You’re holding back, using your phone while sitting on the toilet, or straining too much. If you’re embarrassed to talk about this topic with someone, then at least read the advice of a doctor who is an expert in this area.
Going to the toilet is a topic that most people avoid discussing even with their loved ones.
While this is understandable, we should forget about shame when it comes to our health.
There are several mistakes that many people make when going to the toilet, and the consequences of them can be unpleasant, sometimes even dangerous.
And if you don’t want to talk to anyone else about this topic, then at least read the advice of a British doctor.
Dangerous mistakes you make when going to the toilet:
You strain when going to the toilet
Going to the toilet shouldn’t be very strenuous.
If you have to use a lot of pressure, it means that the stool is too hard. It can also mean that the pelvic muscles are not relaxing properly.
Straining can also be a sign of constipation.
Low fiber intake, reduced physical activity, and not drinking enough water are among the most common causes of constipation.
During pregnancy, constipation can also be caused by hormonal changes.
In any case, if you have difficulty going to the bathroom, you should not ignore it. Constant straining can damage the anal opening and result in hemorrhoids.
Also, try to move more, eat at least 30 grams of fiber each day, and drink plenty of water.
If you are not used to eating fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, then increase the amount gradually to avoid bloating.
Wiping from back to front
After using the toilet, you should never wipe from back to front, especially if you are a woman.
If you wipe from back to front, you risk spreading bacteria from your stool closer to your vagina and urethra.
This, in turn, significantly increases the risk of bacterial infections.
Improper posture when using the toilet
If you are hunched over when you go to the toilet, you are not doing yourself any favors. The same goes for scrolling on your phone while sitting there.
The ideal position for going to the toilet is to raise your legs slightly on a low stool. This creates a wider opening for the stool.
Raising your legs is not necessary, but try to be upright and avoid using your phone.
When your phone is with you, you will spend more time on the toilet, and this significantly increases the risk of hemorrhoids.
Flushing with the lid open
When flushing, always close the toilet lid.
This way you will prevent tiny drops of water from the toilet from ending up outside the toilet.
These drops are very small, but they still contain bacteria that can reach the sink, towels, your skin, etc.
Also, avoid storing certain products next to the toilet, such as toothbrushes, to avoid contamination as much as possible.
You are holding back
Unfortunately, sometimes it happens that you need to go to the toilet, but you are not able to. In such situations, it is okay to hold back, as long as you do not do it very often.
If you have somewhere to go, then do not ignore the urge.
Holding back can result in constipation, problems going to the toilet, and even problems with your pelvic muscles.
Also, if you hold back for a long time, you may face bloating and pain.
In general, it’s best to go within 20 minutes of feeling the urge. If you wait longer, it will be more difficult to go to the bathroom later.
Wiping too hard
Many people wipe too aggressively after going to the toilet, thinking that this is the only way to stay clean.
If you wipe too hard or too many times, you can irritate the skin around the anal area and cause small tears.
These tears can lead to itching, burning, and even bleeding.
Also, using rough or dry toilet paper makes this problem even worse.
Try to wipe gently, and if you are dealing with irritation, consider using wet wipes or washing with water instead.
Not washing your hands properly
This may sound obvious, but a surprising number of people either skip washing their hands or do it too quickly after using the toilet.
A quick rinse with water is not enough to remove the bacteria from your hands.
Use soap every time, and take your time with it. Do not just rinse your palms, but also scrub between your fingers and around your nails.
If you skip this step, you risk spreading bacteria to everything you touch afterward, such as door handles, your phone, food, and other surfaces.
This, in turn, can lead to infections and stomach problems, not just for you but also for the people around you.
Ignoring changes in your stool
Most people do not pay attention to what their stool looks like, and this is a mistake.
Changes in color, shape, or consistency of your stool can be an early sign that something is not right with your body.
If you notice blood in your stool, or if it is very dark or black, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
The same goes for sudden changes in how often you go to the toilet, especially if it lasts for more than a few weeks.
Most of the time, these changes are caused by diet or stress, but they can also be a sign of something more serious.
In any case, do not ignore them and talk to your doctor if something feels different.