Rethinking Bathroom Etiquette: Is Courtesy Flushing Polite or Wasteful When Visiting Others?

Public Health Spotlight Reevaluating Bathroom Etiquette When Visiting Others' Homes Is a courtesy flush polite, or is it wasteful? While bathroom anxiety isn't extensively studied in medicine, estimates suggest that up to one-third of individuals experience some level of discomfort or embarrassment when using a bathroom outside their own home. This can range from mild unease to avoidance of social events or public spaces altogether, often impacting women more than men. For some, this anxiety leads to constipation or abstaining from eating to prevent bathroom emergencies. Even for those without severe anxiety, uncertainty about bathroom conditions at a guest's residence can cause discomfort. Concerns about soundproofing, flushing mechanisms, or being interrupted by another guest are common. To minimize embarrassment, some develop routines, such as using air fresheners or multiple flushes. A recent social media query sparked debate on proper bathroom etiquette, specifically regarding courtesy flushing—a practice of flushing midway through a bowel movement to control odors. The question posed on Reddit was: "Is it customary to perform a courtesy flush when visiting someone else's home...