You wouldn't think there'd be a lot of mystery surrounding the proper way to wipe your butt.
There are certain innate skills we all have and, usually, don't need to question. One would assume that hitting the head to go number two is included in that group of skills.
The thing is, pooping is more complicated than most of us want to admit. Of course, nobody wants to talk about poo-problems, so we all end up suffering in silence.
I think we can all admit that the actual business of going number two isn't always as easy as it should be, and sometimes, special food is needed to help things move along.
We all can probably also admit that pooping and wiping your butt aren't things that we discuss in public, despite the fact that we all do it. As it turns out, there is more than one wrong way to perform this activity most of us deal with on the daily.
It's time to get the scoop on poop, and learn how to wipe your butt the right way. Scroll through below to learn what could be going wrong.
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Why You Need To Wipe
This might go without saying, but it is very important to wipe your butt properly.
Other than the issue of unsightly skid marks, leaving anything behind is irritating to the skin. Babies crying when they need to be changed is proof enough of this.
You can also end up with uncomfortable and embarrassing health problems if you don't master the wiping technique.
What Can Go Wrong Wiping Mistake #1: Wiping Back To Front
You should always, always wipe front to back. If you don't, you might end up seriously sick.
According Still University, some of the leading causes of urinary tract infections are the bacteria found in fecal matter.
This is why it's important to not wipe back to front. Even if you haven't gone number two recently, there is still potential for straggling bacteria to get caught and swept into areas where you really don't want them.
Wiping Mistake #2: Wiping Too Hard
We understand the urge to get totally clean, but excessive wiping will just make you feel worse in the long run.
Wiping too hard can lead to irritation of the anus and possibly hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding. In order to avoid this uncomfortable problem, wipe gently.
Wiping Mistake #3: Not Wiping Enough
Again, leftover particles can cause genital irritation and skid marks. Make sure you apply enough pressure to get rid of everything, but not too much to do any damage.
If you only give a cursory swipe, or were raised to limit how much TP you use, just remember that using more now will help your health later.
Wiping Mistake #4: Wiping With Baby Wipes
Doctor Holly Phillips told Women's Health that, "There is no medical advantage to cleaning up with baby wipes for adults opposed to toilet paper."
Of course, this might feel better and make you feel cleaner. If that's the case, wipe away.
However, if you do choose to wipe with baby wipes, don't flush them. They are a notorious cause of toilet clogs and plumbing headaches.
Wiping Mistake #5: Standing To Wipe
If you've ever stood to wipe, you may have noticed that it's harder to reach where you need to reach.
Standing makes you clench your butt cheeks together, and means that you're less likely to get truly clean.
Depending on your position, it might also lead to a messier wipe, which can be seriously unpleasant.
Or course, there are exceptions, so if it feels better to stand, you should feel free to do so.
The Right Way To Wipe
You may have gathered by the process of elimination that the best way to wipe is from front to back.
The pressure you apply should be hard enough to get everything, but not so hard that it's painful — this is something you can only tell for yourself.
In general, it's a good idea to keep going until a gentle wipe comes up clean.
Alternative Options
If you've ever had the pleasure of being in a fancy hotel room, you may have noticed a bidet.
A bidet, for lack of better words, is a butt cleaner that utilizes water instead of toilet paper. This is an option — if you can afford it — and especially appealing to those wanting to save paper, according to The Augusta Chronicle.
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