The great dunny debate: Why more Aussie blokes are taking a seat (and why that might be smart)

What started as a cheeky social media discussion about bathroom habits has opened the floodgates on a surprisingly serious topic, one that might just change how you think about your daily routine.

The question that got everyone talking: Are Australian men secretly sitting down when they go for a number one? Turns out, the answer might surprise you—and the health implications could be even more eye-opening.

A quarter of Australian men surveyed in a new poll said they always urinate while sitting down, making us among the most enthusiastic 'sitzpinklers' globally. That put us second only to Germany (40%), where signs telling men to sit down to pee are common in public bathrooms.

Younger Australian men are more likely to sit down than older men, with 36% of younger men sitting down most or every time, while only 20% of men aged 55 and older report doing so.

About 50% of all men aged over 50 have BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), increasing to over 80% for men aged 80 or older. That's an enlarged prostate to you and me, and it can make trips to the loo frustratingly inefficient.

Research shows that for men with lower urinary tract symptoms, sitting down can help them urinate faster, with greater force, and leave less urine behind in their bladders. That's because when you stand, you activate muscles in your pelvis and spine, but they're completely relaxed when you sit.

Dr Zac, a leading GP, puts it simply: 'For men with no urinary issues, going number one standing vs. sitting doesn't make a difference, but for men with lower urinary tract symptoms, the sitting position is preferable to the standing.'

In Japan, the share of men who pee sitting down has increased dramatically over the past decades — from 15% in 1999 to around 40% in 2007 and around 60% in 2020. They even have a word for it: suwari-shon.

The Germans, with their practical approach to everything, have embraced this trend thanks in part to the 'Toilet Ghost,' a device that instructs men to take a seat. The main reasons for the trend are hygiene and health.

Sitting to pee enhances stability, reduces the risk of falls, and minimises messiness, especially for those with mobility or balance issues. If you're dealing with arthritis, balance concerns, or using mobility aids, sitting eliminates the need to aim and reduces the risk of accidents.

Sitting also leads to less splashing and spillage, making it a cleaner process, both in terms of personal hygiene and keeping bathroom spaces sanitary.

These aids help overcome height or accessibility problems, with over-toilet aids raising the height of the toilet seat and providing armrests for users to push up from when rising.

Whether you're team sit or team stand, the evidence suggests there's no shame in taking a load off. In general, the literature suggests it doesn't matter if a healthy man stands or sits when he pees. 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.

But for those of us dealing with the realities of ageing — whether that's prostate issues, balance concerns, or just wanting a more comfortable experience — sitting might be worth a try.

While BPH may not directly threaten your health, its symptoms can have a significant effect on your wellbeing, with the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms comparable to the effect of asthma. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference to quality of life.

As one social media commenter put it: 'It's so much better, never have to worry about aiming, never any mess to clean up.' Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones.

Important note: If you're experiencing persistent urinary symptoms, it's worth having a chat with your GP. They can help determine if you have any underlying issues and provide personalised advice.

Read more: No toilet, no exceptions: One woman’s humiliating walk home while pregnant

What's your take on the great toilet debate? Have you noticed changes in your bathroom habits over the years? Whether you're firmly in one camp or considering a switch, we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!