It is a question that many men may have pondered: Should they pee sitting down or standing up? The best option may not be the same for everyone, and past research has offered conflicting answers. Some studies suggest men with enlarged prostates or urinary issues may be better off sitting down, because sitting may relax the pelvic floor and empty the bladder more completely. But other studies suggest sitting may increase post-urination dribble in men aged 50 or younger.
Now, a randomized crossover trial has put the dilemma to the test. The research was led by scientists at the Colombian Urology Research Group, and findings are published in
Neurourology and Urodynamics
The crossover study included 52 healthy male volunteers between ages 18 and 39 who had their urination monitored while sitting and standing. Roughly half the group was randomized to sit first, then stand, while the other half tried standing, then sitting. Between each posture, participants took a break of at least 24 hours as a washout period.
During a single pee, researchers measured the maximum urine flow rate — how fast urine comes out at its peak — as well as the total amount of urine expelled.
Sitting or Standing Did Not Change Results
“In healthy men, voiding posture did not significantly modify the maximum urinary flow rate or voided volume,” the team concluded. The only difference was that it took healthy men ever so slightly longer to reach their fastest urine flow when standing. The difference was statistically significant, but it partly hinged on a single outlier, and researchers say it is unlikely to be clinically meaningful.
In the end, the trial suggests that for healthy men, it does not really matter how they go to the bathroom. “From a clinical perspective, the posture of urination appears to have little practical influence on uroflowmetry in healthy men. Healthy men can therefore void in their preferred position,” the authors concluded.
Why This Question Has Been So Confusing
In 2023, a global survey of more than 7,000 men found that in the United States, roughly 10 percent of men sit while they pee, though rates are much higher elsewhere. In Germany, for instance, 40 percent report sitting.
The decision can be heavily stigmatized in some cultures, yet based on literature, it does not seem to matter much beyond hygiene.
“Regardless of the position, there seems to be no difference in the time taken to pee, the flow rate, and how completely the bladder is emptied. So long as there are no urinary concerns, men are free to choose their preferred position. If you choose to stand, just be sure to aim well,” wrote bladder physiology researchers Christian Moro and Charlotte Phelps for The Conversation in 2023.
When Sitting May Be Better
A 2020 survey of nearly 200 men found those who preferred to sit were more likely to report urinary tract symptoms. This does not mean sitting causes issues — they may choose to sit because they already have difficulties. After age 50, many men develop enlarged prostates that may restrict the urethra and make it harder to pee. Urologist Rena Malik explained this may cause straining or a weaker stream, making sitting more convenient for hygiene.
A 2014 meta-analysis of 11 studies found sitting while urinating was associated with greater bladder emptying, but only in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Among healthy men, there were no posture-related differences. However, those older studies tended to have small samples and lacked randomization. As authors of the new study note, studies claiming “no differences” rarely performed formal equivalence analyses.
This new crossover trial addresses some limitations with randomization and washout periods.
Q&A
Q: For healthy young men, does sitting or standing change urine flow?
A: No. In 52 healthy men aged 18-39, max flow rate and voided volume were not significantly different between sitting and standing.
Q: Is there any benefit to sitting for men with prostate enlargement?
A: Past meta-analyses suggest sitting may help empty the bladder more completely in men with lower urinary tract symptoms, but evidence is mixed and more high-quality trials are needed.
Q: Does sitting cause more post-pee dribble?
A: Some studies in men 50 or younger suggest possible higher dribble risk when sitting, but findings are not consistent. This new trial did not find clinically meaningful differences.
FAQ
1. Who did the new study?
Colombian Urology Research Group, published in Neurourology and Urodynamics, 52 healthy male volunteers 18-39, randomized crossover design with 24-hour washout.
2. What did they measure?
Maximum urinary flow rate at peak and total voided volume during one urination in each posture.
3. What was the main result?
No significant difference in max flow or volume. Slightly longer time to reach peak flow when standing, but not clinically meaningful and influenced by one outlier.
4. Can men choose their preferred position?
Yes, if they are healthy and have no urinary concerns, researchers conclude they can void in their preferred position.
5. When should men consider sitting?
Men over 50 with enlarged prostate, weak stream, or straining may find sitting more convenient and potentially more complete emptying, and should discuss symptoms with a urologist.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and summarizes research published in Neurourology and Urodynamics involving healthy young men. It does not constitute medical advice. If you have urinary symptoms such as weak stream, frequent urination, straining, pain, or incomplete emptying, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
