Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Lifestyle
Courtney Pochin

Worrying number of women wipe the 'wrong way' - increasing risk of infection

We've recently discovered several interesting bathroom facts - including how many times a day you should and why it would be better if men sat down when they urinated.

It was also revealed that a large number of women don't know where their pee actually comes from, and now it seems many also may not know the 'best' way to wipe after going to the toilet.

This is according to a study by Tap Warehouse, who found that a third of British women prefer to go against the grain.

A survey has revealed one in three women wipe back to front (stock photo) (Getty)

After surveying people up and down the country, their results showed that 33 percent of women prefer to wipe back to front on the toilet - a bathroom habit which could cause painful problems for them.

While this way of wiping is perfectly fine for men, for women it may mean they end up contracting a nasty infection.

Dr Luke Powles, from Bupa UK, advised researchers on the best toilet practice for ladies.

He said: "A woman's urethra and anus are quite closely located, so it's best to wipe from front to back.

But doctors advise to wipe front to back - or you could get a UTI (stock photo) (Getty Images/EyeEm)

"Otherwise you could be spreading faeces from the anus to the urethra. Spreading bacteria to the urethra can lead to a urinary tract infection."

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include needing to pee more than usual, pain or a burning sensation when peeing, smelly or cloudy pee, blood in your pee, pain in the lower tummy, feeling tired and unwell and in older people it can cause changes in behaviour such as confusion or agitation.

Those who contract this kind of infection will be prescribed a course of antibiotics and symptoms should then start to clear up within five days.

Lena Dunham shares too much information about her UTI

As well as looking into wiping habits, Tap Warehouse's research also revealed that many women (63 percent) are put off by the idea of weeing in the shower - but it could actually prove beneficial for them.

They explained: "It's actually the key to building strong pelvic floor muscles. Urologists reveal that if you squat while urinating in the shower, you engage your pelvic floor and help tone the muscles that control your bladder and bowels.

"Strengthening pelvic floor muscles is the secret to better sex. As this muscle contracts during sex, stronger pelvic floor muscles can lead to more sensations."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.