The Healthiest Way to Wipe After a Bowel Movement

Importance of Proper Wiping

• Prevents spread of bacteria from feces
• Reduces risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly in people with vaginas
• Prevents infections like hepatitis A through contaminated surfaces and hand-to-mouth exposure
• Alternative wiping methods (bidet, wet wipes) may be needed for specific conditions (anal surgery, fissures, hemorrhoids)

Gender and Sex Terminology

• Terms like "female," "male," "women," and "men" are based on source usage

Proper Wiping Technique

• Always wipe from front to back
  • Important for people with vaginas to prevent fecal bacteria from entering the urethra
  • People with penises should also wipe front to back to avoid contamination
• Steps for proper wiping:
  1. Use plenty of toilet paper to avoid direct contact
  2. Reach behind the back and between the legs
  3. Wipe backward from the perineum past the anus
  4. Use additional paper until mostly clean
• Avoid scrubbing to prevent skin tears
• Alternative methods if unable to reach properly (due to weight, injury, arthritis)

What to Do If Mistakes Happen

• Gently rinse with cool water if stool contacts urethral area
• Avoid strong water spray
• Drink fluids to help flush bacteria

When Wiping Is Not Enough

• Use baby wipes or non-fragranced wet wipes for sore areas
• Avoid overuse of wipes to prevent irritation
• Hand showers or bidets can be soothing
• Lukewarm baths with Epsom salt or colloidal oatmeal can reduce inflammation
• Dab with a soft cloth and air-dry after cleaning

Treating Anal Irritation

• Over-wiping or harsh wiping can cause anal itching (pruritus ani)
• Remedies:
  • Emollient-rich barrier creams
  • Aloe vera, vitamin E, or refrigerated petroleum jelly
  • Over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream (use with caution)
• Avoid spicy foods during healing

Hand Washing

• Critical for hygiene and infection prevention
• CDC hand washing steps:
  1. Wet hands with water, apply soap
  2. Lather including backs, between fingers, under nails
  3. Scrub for 20 seconds ("Happy Birthday" song)
  4. Rinse thoroughly
  5. Dry with towel or air-dry

Summary

• Always wipe front to back to prevent bacteria spread
• Use alternatives like wet wipes or bidets for irritation
• Treat itching with barrier or hydrocortisone creams
• Wash hands thoroughly to prevent infection spread

Additional Resources

• References to further detailed studies and guidelines are available in the original article for in-depth information on related health topics.