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FTM Guide to Using Men's Bathrooms: Tips, Safety & STP Advice

By Grethe Simonsen Updated Mar 13, 2026 Read time 5 min

Trans people meet many difficulties in their daily lives. One of them—using the public bathroom. Have you ever thought that such a natural and simple action can become a massive dilemma for transgender people?

Yes, you have read it correctly—a lot of FTM people have faced situations when they weren't sure which public restroom they should use. Let's find out what to expect when using the men's bathroom.

Public restroom signs showing men's and women's bathrooms
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Don't Be Afraid

You are transgender and you feel yourself like a man? It means—you are a man. If you are a man, you definitely have the right to use a men's bathroom. It is normal to be afraid of stepping into a new and unfamiliar space, but the most important thing is not to let fear stop you.

FTM Guide to Using Men's Bathrooms- Tips, Safety & STP Advice - Don't Be Afraid

✨ Remember This

Gender identity is more relevant than biological sex. This idea should be leading for FTM people who feel stressed or unsure about entering the men's bathroom.

Fear related to leaving a comfort zone is often a barrier to new and life-changing experiences. It could be uncomfortable at the beginning, but it shouldn't stop you from living a normal life.

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What to Expect in Men's Restrooms

Patience Required

The first thing you'll meet in the men's bathroom—a line of waiting people. Men are used to not hurrying. If you need to pee only, the line moves fairly fast. For anything else... visit the toilet before you leave home!

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Less Conversation

Men are less friendly than women in bathrooms. They are really quiet—no speaking, no eye contact, no communication. The main purpose: do the thing, leave. No chatting, no smiling.

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Lower Cleanliness Standards

You will be surprised (in a bad way) how unclean men's bathrooms can be. Don't expect the same level of tidiness as women's restrooms. It's best to just accept this reality.

💡 Pro Tip

FTM people may find a huge difference in atmosphere when comparing men's and women's bathrooms. The best approach is to accept reality and not think too much about it.

Men's restroom interior with urinals and stalls

🎯 Get Your First STP Packer

The majority of FTM people would agree that their lives changed after getting their first STP (Stand To Pee) prosthetic. The STP packer allows you to urinate while standing up.

Imagine how great it would be to feel free to pee with no stress or fear. Using a reliable device like the Emisil 3rd Gen STP can significantly reduce bathroom anxiety and boost your confidence in public spaces.

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There are different ways to keep your packer in place: specially designed packing underwear, straps/harnesses, or adhesive. It's recommended to practice at home first to understand how to use it properly.

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Tips for Using Men's Bathrooms

💡 Making Your Journey Easier

Feel safe using men's bathrooms at big social events (concerts, sports games)—even women use them due to shorter lines!

Do it as fast as possible. Other people won't have time to pay attention to you.

No eye contact! This is normal male bathroom etiquette.

Use a stall if urinals feel uncomfortable—plenty of cis men do too.

Stay sober in public places to avoid dangerous situations and maintain awareness.

Practice with your STP at home before using it in public for the first time.

🚨 Safety First!

If the bathroom looks unsafe or there are suspicious people inside, it is better to use a different restroom or wait. Your safety should always be the first priority!

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If Someone Questions You

If you ever get comments from other people about using the bathroom, here are some phrases you can use:

🗣️ Ready-to-Use Responses

💬 "It is the closest bathroom"
💬 "This was an extra emergency case"
💬 "We are all human and the same on the inside"
💬 "The staff gave me permission"
💬 "I'm just here to pee, that's it"
💬 "This isn't a big deal. Calm down."
💬 "I'm not hurting anyone by being here"
💬 "My body is my own business, not yours"
💬 "I don't ask why you are here, so don't ask me"
💬 "I've taken steps to transition"
💬 "I'm not going to start a fight, please calm down"
💬 "I'm not going to hurt you being here"

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use the urinal or a stall?

Use whichever feels most comfortable. Many cis men use stalls — it's completely normal and nobody will think twice about it. If you have an STP packer and feel confident using it, urinals are an option. If you're new to using an STP, start with stalls until you're comfortable. There's no pressure to use urinals.

What if there are only urinals and no stalls available?

You can wait for a stall to open up — this is completely normal behavior. Alternatively, you can check if there's another restroom nearby. If you have an STP device, this is where it can be especially helpful. Many public restrooms are required to have at least one stall, so this situation is uncommon.

Is it legal for trans men to use men's bathrooms?

Laws vary by location. In many places, trans people are legally protected to use the restroom that matches their gender identity. However, some regions have restrictive policies. Check the laws in your area. Regardless of legal specifics, your safety always comes first — use the restroom where you feel safest.

What is an STP packer and do I need one?

An STP (Stand To Pee) packer is a prosthetic device that allows you to urinate while standing. It's not required — many trans men use stalls comfortably. However, an STP can significantly reduce bathroom anxiety and dysphoria. If standing to pee is important to you, explore our STP collection to find a device that fits your needs.

How do I deal with bathroom anxiety?

Bathroom anxiety is extremely common among trans men, especially early in transition. Start by using men's restrooms in low-pressure environments — quiet restaurants, single-stall bathrooms, or large event venues where nobody pays attention. Build confidence gradually. Having an STP packer can also help. Remember: most men are focused on their own business and aren't paying attention to you.

Quick bathroom tips

Rule #1: No eye contact

Rule #2: Be quick

Rule #3: Stalls are fine

Rule #4: Safety first, always

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