Expert Explains Why Wiping More Than Three Times After Using The Bathroom Could Be A Problem

According to a pelvic floor expert, wiping too many times after using the bathroom could lead to several problems over time.

Once people reach adulthood, most realize that even simple everyday habits often have a right way and a wrong way to do them.

The same idea applies to what happens during a trip to the bathroom. It may seem basic, but there are small details that can actually make a difference when it comes to hygiene and health.

That means it might be worth taking a moment to think about whether your routine after going for a number two is working as well as it should.

At first glance, it may seem strange to think that the number of times someone wipes could matter that much.

However, a physiotherapist on TikTok has offered an explanation that caught the attention of many viewers.

A pelvic floor physiotherapist who goes by the name George explained her perspective on the topic in a video where she broke down the issue in simple terms.

George said: "When you are wiping more than two or three times, that is called faecal smearing."

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

After explaining the concept, she went on to suggest a method that people can try if they want to reduce how often they need to wipe.

It is not something that happens instantly though, and she made it clear that it can take a bit of practice before it feels natural.

The pelvic floor expert had had some strong words of advice. Antonio Hugo Photo/Getty Images

George told viewers: "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."

While describing the details of how the method works, 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." You better get practicing... (Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

The explanation might sound unusual at first, but the idea is meant to help the muscles involved work more effectively once you finish using the bathroom.

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

The physiotherapist also pointed out that wiping too much could sometimes contribute to other uncomfortable issues.

She explained that haemorrhoids, or even the development of scar tissue around the anus, can sometimes be linked to excessive wiping over time.

However, she also made it clear that people should not ignore ongoing symptoms.

If the problem continues or becomes painful, it is usually best to speak with a doctor to rule out any medical concerns.

As expected, the comments section quickly filled with jokes and reactions once people started discussing the topic online.

One commenter wrote: "My problem is I'm as hairy as Chewbacca."

"It's like wiping peanut butter off a Persian rug."

The humor showed that even though the topic is a little awkward, many people could still relate to the conversation.

Well, you are welcome for that mental image.

Some viewers also joked that they missed the earlier days of TikTok when the platform was mostly known for dance videos.

Instead, the app now regularly delivers unexpected educational moments about everyday life.

And sometimes those lessons include topics that people never thought they would be discussing online.