If you find yourself wiping more than three times after using the bathroom, it might indicate an issue called fecal smearing, where leftover stool remains at the entrance of the anus. Pelvic floor physiotherapist Georgia Reupert-Allen explains that this could be due to weakness in the external sphincter.
To address this, she recommends a technique called progressive pelvic floor muscle squeezing, where you progressively squeeze your pelvic muscles in increasing intensities, from 20% to 100%. This helps close off the anal sphincter and reduce leftover stool.
If the technique doesn’t work, other issues like hemorrhoids or scar tissue could be involved. If concerns persist, it’s best to consult a doctor. Excessive wiping can be resolved with the right approach, leading to a cleaner bathroom routine.
