If you wipe more than three times after using the bathroom, you might have fecal smearing—leftover stool at the anus. Pelvic floor physiotherapist Georgia Reupert-Allen explains this can be caused by a weak external sphincter.
She suggests “progressive pelvic floor muscle squeezing,” where you tighten your pelvic muscles in stages from 20% to 100%. This helps close the sphincter properly and reduce residue.
If this doesn’t work, conditions like hemorrhoids or scar tissue may be to blame. Persistent issues should be checked by a doctor. With the right technique, excessive wiping can be avoided for a cleaner experience.
