Squat Toilets

China Railway Toilets A squat toilet is a toilet used by squatting, rather than sitting. There are several types of squat toilets, but they all consist essentially of a hole in the ground.

The only exception is a "pedestal" squat toilet, which is the same height as a standard western toilet.

Squat toilets can be a shock to people who are used to a sit-down type toilet, and may be difficult to use for the unwary, especially if on trains or ships.

Many Britons, having encountered the devices in France and other countries, refer to them euphemistically as "stand and deliver" toilets, a reference to the phrase associated with highwaymen.

China Squat Toilet Squat toilets are not accessible to handicapped or disabled persons; to use squat toilets a person must have complete use and mobility of both their legs and arms, which would hinder many people with physical challenges.

Argument In Favour of Squat Toilets

Proponents of squat toilets argue that:

They are less expensive and easier to clean and maintain.
They are less vulnerable to vandalism.
The splashing of water on the buttocks after a heavy defecation does not occur.
They do not involve any contact between the buttocks and a potentially unsanitary surface.
Squatting might help to build the required pressure more comfortably and quickly.
Squatting makes elimination faster, easier and more complete.
Elimination in squatting posture protects the nerves that control the prostate, bladder and uterus from becoming stretched and damaged.
Squatting relaxes the puborectalis muscle which normally chokes the rectum in order to maintain continence.
Squatting securely seals the ileocecal valve, between the colon and the small intestine. In the conventional sitting position, this valve is unsupported and often leaks during evacuation.
For pregnant women, squatting avoids pressure on the uterus when using the toilet. Daily squatting helps prepare the mother-to-be for a more natural delivery.
Squatting may reduce the occurrence or severity of hemorrhoids and possibly other colorectal disorders such as diverticulosis and appendicitis.

Arguments Against Squat Toilets

A common argument against the squat toilet is that if toilet paper is used where there is no flushing system installed, it is easy for the inexperienced user to clog the toilet. Those unfamiliar with the squat toilet should be sure to ask the location of the flushing bucket before attempting use. These buckets flush the toilets manually like a tank would.

Other criticisms include:

Difficulty of use for the physically handicapped or inebriated.
Potential for splattering of urine or feces on the feet.
Potential for urine or fecal accidents with the clothes. People who are not used to squat toilets usually remove their pants and underwear completely before going.
Potential for leg cramps, or discomfort for users having osteoarthritis.
Potential for the development of foul odors as a result of incomplete flushing.
Pantyhose must be lowered while using a squat toilet.