Expert explains why you should never wipe more than three times after going for a poop
Mia Williams
Featured Image Credit: Antonio Hugo Photo/Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
A pelvic floor expert has revealed why you should never wipe more than three times after pooping.
Other than saving you money on toilet paper, it's difficult to see how the number of times you wipe after going to the loo really makes a difference.
But according to experts, it could be a real game changer.
In a TikTok video, pelvic floor physiotherapist George, explained everything you need to know about wiping when going for a number two.
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Just in case, of course, you haven't mastered it yet as an adult.
It seems to have really peaked interest, as the clip has been watched over four million times.
Firstly, she outlined some technicalities for us.
George said: "When you are wiping more than two or three times, that is called faecal smearing.
“So it is essentially when too much faeces matter stays at the entrance of the anus even after you have finished your poo.”
She then went on to suggest a technique you can employ to cut down on unnecessary wiping.
But it's going to take some practice...
"A technique that you can use to reduce the number of times you wipe is by squeezing your pelvic floor in a waterfall formation,” George told viewers.
“So start by squeezing the anus 20 per cent, then 50 per cent, 80 per cent, and 100 per cent so that you have squeezed it four times at the end of your poo.”
Going into the graphic details, she continued: "This can help close off the anus sphincter, which is the reason you are having little bits of stool hanging on the entrance - it is usually from weakness from that external sphincter.”
But one common condition could actually be caused by excessive wiping.
The physiotherapist also said that haemorrhoids or any 'scar tissue around anus' could be as a result of over-indulging on your toilet paper usage.
But she did warn, if they don't go away, it's probably just best seeing a doctor.
The comments section naturally sparked a bit of humour, due to the nature of the topic.
One said: "My problem is I’m as hairy as Chewbacca.
"It’s like wiping peanut butter off a Persian rug."
You're so welcome for that one - lovely imagery.
But others are just longing for the days where TikTok was just a 'dance app'.
We definitely got a bit more than we bargained for with that platform!