How to Use a Stand to Pee (STP)

An STP (stand to pee) is a device designed to make urinating whilst standing possible, whether you’re at the urinal, out in nature, or in your toilets at home. Some models are phallic-like, other more discreet options are simply funnel shaped. You can also get hybrid style STPs that can be used for urinating and packing. For a lot of FTM individuals, using an STP can alleviate feelings of dysphoria and make using male toilets easier by turning peeing into an act that’s affirming and in line with one’s gender identity. However, if peeing whilst standing is something you’ve never done before, it might seem like a big, even stressful step to take. A few tips and tricks, as well as a little bit of practice and it’ll quickly become a breeze.

STPs offer the possibility to urinate whilst standing up, thus turning an every day moment into an incredibly meaningful one. For a lot of transmasculine people, efficient, hygienic and seamless ‘upright’ peeing has the ability to help reduce the effects of dysphoria and reinforce one’s connection to their own body. Urinating whilst standing, whether at a urinal or elsewhere, thus becomes much more than a practical gesture, it’s a process of self affirmation.

It’s also a great solution for those moments where sitting down to urinate is either impossible or uncomfortable: during a hike, whilst camping, in messy public toilets etc. a lot of cisgender women use stand to pees for this exact reason.

STPs are great for anyone without a penis who wants to be able to pee whilst standing, no matter the context. It’s an accessible, economic, realistic way to make the most of the situation without resorting to surgery.

The most important thing for beginners is making sure you feel at ease. Don’t go for a hyperrealistic model as your first ever STP, it’s better to work up to this and take some time discovering which option suits you best.

Funnel style STPs tend to be the easiest for beginners. Its shape allows for a larger reception area, making it easier and less stressful for you to manage the urine flow. This is the best way to familiarise yourself and gain confidence in the act.

Once you feel confident, you can move on to more phallic like models with a narrower reception area. These versions have a more realistic finish but require an advanced technique. Don’t rush though, take things at your own pace.

Now you’ve picked your perfect STP, it’s time to get down to business. A bit of practice is needed, especially during the first few uses, but with a little patience and the right technique it’ll quickly become second nature. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use your STP.

Before taking your stand to pee out with you, take some time to practice in a relaxed, stress free environment. The best place to start is in the shower, this way you don’t have to worry about getting your clothes wet, and if you splash a little it’s simple enough to rinse off.

This first step will help you understand how to position the device, manage the flow, and figure out what works best for you. Once you’re ready, you can try using the STP in your toilets at home, still undressed. This way the cleaning up process is still simple. Again, don’t rush, just go easy.

Your STP needs to be properly in place to avoid accidents and leaks. Press it against your body, making sure the opening is placed under the urethra. The tighter the fit, the better the flow is managed.

In terms of posture, spread your legs and lower yourself every so slightly into a squat-like position. Hold onto the device using the thumb, index and middle finger on your dominant hand, this will help you guide the stream. The other hand remains free or can be used to keep you stable, whatever you prefer.

Go slowly when you first use an STP. Peeing too quickly and too powerfully might fill the funnel up too quickly, causing an overflow. Take some time to get used to your flow, see how it runs through the device and adjust your movements if necessary.

With a little practice, you’ll come to understand how to manage the flow. Once you get used to it, you’ll be able to urinate freely without giving it a second thought.

Once you’ve had sufficient practice at home, you can start using your STP outside, in public toilets or urinals, whatever you feel comfortable with. It’s a big step, so take things slowly, start off in places you feel most at ease in.

On your first outing, we recommend you bring a change of clothes with you (trousers, underwear, socks)... just in case. You’ll feel less pressured and more relaxed knowing you have an emergency change of clothes.

After each use, clean your STP using warm water and a gentle soap. Rinse it well, then let it air dry. Make sure the interior is fully dry, especially if it’s hollow. If you’re not sure whether it’s properly dry, wipe using a rolled up piece of kitchen roll, or a drying stick. Any trapped humidity can cause mould build-up.

If you have a silicone model, sterilise it from time to time by immersing it in hot water for a few minutes. Once it's fully dry, tidy your STP away, making sure it’s in a clean, dry space, out of direct sunlight. It’s best to store your STP vertically with the rod pointing up, to avoid any residual moisture remaining trapped inside.

We’re hoping your first experience will be as simple as it is freeing, and that your STP will become a thing of comfort, affirmation and confidence on a daily basis. We know it may seem like a small gesture, but it can make a huge difference in the way you experience your own body and relationship to gender.