An expert is here to explain why using more than three wipes is not suggested, and she is also offering useful tips to individuals who are struggling with this issue.
In a TikTok video posted by BIEN Australia, a trained pelvic floor physiotherapist explains the ideal quantity of wipes to use during bathroom visits.
And the 57-second clip aims to provide a solution to reduce excessive wiping.
The expert begins by addressing the prevalent issue and providing reassurance, noting, “When you wipe more than two or three times, that is called faecal smearing.”
“Essentially, it occurs when too much faecal matter remains at the a*** entrance even after you have finished your bowel movement.”
To address this issue, the physiotherapist suggests a procedure that may reduce the amount of wipes required.
She suggests gradually compressing the pelvic floor muscles in a cascade pattern.
Individuals can conduct four controlled squeezes at the end of their bowel movement by progressively raising the pressure from 20% to 50%, 80%, and ultimately 100%.
This technique aims to close off the anal sphincter, reducing the occurrence of leftover stool remnants on the a*** entrance, which can often be attributed to weakness in the external sphincter.
The video also notes how variables such as haemorrhoids or scar tissue around the a*** can lead to the need for excessive wiping.