A squat toilet (or squatting toilet) is a toilet used by squatting, rather than sitting. This means that the posture for defecation and for female urination is to place one foot on each side of the toilet drain or hole and to squat over it. There are several types of squat toilets, but they all consist essentially of a toilet pan or bowl at floor level. Such a toilet pan is also called a "squatting pan". A squat toilet may use a water seal and therefore be a flush toilet, or it can be without a water seal and therefore be a dry toilet. The term "squat" refers only to the expected defecation posture and not any other aspects of toilet technology, such as whether it is water flushed or not.
Squat toilets are used all over the world, but are particularly common in some Asian and African nations, as well as in some Muslim countries. In many of those countries, anal cleansing with water is also the cultural norm and easier to perform than with toilets used in a sitting position. They are also occasionally found in some European and South American countries.
Squat toilets are regarded as traditional by many. In 1976, squatting toilets were said to be used by the majority of the world's population. However, there is a general trend in many countries to move from squatting toilets to sitting toilets (particularly in urban areas) as the latter are often regarded as more modern.
Design
Squat toilets are arranged at floor level, which requires the individual to squat with bent knees. In contrast to a pedestal or a sitting toilet, the opening of the drain pipe is located at the ground level.
Squatting slabs can be made of porcelain (ceramic), stainless steel, fibreglass, or in the case of low-cost versions in developing countries, with concrete, ferrocement, plastic, or wood covered with linoleum. Slabs can also be made of wood (timber), but need to be treated with preservatives, such as paint or linoleum, to prevent rotting and to enable thorough cleaning of the squatting slab.
There are two design variations: one where the toilet is level with the ground, and the other where it is raised on a platform approximately 30 cm (1 ft). The latter is easier to use for people who urinate while standing, but both types can be used for this purpose. There is also no difference for defecation or squatting urination.
Use
The user stands over the squat toilet facing the hood and pulls down (up in the case of skirts or dress) their trousers and underwear to the knees. The user then squats over the hole, as close to the front as possible, as excrement tends to fall onto the rear edge of the in-floor receptacle if the user squats too far back.
Health, hygiene and maintenance
The standing surface of the squatting pan should be kept clean and dry in order to prevent disease transmission and to limit odors.
Squat toilets are usually easier to clean than sitting toilets (pedestals), except that one has to bend down further if the squatting pan needs manual scrubbing. They can be cleaned by using a mop and hose, together with the rest of the floor space in the toilet room or cubicle.
Health effects
The squatting defecation posture is more physiological, ideal and relaxed. This is because it allows for better relaxation of the puborectalis muscle and hence straightening of the anorectal angle, and for faster, easier and more complete evacuation of stool. The squatting position therefore prevents excessive straining, and hence protects against stretching of the nerves, such as the pudendal nerve. Damage of these nerves can lead to permanent problems with urinary, defecation and sexual function. The squatting position also increases intra-abdominal pressure. The squatting position is often recommended as part of a range of measures to manage constipation and its sub-types, including obstructed defecation syndrome and dyssynergic defecation. Chronic, excessive straining during defecation, which is more likely to be needed in the sitting position, may be associated with the development of inflamed hemorrhoids or any of the spectrum of pelvic organ prolapse disorders, such as rectocele, rectal prolapse, etc.
However, according to some sources, excessive straining in the squatting position while defecating may increase the risk of severe hemorrhoids, or increase the tendency of prolapse of hemorrhoids, because of increased perineal descent and intra-abdominal pressure. Prolonged and repeated straining on a sitting toilet has the same effect.