Frequently Asked Questions
Will I definitely pee on myself the first time using a pee funnel? Can I avoid that?
Follow the instructions, keep your cool, and you may have no problem! It’s very possible to stay dry for your first rodeo. This is especially true if you get the right pee funnel for your body and situation. What you DON’T want to do is get discouraged and beat yourself up if pee spill happens. If it doesn’t, great! if it does, no worries. See also the help section.
Are there devices more specifically designed to affirm gender?
Definitely! I do not review the realistic-penis and/or packer stand-to-pee devices (STPs) on this site because I am not trans, I’ve never experienced gender dysphoria, and I don’t feel qualified to evaluate them. But there’s a lot of good info out there! Here’s a starting place (that is NSFW): Transguy Supply. Elsewhere on that site, the pStyle is suggested! The pStyle is gender-neutral and also provides flesh-toned options. Additionally, Trans Tool Shed provides both supplies and education about those supplies. Right now, the STP market is oriented towards cis women. Many of the devices reviewed on THIS site are labeled as “for women” or “made for women.” A lot of times they’re bright pink or purple (although I’ve tried to pick diverse colors). My hope is just that you find one that feels good to use, isn’t triggering, and isn’t complicated, either here or elsewhere.
If you’d like to help me make the site more inclusive by providing content on gender-affirming STPs or the trans or intersex experience, reach out out at gostandingup@gmail.com
Isn’t it really gross? It’s a pee-soaked funnel! And it’s a hassle!
I cover cleaning a stand-to-pee device here, but this question comes up so often that I thought it deserved a place on the FAQ page.
A pee funnel is as clean as you want it to be. Need it to be super clean? Get a trough model like pStyle or Tinkle Belle—super easy to clean--and wipe it down with Wet Wipes after each use.
Once you know how to use a pee funnel, you won’t get pee on your hands, and you can shake it off and put it back in its case without touching the wet part. When you first start to practice, you might touch your own pee, but not after a couple of tries.
What I have heard from many (most?) pee funnel users is that they just shake it off and immediately put it back in its case, then wash the case and the device when possible. It might sound gross, but it’s not really different from wearing the same underwear all day, instead of changing underwear every time you pee or experience moisture.
As for being a hassle, that will depend on the device and your reason for using it. I DO find it a hassle to get a big, rubbery Sunany in my pants and then wad it up and put it in a bag; I do NOT find it a hassle to slip a pStyle in my pants then shake it dry and slip it back in its case. Gotta choose the right one for your needs!
I’m a guy. Should I get my girlfriend/wife a pee funnel?
A stand-to-pee device is a very personal object! I’d say discuss it with her rather than surprise her, especially if she’s been complaining about squatting. Check out my device review and ratings together. What you don’t want to do is make her feel like she HAS to use one. Some people like squatting! Communication is going to be your friend here. And if you really want to surprise her? Get her two different ones. She’ll develop a preference.
Does pubic hair matter?
It only matters if you are using a pee funnel that requires a tight seal—none of the ones described here do, to my knowledge.
Does being on my period matter?
No, not in my experience. It makes no difference to the functionality. If you use tampons, you might want to be sure to get the string when you squeegee, but basically no. Pee funnels are good any day of the month!
Can kids use a stand-to-pee device?
There is nothing sexual or adult about STPs, so yes, kids can use them. Sanigirl makes disposable pee funnels for kids ages three and up. (FYI: these are very girly.) If you want your child to use a reusable STP, just pay attention to the size of the device.
Why do you endorse Amazon?
As of now, Amazon is the easiest place to read and compare testimonials from a variety of people regarding different STPs. A few of the pee funnels I review are only available on Amazon. No, it isn’t ideal. It’s just easy. If you hate Amazon (fair), of course you can buy directly from an STP’s main site, which I link under my reviews.
I feel a little self-conscious about using a stand-to-pee device! What do I say about it if people ask?
First of all, how you pee is no one’s business but your own. Do what you want! But if you do want to talk about your STP with a partner or friends, here are some thoughts:
If you want to provide an explanation to prevent questions or confusion, it will be less awkward if you keep it brief and casual. Doesn’t have to be a big deal.
If you do get questions, and you feel like answering them, a clear explanation of why you have an STP usually works. (“I don’t want poison ivy on my butt,” “gas station bathrooms are gross,” “this uniform is tricky to take off,” etc.) Honestly anyone with further questions is being willfully obtuse.
Most people, in my experience, think it’s cool!
If your “why” is just that you prefer to pee standing up, it feels good, it’s fun, etc, then remember that that is a good enough reason! Own it. “It’s just what I prefer” is sufficient.
I’m a cis woman who doesn’t hike or camp or travel or go on road trips. Do I need a stand-to-pee device?
If you have access to toilets 100% of the time, or you just like squatting, then I totally get not wanting a stand-to-pee device. The thing I’d say is this: if you’re the kind of person who wants to keep one “for emergencies,” practice BEFORE the emergency. For most cis women, a stand-to-pee device has a learning curve. Don’t wait until the moment of crisis to figure it out.
I’m a big believer in people peeing how they want. If sitting feels right to you, then that’s what you should do! For me, once I could pee standing up, I realized it was an option more often than I thought, and other women have told me the same thing. Women are very strongly conditioned to Only Use the Bathroom, so when you can pee standing up, it’s a paradigm shift. But again, if sitting’s working for you, there’s nothing wrong with it.
One last thing about this: you don’t need a reason. You can pee standing up because it’s fun or because you’re curious. Why not?
If you have more questions, email me at gostandingup@gmail.com