The Science of Proper Bathroom Posture: What You’ve Been Doing Wrong

Believe it or not, there’s an optimal position for bowel movements that many of us have never considered.

You might dismiss your bathroom routine as inconsequential, perhaps using that time to browse social media or enjoy a chapter of your current read. Yet health professionals caution that our habits in this private space can lead to numerous physical complications.

According to a pelvic floor specialist, excessive wiping following defecation may contribute to hemorrhoid development—a concern echoed by gastroenterologists who note that lingering too long on the toilet presents similar risks. Factor in the unsettling cloud of bacteria that launches toward our dental hygiene products with every flush, and it’s remarkable we maintain our health at all.

Recent findings suggest that standard Western toilets create another problem: they force unnatural angles in the rectum that impede proper function.

Drawing attention to this issue is an innovative toilet design featuring a distinctive depression in the seating area rather than the conventional flat surface.

While this unusual configuration has prompted humor—with some men concerned about anatomical discomfort—it has also triggered genuine realizations about improper elimination posture.

Medical literature confirms that squatting represents the ideal position for bowel movements, as it properly engages abdominal muscles and facilitates complete emptying of the intestines.

Traditional upright toilets, however, force an unnatural sitting position that can inhibit proper bowel function and create those problematic rectal angles mentioned earlier.

Health professionals increasingly recommend modifying toilet posture using specialized devices (formally called “defecation posture modification devices” or DPMDs) or simple footstools that elevate the knees above hip level. This adjustment straightens the digestive pathway, reduces straining, and produces what medical experts diplomatically describe as a “more satisfactory evacuation experience.”

Considering these benefits, the viral toilet design represents a significant advancement for digestive health and proper elimination posture.

Social media commenters have noted that similar concepts already exist in many Asian countries, which commonly feature squatting toilets or conventional toilets with accompanying footstools. Some expressed practical concerns about the design, specifically regarding water level.

“What about the water height?” questioned one Reddit user. “Some individuals have anatomical considerations that could make this uncomfortable.”

“It seems theoretically sound but practically problematic—you’re either making unwanted contact with the water or experiencing uncomfortable splashback due to insufficient water levels,” another observed.

One enthusiast suggested adding a bidet function: “Incorporate a washing feature and you’d have the perfect bathroom solution.”

“I’m literally sitting incorrectly on my toilet while watching this,” admitted another commenter with ironic self-awareness.

A long-term user of squatting stools enthusiastically endorsed the concept, writing: “I’ve been using a squatting platform for ten years—it’s revolutionary for men’s health and may even reduce prostate cancer risk.”