Defecation postures

Humans use one of two types of defecation postures to defecate: squatting and sitting. People use the squatting postures when using squat toilets or when defecating in the open in the absence of toilets. The sitting posture on the other hand is used in toilets that have a pedestal or "throne", where users generally lean forward or sit at 90-degrees to a toilet seat.

An illustration of a man squatting on the squat toilet.

In general, the preferred posture is largely a cultural decision. People adapt their defecation posture to the toilet type available to them, e.g. while travelling or if moving to another country.

Sitting
An illustration of a man sitting on the toilet defecating.

The sitting defecation posture involves sitting with hips and knees at approximately right angles, as on a chair. So-called "Western-style" flush toilets and also many types of dry toilets are designed to be used in a sitting posture.

Sitting toilets only came into widespread use in Europe in the nineteenth century.[1]

Special devices exist in the form of "wrap-around foot stools" to allow users of western-style toilets to defecate in a posture that is somewhat similar to squatting.[2]

Squatting
Further information: Squat toilet

The squatting defecation posture involves squatting, or crouching. It requires standing with knees and hips sharply bent and the buttocks close to the ground. Squat toilets are designed to facilitate this posture. These kinds of toilets are widespread in countries with a Muslim or Hindu majority and are often set up to enable anal cleansing with water (see Islamic toilet etiquette).

Straining in the squatting position while defecating may increase the risk of severe hemorrhoids.[3] Prolonged and repeated straining on a sitting toilet has the same effect.[3]

People who are not used to squat toilets, and people who do not have the flexibility, strength, or balance needed to lower into, sustain, or rise from a squatting position without pain or assistance may prefer other postures. This may include the elderly, people with disabilities, overweight people or people suffering from a skeletal or muscular disease.

See also

References
  1. Singer, C.; Holmyard, E.; Hall, A.; Williams, T.; et al., eds. (1958), A History of Technology, Vol. IV: The Industrial Revolution, c. 1750 to c. 1850, Oxford, UK: Oxford Clarendon Press, pp. 507–508, ISBN 9780198581086, OCLC 490984504
  2. Hindman, Nate C. (January 23, 2014) [October 1, 2012]. "Squatty Potty Wants to Revolutionize Toilet Sitting". The Huffington Post.
  3. Seow-Choen F, Tan K (2009). Bland KI, Sarr MG, Buechler MW, Csendes A, Garden OJ, Wong J (eds.). Chapter 85:Hemorrhoids. General Surgery: Principles and International Practice (2nd ed.). Springer. p. 857. ISBN 9781846288326.
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