NEW Episode 155: Public Restrooms: To Squat or Not to Squat?

If there’s one thing that makes us envy men (apart from the fact that they don’t have to suffer period and labor pains), it’s the fact that they can stand and pee in public restrooms. The idea of sitting on a toilet seat with your bare skin and especially not knowing the hygiene condition of the toilet or how the person before you used the toilet…you can feel a little squeamish about it. You asked, Dr. Oakley: • Should I Use a Toilet Seat Cover? • Can sitting on a public toilet cause harm to the skin? • I’ve read that squatting while using the restroom can be harmful to pelvic health. Is this true? What does the pelvic floor consist of? • Sphincter control, [which refers to the] opening and closing of the urinary and anal sphincters. • Sexual function (“Yes, better pelvic health means better orgasms!”) • Stabilization, [which] stabilizes your pelvis, hips, and low back. • Internal organs support (“Don't strain when you pee or poop-- you could cause a prolapse!”) • “Sump pump,” [which] circulates lymph, blood, oxygen, and nutrients. One thing you shouldn't do. Hover over the seat while you pee. Doing so puts you in a partial squatting position, which can weaken your pelvic floor muscles over time. It also makes it harder for your bladder to fully empty. That can increase the risk for problems like incontinence or urinary tract infections. The only thing more miserable than a urinary tract infection (UTI) is when it happens again, and again, and again. But, good news, there are ways to prevent post-menopause RECURRENT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS. But sometimes urinary urgency, burning, and that “I gotta go NOW” feeling is NOT FROM an infection but need a completely different kind of treatment. You need to know the difference. Dr. Oakley also stresses that transposition of fecal matter and hormone changes make you more susceptible to UTIs. PSA: wipe front to back, ladies! Be sure to: • Pee after sex • Stay hydrated. • Pee whenever you must, and make sure you ‘GO’ fully. A big Shout-Out to our fabulous Sponsor UTIVA!!! You can help lower your risk of preventing UTIs. Dr. Oakley loves and recommends Utiva to her fabulous patients and she takes it daily herself. Check it out: https://www.utivahealth.com/ - Her favorite is the Utiva Cranberry PACs: it’s a simple, small, once-a-day pill taken for daily support of the urinary tract to prevent ongoing UTIs. PACs are also the antioxidant of the cranberry and provide other gut health benefits. Just toss it in your purse so you’ll always be prepared!! Thank you, ladies, for listening. Always feel free to ask Dr. Oakley any women’s health questions at any time. Please send in your comments, questions, and suggestions for future topics at [email protected]