Experts have warned that improper use of toilet paper during personal hygiene in the bathroom could lead to bacterial infections, skin irritation, and even death.
According to reports from the UK’s Daily Mail and Mirror on Thursday, the habit of wiping from the buttocks towards the genital area can cause bacterial infections.
An obstetrics and gynecology specialist stated, “There are many bacteria in the rectal area, so toilet paper should not be dragged towards the urethra or genital area. This bacteria can cause urinary tract infections if transferred.”
Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to an infection in the urinary system, which is responsible for the production and excretion of urine. It includes conditions like cystitis and urethritis, depending on the affected organs, such as the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Symptoms include difficulty holding urine and pain during urination. To prevent such infections, it is recommended to wipe from the genital area towards the buttocks.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, women are more susceptible to infection because their urethra is shorter than men’s. Wiping from back to front, that is, from the anus towards the vagina and urethra, can make women more vulnerable to bacterial exposure.
Additionally, the skin and tissues around the anus are delicate, so it is better to pat the area dry rather than rubbing to avoid irritation.
The media reported that in the United States, 500,000 people are infected with Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) each year, and between 15,000 and 30,000 of them die. C. difficile is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease.
A U.S.-based surgeon commented, “Using toilet paper increases the likelihood of exposure to Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). Using coarse-textured toilet paper can lead to inflammation, swelling, and fatal infections. Washing the anal area with a bidet or lukewarm water is the best method for hygiene.”
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