Let’s be honest – we’ve all had those moments. You finish up in the bathroom, but for some reason, you find yourself wiping way more than expected.
Maybe it’s three times, maybe it’s five, or even more. But according to one expert, if you’re wiping more than three times, there could be an underlying issue.
The TikTok Revelation
A viral TikTok video by a pelvic floor physiotherapist from BIEN Australia is shedding light on this common but rarely discussed concern. And the truth is, excessive wiping isn’t just about technique—it might indicate something else is at play.
What’s Happening?
@bien.aus/TikTok
Georgia Reupert-Allen, a physiotherapist specializing in women’s health and pelvic floor therapy, explains that wiping more than three times is known as "faecal smearing." This occurs when leftover stool lingers at the entrance of your anus even after you’ve finished your bowel movement.
“Essentially, it happens when too much faecal matter remains at the anal entrance even after your bowel movement is complete,” she explains.
The Simple Fix: A Pelvic Floor Technique
Before you resign yourself to endless wiping, there’s good news: a simple technique could help cut down on the excess.
Reupert-Allen recommends a method called "progressive pelvic floor muscle squeezing." Despite its technical name, it’s easy to do.
Here’s how it works:
- Begin by lightly squeezing your pelvic floor muscles at 20% strength.
- Gradually increase the squeeze to 50%, then 80%.
- Finally, engage at 100% by the end of your bowel movement.
Repeating this sequence four times helps close off the anal sphincter properly, reducing the chance of lingering stool. The technique targets potential weaknesses in the external sphincter, which could be the root cause of excessive wiping.
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When to Seek Medical Advice
If trying this method doesn’t improve your situation, don’t panic. Other factors, like hemorrhoids or scar tissue, could be contributing to the issue.
A healthy bowel movement should occur between one to three times per day or at least three times a week. If you’re experiencing ongoing concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is always a good idea.
The Internet Reacts
As expected, the TikTok comment section didn’t disappoint. Users chimed in with humorous takes, from jokes about "hairy situations" to personal stories of bathroom struggles. Clearly, this topic resonated with many!
The Takeaway
Excessive wiping isn’t something to ignore. By practicing the pelvic floor squeeze technique and seeking medical advice if necessary, you can work toward a cleaner, more efficient bathroom routine.
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So, next time you find yourself wiping more than three times, remember—there’s hope for a smoother, fresher finish!
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