How to wipe your butt

Do you know how to wipe your butt? This may be a surprising question, but doing it incorrectly can have negative effects on your health. Not wiping properly can make you more susceptible to urinary tract infections or worsen existing rectal problems such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

that’s why health She consulted a gynecologist, a doctor who specializes in female reproductive organs. We often get asked about cleaning.

health I also contacted a gastroenterologist who specializes in the gastrointestinal tract to provide information on wiping after a bowel movement. Here’s the right and wrong way to wipe, as well as some helpful tips and tricks.

You have probably heard this directive since childhood, but it is very important. “This means wiping from the urethra to the anus.” Dr. Alyssa Dwecka gynecologist in Westchester County, New York, and author of the following books: Complete A to Z about your Vhe told Health.

“There are far more bacteria in the rectal area, which is why you want to avoid dragging the toilet paper in the opposite direction.” towards your urethra.If you grow this bacterium [towards the] The front side can cause urinary tract infections,” Dr. Dweck said. Wipe from front to back after urinating and defecating.

The best type is soft, white toilet paper that is undyed and unscented. Thin, scratchy toilet paper, scented toilet paper, and recycled TP can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Not everyone will react if you don’t use the best toilet paper. “Some people can use sandpaper to clean themselves, and that’s fine,” Dr. Dweck said. But if you can, choose the right kind.

You don’t have to worry about whether you should wipe sitting or standing. What you choose is a matter of preference and mobility. Dr. Monica S. Volckersaid a gastroenterologist at North Shore University Health System in Glenview, Illinois. health. The most comfortable and accessible position is appropriate.

Dr. Volcker says to roll up a roll of toilet paper (or fold several sheets neatly) and wipe from front to back, “with your hand behind your back or between your legs, if that’s comfortable.” Continue wiping until all the poop is gone and you feel clean. “Always take time to practice these techniques; this is one of the most important things you can do every day for your health,” Dr. Volcker said.

If you have hemorrhoids (swollen veins that protrude from the anus), you may feel the need to rub them vigorously with toilet paper to remove all the residue. “Hemorrhoids create wrinkles, making the area difficult to clean,” Dr. Dweck said.

So, here’s how to deal with it. Many people find that they have to poop in the morning. This is a natural reaction when you wake up and have breakfast, and drinking coffee can also help get things moving. In that case, you may be able to make a plan to poop and then take a shower before starting your day.

This practice is what Dr. Volcker suggests to his hemorrhoid patients. “External hemorrhoids often cause pain, itching, and bleeding, so taking a hot shower after BM is a good option,” she says. After showering, gently dry the area with a soft towel.

If showering doesn’t work, Dr. Dweck said there are still options for people with hemorrhoids. These include:

• Bidet. If available, this is a bathroom appliance that gently sprays water after you pee or poop.
• A peribottle is also a useful tool. Use this to squirt water into your anus to moisten it and make it easier to wipe.
• A simple sitz bath (sitting in a few inches of water) is also effective, and versions have been created that sit over the toilet, which is especially helpful for mobility issues.
• Balneol, a mild cleansing lotion, is also an option. Apply a small amount to toilet paper and wipe to moisturize the area around the anus and remove traces of stool.

Another anal area problem that can make wiping your butt difficult is anal fissures. These are small tears in the lining of the anus, usually caused by hard stools due to constipation. johns hopkins medicine. Similar to hemorrhoids, symptoms of anal fissures include itching, bleeding, and pain, Dr. Volcker says. If you have cracks, Dr. Volcker recommended using medicated pads or wipes after you defecate.

Because of hemorrhoids and fissures, avoid swabbing unless directed by your health care provider. While you may prefer wipes to give your butt a fresh feel, the wipes themselves can cause problems.

“We see far too many people with irritation and rashes around their vulva and anus from using wipes,” says Dr. Dweck. This area can be especially sensitive to ingredients such as fragrances in scented products, Dr. Dweck said. If you’re using wipes for medical reasons, Dr. Volcker advised choosing fragrance-free products made for sensitive skin.

If you feel like you’re having trouble getting clean after BM, especially if it’s new and lingers, call your health care provider, Dr. Volcker said. (Also, if you see blood on the toilet paper after wiping, see your health care professional. Don’t assume hemorrhoids are the cause until your health care provider tells you.) )

Things like this may feel embarrassing, but remember that your health care provider is there to help you and they have heard everything before. After all, wiping is a common concern. “If you’re dealing with wiping issues, you’re not alone,” says Dr. Dweck.

Wiping your butt is something most people do every day. It’s a simple and routine task, but if done incorrectly it can cause unpleasant problems.

If you follow these tips, you can prevent most problems caused by improper wiping. However, if you develop new problems, notice blood when you wipe your butt, or have any other concerns, call your health care provider.