A lot of people act like pooping in public restrooms is taboo, but why put your body through pain just to avoid something so natural? Many people hold it in because they feel embarrassed or think it’s “gross,” but everyone knows what a bathroom is for. We all know it smells, we all know it’s awkward, and we all know the pain of waiting too long. It’s one of the most normal things the human body does. It’s one of the most natural things the majority of living organisms do! Personally, I would never put myself through that kind of discomfort, and I’ve even encouraged my friends to let go of the embarrassment. There is nothing to be ashamed of when you’re using a toilet for its actual purpose. Public restrooms exist for a reason, and people should not ignore their body’s natural needs because of embarrassment or unnecessary social pressure.
Holding it in isn’t just uncomfortable it can actually cause real health problems. People risk hemorrhoids, constipation, fecal impaction, and even accidents just because they don’t want to use a public restroom. According to Medical News Today, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement for too long can increase the risk of constipation and other digestive complications. That makes no sense when there are stores, restaurants, and businesses everywhere with clean bathrooms available. Using the restroom when you need to is the healthier and smarter choice, always. We should listen to our bodies and take care of ourselves. Using the restroom when you need to is another way of taking care of yourself instead of following weird social rules.
Another reason people should not feel embarrassed about using public restrooms is that everyone eventually needs to use one. Whether you’re at work, school, traveling, or simply running errands, there will be times when waiting until you get home just isn’t realistic. Public restrooms are built for exactly this purpose, and most are cleaned regularly to keep them safe for everyone. Society has created an unnecessary stigma around something that every person experiences, but avoiding the restroom only creates more stress and discomfort. Instead of worrying about what strangers might think, people should remember that everyone has been in the same situation at some point.
Overall, using public restrooms should not be embarrassing because it’s natural, healthy, and prevents real physical harm. Changing the way we think about public restrooms starts with accepting that using one is simply part of being human. There should be no shame in taking care of your health and listening to your body’s needs. The only embarrassing thing is not flushing or cleaning up after yourself. We need to stop acting like normal body functions are something to hide. My “call to action” is just like your emotions: don’t hold it in. Use the restroom when you need to. Like Elsa from Frozen, “Let it go.” Your body will thank you later.