How is it correct to wipe? The anal surgeon who explains why you should stop using paper

According to Dr. Evan Goldstein, a well-known anal surgeon in the USA and founder of Bespoke Surgical, the surprising answer is: it is better not to wipe at all. In an interview for the podcast Am I Doing It Wrong? of the HuffPost website, Goldstein explained that the act of wiping itself can cause cumulative damage. According to him, the anus area has natural folds on the sides, but in front and behind the skin is thinner and more delicate. “We usually wipe from front to back – specifically on the thinnest skin. Over time, tears, irritation and inflammation form,” he explained.

So what to do?

Goldstein recommends cleaning with water instead of toilet paper. “I’m a fan of a bidet,” he said, because washing allows for thorough cleaning without damaging the skin. For those who do not have a hand, he recommends a short wash in the shower or using a gentle stream of water – and make sure to dry completely, as moisture in the area can cause irritation.

And what about wet wipes?

Here Goldstein is particularly decisive: according to him, wet wipes are harmful not only to the environment – but also to the health of the area. He claims that about a third of the patients he sees every week suffer from problems caused by using wipes. The reason, according to him, is damage to the microbiome – the natural balance of bacteria in the area. “There are good and bad bacteria that are in balance. The wipes break this balance in a very problematic way,” he explained. According to him, the result can be dermatitis, infections and persistent irritations.

And if you’re already wiping – that’s how you’ll do it right

For those who still use toilet paper, the recommendation is to perform a “patting” motion rather than aggressive rubbing. In addition, he recommends finishing the action partially standing (a sort of standing squat), and not staying seated for a long time on the toilet. According to him, prolonged sitting increases blood flow to the area, creates pressure and aggravates irritations. “The more you sit – there is more pressure, more wiping and more irritation. It is better to return to a standing position as soon as possible,” he said.

Goldstein emphasizes that if the wiping requires a special effort or a particularly deep cleaning – the problem may not be in the technique, but in the diet. According to him, a diet rich in fiber, along with probiotics and prebiotics, will help with regular and cleaner bowel movements. “It’s not the health of the buttocks – it’s the health of the intestine. When there is good intestinal health, the health of the rear area automatically follows,” he concluded.