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Do guys stand up to pee?

A man's decision to urinate standing up or sitting down would be made based on how he was brought up, his culture and his personal preference. There are no hard and fast etiquette rules on the subject.

chicagotribune.com - Should men sit down to pee? - Chicago Tribune
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Q: Should men sit down when they pee? What if they are visiting someone else's home?

A man's decision to urinate standing up or sitting down would be made based on how he was brought up, his culture and his personal preference. There are no hard and fast etiquette rules on the subject. However, as a wife and a mother of a 13-year-old boy, I have a strong bias toward men sitting down while in the loo, particularly when he is in someone else's home. While most men swear they have "great aim" into the toilet bowl and never make a mess, studies have shown the contrary. Putting the seat up doesn't count either, especially if he forgets to put it down. Then there is the noise that comes from the waterfall plunge. If you're a guest in someone's home and the bathroom is located near the dinner table, I would advise against making a big splash when everyone can hear you. Instead, be quiet in the bathroom and take a seat.

— Aimee Symington, etiquette expert, facilitator and speaker

Males generally like being able to pee standing up.

In fact, many come to see urologists when they no longer can pee standing because they have lost the force of stream necessary. In a private residence at a friend's house, any male should be considerate if he sprays a bit and contaminates the toilet seat. So yes, it is perfectly fine to sit, if for no other reason than one is less likely to cause a mess. I have seen many older male patients being dragged into my office by their ears by their wives, the principal complaint being, "My husband is messing up the bathroom with this spraying of urine." In those situations — frequently due to myopia or a tremor — I suggest the gentleman sit. As urologists will tell anyone: Be courteous, aim well, flush and put the toilet seat down.

— Dr. Gregory Bales, professor of urology at University of Chicago Medicine

Social Graces is a series asking two experts for advice on awkward situations.

Andreea Ciulac is a freelancer.

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What happens to guys during a physical?

Physicals should be done yearly and before starting sports. The healthcare provider will examine the eyes, which may include checking vision, and ears, which may include hearing. He or she will check the nose, throat, neck, mouth, chest, abdomen, back, and legs and arms.

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What happens during a physical exam?

A physical exam is an important part of staying healthy. Physicals should be done yearly and before starting sports. The healthcare provider will examine the eyes, which may include checking vision, and ears, which may include hearing. He or she will check the nose, throat, neck, mouth, chest, abdomen, back, and legs and arms. The healthcare provider will assess growth and changes of puberty. He or she may also screen for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. The healthcare provider may also counsel your child about high-risk behaviors including safety, seat belt use, smoking, alcohol, drugs, and sexual activity. During the physical exam, the healthcare provider will examine the genitals, including the penis, testicles, and scrotum. The provider may ask the teenager to cough while examining the scrotum. Although this can be embarrassing, it is done to help check for inguinal hernias or tumors.

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