Q&A for How to Use a Squat Toilet

Go quickly and be discreet. I always bring a sweater to place over my crotch area to cover my private parts while going. Understand that this is a normal part of life. Everyone looks the same going, so don’t be embarrassed.

If you brought some, toilet paper. You can also bring a small towel that you use just for drying and keep it in a large Ziploc bag in your backpack, purse, etc.

You cannot fall in the hole, as it is usually too small to fall down. Just be careful not to fall in your own waste.

Yes, children can use a squat toilet. Just show them what they will have to do and if they are very young, you can help them.

Keep your shoes on, and make sure not to touch the floor. When flushing, use your foot.

This position is best for constipated person. It puts pressure on your bowels and the wastage comes out easily.

Chances are, nobody will look at you. Mind your own business and don't feel embarrassed, because in other countries squat toilets are very normalized, and we all look the same while going!

Yes, you can, but I do not recommend it. However, you can sit down as usual and put a small chair or bucket under your feet to lift them up. It gives the same feeling as using a squat toilet.

Yes, it's perfectly fine for boys to use squat toilets. They just need to be careful when urinating to avoid making a mess.

If this position is comfortable for you, it may be better.

You can put a sweater around your crotch area to cover your private parts. However, nobody will be looking. Restrooms are single gender, and everyone has the same parts!

You pee in it by squatting over it and aiming.

You probably can't; check to see if there is a sitting toilet reserved for disabled people. Usually, there should be a typical sit down toilet available for the disabled.

Sometimes squat toilets are concealed with a privacy stall, and other times there will not be privacy.

No, you don't have to be from any specific area to use a squat toilet.

Either stand or squat.

Take them off. That's easier, plus you don't need to worry about soiling them. Same with your underwear.

Even if it's out in the open, you have to mind your own business. Just don't mind them, and they won't care about you either.

Usually there is a piece of ceramic that juts out from the end and you can lean on that. If there isn't, there is a normal toilet in the last stall.

There are stools you can purchase and place on your toilet so you can squat. You can also just stand on the toilet and squat down, but it's awfully hard to keep your balance doing that.

You can, but it would probably be more sanitary to leave them on.

You stand up, backwards from the way you initially squatted.

Yes, it is a good idea to bring your own toilet paper, especially if you are not familiar with the process.

Yes, all bathrooms have sinks and soap. If there isn't any soap, just let the manager of the establishment know.

Real. People actually do this, usually in Japan. Squat toilets are extremely rare everywhere else.

If there is toilet paper, wrap your waste in that, and stuff it in the bottom of the bin. If you have your period in the loo, put paper on top of it.

Yes, since toilets are out in the open.

You can squat, but it might be uncomfortable. You'll probably instead want to stand, aim and pee like men usually do.

Squat toilets are used around the world, although they are less common in Western countries. The primary reason is that it reduces constipation as compared to Western-style toilets.

Tampons do not flush, and sanitary napkins are a better option in this situation.