Women risk UTIs by ‘wiping the wrong way’ after going to the loo, doctors warn – here’s how to wipe right
DID you know there's a right and wrong way to wipe yourself after visiting the loo?
According to a new study, one in three women are wiping incorrectly - and they're even putting themselves at risk of infection in the process.
According to , 33 per cent of women will wipe "back to front" after using the loo.
While the majority of women will wipe the "correct" way - aka, front to back, the proportion who don't could be putting their health at risk.
According to Dr Luke Powles from "A woman’s urethra and anus are quite closely located, so it’s best practice to wipe from front to back.”
If you don't you could be “spreading faeces from the anus to the urethra. Spreading bacteria to the urethra can lead to a urinary tract infection.”
The study also revealed that almost double the number of men wee in the shower, compared to women.
With 63 per cent of women choosing not to, the study claims they're "missing out on a better sex life".
According to urologists, if you squat while urinating in the shower, you also engage your pelvic floor muscles which is said to also result in "better sex".
Physiotherapist Amanda Savage said: "Like all muscles in the body the pelvic floor muscles can perform in different ways.
"Many women report they are able to reach orgasm more easily, and that their orgasms are more powerful, after focusing on pelvic floor muscle exercises."
What is cystitis?
Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection and is very common but can cause extreme discomfort to sufferers.
Around 150 million people are affected worldwide each year and one in every three women is expected to suffer at least one attack before they are 24.
It is an inflammation of the bladder which is typically caused by a bladder infection.
UTIs happen when the urinary tract becomes infected, usually by bacteria.
Anyone can get a UTI, but they’re particularly common in women, and especially common after sex.
Symptoms:
The main symptoms of cystitis include:
- pain, burning or stinging when you pee
- needing to pee more often and urgently than normal
- urine that’s dark, cloudy or strong smelling
- pain low down in your tummy
- feeling generally unwell, achy, sick and tired
Cause:
Many things can cause a UTI but most cases are thought to happen after bacteria from your skin or bowel gets into your bladder through your urethra.
The causes can include:
- having sex
- bacteria from after going to the toilet if you wipe back to front
- inserting a tampon
- inserting a urinary catheter (a tube used to drain the bladder through the urethra)
- using a diaphragm as a form of contraception
Treatment:
Women with cystitis should see a GP because they may need antibiotics.
However there are several things that can be done to relieve the symptoms at home, including taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, drinking plenty of water and avoid having sex.
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