People Are Just Discovering What ‘Proper Poop Position’ Is After Seeing Bizarre Toilet Design

It’s something we all do, yet rarely talk about—how we use the toilet. For most of us, it’s a routine task, often accompanied by scrolling our phones or flipping through a book. But recent medical insights suggest that the way we sit while relieving ourselves might be quietly undermining our health.

From increased rates of constipation and hemorrhoids to growing concern among pelvic floor specialists, the conversation around bathroom posture is gaining traction. At the heart of it lies a simple question: could the modern toilet be at odds with how our bodies are naturally meant to function?

With a mix of expert-backed research and real-world solutions, this article explores the science of proper toilet posture, the overlooked consequences of doing it “wrong,” and what we can do, practically and comfortably, to improve one of the most fundamental human functions.

The Hidden Health Risks of Modern Toileting Habits

For many, time spent in the bathroom is a brief moment of solitude—an opportunity to catch up on social media, leaf through a book, or simply take a break. But medical professionals are increasingly warning that our bathroom behaviors, and particularly how we sit on the toilet, could be silently undermining our health.

The typical Western toilet, designed for upright sitting, is now under scrutiny. According to pelvic floor physiotherapists and gastroenterologists, prolonged sitting and excessive wiping are not just uncomfortable habits—they’re linked to real health issues, including hemorrhoids and straining-related injuries. Sitting upright creates a bend—or “kink”—in the rectum that makes bowel movements more difficult, prompting users to push harder than they should. This added strain can exacerbate or cause pelvic floor dysfunction, anal fissures, and, over time, chronic constipation.

Dr. Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist and co-author of What’s Your Poo Telling You?, has explained in interviews that the modern toilet seat disrupts the body’s natural alignment. “Squatting straightens the rectoanal angle, allowing for a more complete and less strained elimination,” he told CNN Health in a past article. Squatting aligns the body in a way that helps the abdominal muscles function optimally, facilitating more efficient bowel movements.

Devices like the Squatty Potty—a footstool placed in front of the toilet to mimic a squatting posture—have gained popularity because they elevate the knees above the hips, easing the angle of the rectum. Studies published in The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Digestive Diseases and Sciences support these devices, showing measurable improvements in bowel emptying and reduced straining when using a squatting aid.

In contrast to the Western approach, many Asian countries have long used squat toilets, a design that naturally encourages healthier posture during defecation. While some users in online discussions expressed discomfort at the aesthetics or ergonomics of newer squat-adapted toilet models, others shared years of positive experiences using stools and squat-friendly designs, even attributing them to reduced gastrointestinal strain and improved long-term well-being.

Rethinking Design — From Toilets to Tools for Better Health

The recent buzz around unconventional toilet designs has done more than generate laughs online—it’s sparked a serious conversation about how our bathroom fixtures might be due for an ergonomic upgrade.

A viral video showcasing a newly designed toilet with a central dip aimed to mimic the squatting posture turned heads for its odd shape. Some reactions were humorous—concerns about anatomical discomfort or accidental splashbacks—but others recognized the underlying intent: to realign our bodies into a more natural, squat-like position during defecation.

This isn’t the first attempt at improving the standard toilet. The so-called “defecation posture modification devices” (DPMDs) have been available for years. Products like the Squatty Potty were initially mocked as novelty items but have since become mainstream, with endorsements from health professionals and appearances on shows like Shark Tank. Their appeal lies in simplicity—by elevating the feet and shifting the hips, users can better emulate the squatting position without overhauling their bathroom setup.

These adaptations aren’t just fads. Research from Ohio State University found that using a toilet stool reduced the time spent on the toilet and the amount of straining required. Another study in The Journal of Physical Therapy Science noted that squatting improved anorectal angle alignment and reduced pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which is especially beneficial for individuals with constipation or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Beyond stools and redesigns, the conversation also highlights a global divide in toileting habits. In many parts of Asia and the Middle East, squat toilets remain the norm, and rates of certain bowel disorders are notably lower. While correlation doesn’t imply causation, the contrast raises important questions about whether the Western standard toilet is truly optimal—or simply a cultural default that’s overdue for re-evaluation.

The Consequences of Poor Toilet Posture

While it might seem like a stretch to link toilet posture with serious health problems, medical evidence continues to build a compelling case. Improper positioning during defecation doesn’t just lead to mild discomfort—it can contribute to a cascade of chronic issues affecting the digestive and pelvic systems. One of the most common complications associated with poor toilet posture is hemorrhoids. These swollen veins in the lower rectum can be triggered by straining during bowel movements, often caused by sitting in a way that restricts the rectoanal canal. Dr. Felice Schnoll-Sussman, a gastroenterologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, explains that “prolonged sitting and straining increases pressure in the anal canal, which exacerbates or causes hemorrhoids.”

