Expert Explains Why You Should Never Wipe More Than Three Times After Going For A Poop

A pelvic floor expert has recently revealed why you should never wipe more than three times after pooping.

Now, at first glance, it might seem like the number of wipes doesn’t make much of a difference, other than maybe saving you a few bucks on toilet paper.

But, according to experts, how many times you wipe could actually be more important than you think.

In a TikTok video that’s gained a lot of attention—over four million views and counting—pelvic floor physiotherapist George breaks down the right way to handle wiping after a number two.

This might sound like something everyone should have figured out by now, but as it turns out, there’s more to it than most people realize.

First, George laid out the basics for us. She explained, “When you are wiping more than two or three times, that is called faecal smearing.

She had some strong words of advice. Antonio Hugo Photo/Getty Images

“So it is essentially when too much faeces matter stays at the entrance of the anus even after you have finished your poo.”

It’s a problem that many might not even know they have, but George’s advice sheds some light on it.

But she didn’t just stop at identifying the issue. George also offered a technique to help reduce the need for excessive wiping.

It’s a simple method, but it does require a bit of practice to get it just right.

She suggested, “A technique that you can use to reduce the number of times you wipe is by squeezing your pelvic floor in a waterfall formation.

“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.”

George went on to explain why this technique can be so effective.

She said, “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.”

So, by strengthening this muscle, you could potentially save yourself from some unnecessary and possibly harmful wiping.

But there’s more to the story. George also pointed out that over-wiping can lead to some common but unpleasant conditions.

She mentioned that excessive wiping could contribute to the development of hemorrhoids or even cause ‘scar tissue around anus’ because of overusing toilet paper.

You better get practicing... Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

And while these conditions are not uncommon, she did caution that if they persist, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

Naturally, the topic sparked some humorous reactions in the comments section of her TikTok.

One commenter quipped, “My problem is I’m as hairy as Chewbacca. It’s like wiping peanut butter off a Persian rug.”

Now there’s a visual you probably didn’t need, but it’s clear that the discussion struck a chord with many.

Some users couldn’t help but express a bit of nostalgia for the simpler days when TikTok was just a platform for dance videos.

Hopefully, this technique will save you from going through this much toilet roll next time you go for a poo. Getty Stock Image

It’s safe to say that the platform has evolved quite a bit since then, offering advice and insights that might go a bit beyond what most of us expected.

So, next time you find yourself reaching for that extra piece of toilet paper, you might want to remember George’s advice.

It turns out that a little change in technique could make a big difference not only for your hygiene but also for your health.