You’ve probably picked up this bathroom habit, and you shouldn’t. An expert explains what to avoid when relieving yourself.
What happens in the toilet may seem taboo, but it often concerns our health. Whether it is a habit that increases the risk of bladder cancer or problems linked to Crohn’s disease, you should not hesitate to look into the issue. Some people talk about the hygiene benefits of Japanese toilets. but also be careful of the time you spend doing your business.
The British magazine Stylist discussed the subject in the article entitled Is sitting on the toilet for too long bad for pelvic health? A physio explains. Published this January 17, it discusses a habit to avoid. Pelvic health physiotherapy expert Clara Bourne explains why not sit on the toilet for too long, beyond the lack of hygiene.
A toilet habit to break
Many people spend long minutes on the toilet, scrolling on their phone. But prolonged sitting poses a particular risk of causing hemorrhoids. This painful inflammation around the anus can come from an accumulation of blood and swelling of the veins due to too long time spent on the bowl. In addition to this, you could aggravate already existing pathologies such as pelvic organ prolapse.
Clara Bourne therefore recommends do not spend more time in the toilet than it took you to relieve yourself. It is not normal to spend more than 10 to 15 minutes each time according to the expert. This may mean that you have difficulty passing fecal matter or that you are constipated and need to exert yourself. Same for urine, this could indicate a problem with the muscles of the bladder and its surroundings. But be careful, no duration is ideal, you must above all go to the toilet without hurrying and evacuate without effort or difficulty. If it takes you longer but it goes well, that’s no problem. The important thing is more the manner than the duration.
The physiotherapist also provides advice to preserve the health of your pelvic floor: sit comfortably, with your feet completely on the floor or on a stool, and in a position that relaxes you. You can optionally lean forward and rest your forearms on your legs, relax your stomach muscles and breathe normally.
Editor for Aufeminin since 2022, Charlotte is passionate about cinema, French and international, and a fortune reader. Curious about everything, she talks as much about personalities as…