In addition to hemorrhoids, excessive straining can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction—a condition where the muscles supporting the pelvic organs become weakened or uncoordinated. This can result in issues like incomplete bowel movements, urinary incontinence, and even organ prolapse over time. For women, especially those who have given birth, pelvic floor health is critical and often overlooked in general health conversations.

Constipation is another direct result of suboptimal toileting posture. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 16% of adults in the U.S. experience chronic constipation. Though causes vary, one frequently overlooked factor is the physical mechanics of elimination. Sitting upright narrows the angle of the anorectal junction, which in turn impedes smooth evacuation of stool.

Compounding these issues is the habit of spending extended periods on the toilet—a behavior encouraged by modern distractions like smartphones. This prolonged sitting doesn’t just increase pressure on the rectal area; it also heightens the risk of nerve compression, which can lead to numbness or tingling in the legs and feet. In severe cases, it may contribute to conditions like pudendal neuralgia, a chronic pain disorder affecting the pelvic nerves.

In short, what seems like a harmless daily routine can have far-reaching impacts. The emerging medical consensus is clear: adjusting toilet posture isn’t just about comfort—it’s a preventive step toward long-term bowel and pelvic health.

Practical Solutions and Everyday Adjustments

While the science behind toilet posture may seem daunting, the good news is that small, simple changes can make a meaningful difference in digestive and pelvic health. You don’t need to overhaul your bathroom or install a squat toilet to reap the benefits—practical, accessible tools and habits can shift your body into a healthier alignment. One of the most effective and low-cost interventions is the use of a footstool. Devices like the Squatty Potty are designed to raise the feet, tilt the pelvis forward, and straighten the rectal passage. This mimics a squatting position while still using a conventional toilet.

Clinical studies have backed their effectiveness: a 2019 study in The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that users experienced less straining and faster bowel movements when using a toilet stool compared to sitting normally.

Beyond hardware, adjusting your habits can also reduce strain and improve bathroom outcomes. Experts advise not lingering on the toilet—especially while using phones or reading—which can lead to excessive pressure on the rectal veins. Instead, try responding to your body’s signals promptly and avoiding forced or rushed bowel movements. Gastroenterologist Dr. Kyle Staller of Massachusetts General Hospital recommends allowing time for the body’s natural urge to work without forcing it, noting that “straining is a learned behavior, and it’s not necessary if things are aligned properly.”

Hygiene habits also come into play. Excessive wiping can irritate the skin and worsen conditions like hemorrhoids or fissures. Instead, gentle cleaning—preferably with water through a bidet or moist toilet tissue—can help maintain skin health without causing microtears or inflammation.

Ultimately, adopting a squat-like position with a simple footstool, practicing mindful toileting habits, and focusing on pelvic health hygiene are manageable steps most people can integrate into their routines. These aren’t radical changes, but rather a return to a more biomechanically natural way of eliminating—one that honors how the human body was designed to function.

A Call to Reassess the Way We Go

As more people become aware of the connection between posture and pelvic health, the conversation around toileting is gradually shifting from taboo to thoughtful. It’s a reminder that even the most ordinary routines deserve scrutiny—especially when the evidence suggests that doing things differently can prevent discomfort, reduce the risk of chronic issues, and improve overall quality of life.

This shift isn’t just about stools or squat toilets—it reflects a broader need to align modern lifestyles with what our bodies are naturally designed for. In the West, cultural habits have long dictated the standard toilet setup, yet cultures that prioritize squatting offer a compelling counterpoint, with lower rates of certain bowel disorders and fewer complaints related to constipation and straining. The increasing interest in posture-friendly toilet solutions is not about rejecting modernity, but refining it.

It’s also a call for health literacy. Many people live with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms—like incomplete evacuation, bloating, or hemorrhoids—without realizing that their bathroom posture might be a contributing factor. Raising awareness about these links empowers individuals to make informed choices, often without the need for medication or invasive procedures.

Healthcare providers, too, can play a role by asking about toileting habits during consultations, especially when patients present with bowel irregularities or pelvic floor concerns. As Dr. Megan Rorison, a pelvic health physiotherapist, said in a recent interview: “The way we poop can say a lot about our muscle coordination and pelvic floor integrity. It’s time we stopped treating it like a joke or a secret.”

In the end, the takeaway is simple but powerful: small changes in how we sit on the toilet can lead to significant gains in comfort and long-term health. It’s not about turning your bathroom upside down—but rather, using what we now know to make going to the toilet a more natural, supportive act.