will be.

• Make sure the back of your pants doesn’t touch the toilet seat. If the floor is wet or looks particularly dirty, roll up your pants as high as possible or gather them up and pull them above or just past your knees.
• Keep your phone or anything that could fall onto the floor out of your pockets.