Many Brits don’t think twice about their wiping routine when going to the toilet, but medical experts have warned that your technique could heighten your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Finishing your business can be carried out in various ways, from scrunching to folding, but there is a medically correct way of doing things. According to urinary and rectal health experts, it is important to carry out the front-to-back method, especially for women. If done incorrectly, the faecal bacteria could enter the urethra, the tube that lets urine leave the bladder, increasing the risk of a UTI.
Proper wiping is considered one of the best ways for women to avoid a UTI, explains the National Institutes of Health. The government agency says: “Most urinary infections are from bacteria that normally live around the rectum and anus. Therefore, any wiping motion that starts nearer to the rectum and then approaches the bladder opening area will move potentially dangerous bacteria closer to the bladder and urinary tract.”
READ MORE: STI that's 'more common than chlamydia' may up cancer risk by five times, experts warn
UTIs are more common in women, with more than half experiencing an infection at least one point in their life. The Office on Women’s Health highlights that they are 30 times more likely to get a UTI compared to men because a woman's urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to get into the bladder.
Meanwhile, men also face a risk of UTIs, but this is not often associated with poor wiping, suggests physicians at the Urology Center of Florida. “Though rare, it is still possible for men to get a UTI when external bacteria enters the urinary tract. Men who use urinary catheters may be at increased risk. Hygiene, while important, is rarely the culprit,” they said.
While men face a reduced risk of developing UTIs through inadequate wiping technique, proper hygiene is advised to prevent germs and bacteria from spreading. Toilet paper manufacturer Cottonelle reveals that a minimum of seven sheets is sufficient for the average person.
However, Reddit users claim 10 to 12 squares is necessary for a decent wipe, while others suggest using just four or five squares to start and fewer thereafter, reports the Daily Mail. Industry experts recommend using soft and absorbent toilet tissue.
They also warn that wiping too much or too hard can lead to uncomfortable itching, known as pruritus ani. Evan Goldstein, from Bespoke Surgical in New York City, told Men's Health magazine: “The more we wipe, the more friction there is. The harder we wipe, the more friction there is. The rougher the toilet paper we use, the more friction there is.
“All this friction causes irritation, microtears, and, yes, a potentially itchy butt.” Easily crumbled toilet paper can also cause irritation as it leaves bits trapped to the anal skin.
Physicians at Harvard Medical School have said: “Although the anal area should be cleaned after every bowel movement, this cleaning must be gentle. Aggressive rubbing and scrubbing, especially with soaps or other skin cleansers, can irritate the skin and trigger anal itch.”
Cottonelle has spoken out about the age-old debate over sitting versus standing to wipe, highlighting that there are benefits to both. The toilet tissue guru said: “For sitters, the main pro is cheeks stay spread, preventing any cheek-on-cheek smearing. That means easy cleaning access.
“For standers, they like that their hands don’t come near the toilet bowl (especially important for public toilets), and they won’t accidentally touch bare cheek or thigh with soiled toilet paper when they’re coming around for a visual inspection.” According to Men’s Health, a survey of more than 3,000 people revealed that 65 percent prefer to sit while 35 percent stand.
Want the Daily Star's sexiest stories news straight to your inbox? Sign up to our daily Hot Topics newsletter HERE
Source: Read Full Article