Let’s be honest—we’ve all had those moments. You finish your business in the bathroom and, for some reason, you’re wiping way more than you’d like to admit.
Maybe it takes three swipes, maybe even five—but according to one expert, if you’re wiping more than three times, it could be a sign that something’s not quite right.
In a viral TikTok that’s grabbed the internet’s attention, a pelvic floor physiotherapist from BIEN Australia breaks it all down—and offers some surprising advice for anyone tired of the endless wiping struggle.
Spoiler: it’s not just about wiping better.
So, what’s really going on?
Georgia Reupert-Allen, a women’s health and pelvic floor specialist, says wiping more than three times is actually known as faecal smearing. It happens when bits of stool are left behind at the opening of your rectum after going to the toilet.
@bien.aus/TikTok
“Basically, it happens when leftover stool stays near the a*** opening, even after you’ve finished going,” the physiotherapist explains.
Here’s the fix: try this method
Before you get completely fed up, there’s good news—a simple trick might cut down all that extra wiping. The specialist recommends a move called “progressive pelvic floor muscle squeezing,” which sounds fancy but is easy to do.
The idea is to gradually tighten your pelvic floor muscles, kind of like a waterfall effect. Begin with a light 20% squeeze, then increase to 50%, push to 80%, and finish strong at 100% as you complete your bowel movement.
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The Four-Squeeze Solution
Repeating this simple exercise four times can help strengthen your anal sphincter, reducing the likelihood of residual stool. This technique specifically targets the external sphincter, which is often responsible for persistent cleanliness issues.
When to Consult a Professional
If this method doesn’t improve your situation, don’t panic. As experts note, other factors like hemorrhoids or scar tissue might be causing your wiping difficulties.
What’s Normal?
Healthy bowel movement frequency ranges from 1-3 times daily to at least 3 times weekly.
Important Reminder
Always consult your physician about any persistent health concerns.
TikTok Reactions
The video’s comment section exploded with relatable humor – from jokes about “furry predicaments” to shared stories of bathroom battles. Clearly, this topic struck a chord.
Key Takeaway
Don’t ignore excessive wiping. Combining this pelvic floor technique with professional guidance when needed can lead to quicker, more effective bathroom visits.
@bien.ausAnd if you dont already have a toilet stool what are you doing!? Link in bio to get one for less than 20 bucks!