Buzzfeed | Front-To-Back Wiping Your Vagina

Details: Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT; Published: 21 December 2021; Last Updated: 10 September 2023; 798 Views

When Buzzfeed journalist Krista Torres decided to tackle the potentially messy subject of front-to-back wiping your vagina, I was more than happy to help out. I even made a special video on the topic that has been deemed highly entertaining by viewers. Here is a brief synopsis of the article, along with a link to the full article below.

Heather Jeffcoat, DPT

Front-To-Back Wiping Your Vagina: It's A Huge Conversation On TikTok Right Now

Here's Why And What An Expert Says

2022 New Year's Resolution: learn how to wipe.

Hello, people with vaginas. Now, some of you may or may not have been taught as little kids that — after using the restroom — you should always wipe from the front to the back. And, if you weren't taught it as a kid, then I am sure at some point in your adolescent or adult life, you have learned it.

But, enter the place full of laughs and TMI — TikTok — and you'll quickly see it is a hot topic of discussion. In the TikTok (see link to the full Buzzfeed article below), user @squiddey says,

I know we're supposed to wipe front to back, but how the fuck do you do it? That's just what I wanna know, because I've always done it like that (gestures wiping back to front). Do you stand the fuck up and just reach? Like, I am not that flexible...HOW?! I need an explanation!"

So, after seeing so many comments like this, we decided it was time to bring in an expert. BuzzFeed spoke to Dr. Heather Jeffcoat, who has been practicing pelvic health physical therapy for 19 years.

To start things off, we asked her if wiping from front to back is actually important and she quickly reassured us that YES IT IS.

Wiping front to back is important because it minimizes bacteria being introduced from your anus into your urethra. Even if you clean really well after a bowel movement, there is still a chance of bacterial contamination, which can lead to a urinary tract infection," Dr. Jeffcoat said.

Dr. Jeffcoat said her first reaction when watching the TikToks was wondering why people are making wiping so difficult. She said it's actually really simple:

No reach-around technique is required. Just wipe from the front of your body and push the toilet paper from the urethra towards the back."

For the full expose on front-to-back wiping your vagina, continue to the full article at Buzzfeed here.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Testimonial by Fritzette H.

I went to Heather after the birth of my third child. It was lucky, really, that I was referred to her, because my doctor had referred me to a surgeon for a possible hysterectomy or pelvic wall rebuild. Thankfully, I went to Heather before undergoing either surgery, she was able to fix the problem. She has studied extensively in women's health--even written a book about it--and was able to diagnose my problem, suggest a course of treatment (6 weeks), and then follow through with said treatment. By the end, as she said, I was as good as gold. Boy, was it worth it! Though uncomfortable to talk about, much less write about, it is worth getting the word out there. If you have painful intercourse, especially after birth or other trauma, the treatment may be as simple as Physical Therapy (with Heather, of course). I highly recommend her.

-- Fritzette H., 3/24/16 via Yelp!

Testimonial by Julie T.

Femina PT (née Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy) has honestly changed my life. Before receiving treatment at Femina, I was going doctor to doctor to try and find the answer to my pelvic pain. It has taken me YEARS to find someone that can help fix this. It wasn't until my gynecologist recommended your clinic that I finally felt relief. My pelvic pain is almost gone, and granted I still have a lot more to work on with Laureen (my PT), my original problem is nearly cured. I am so grateful to her.
What is even better is she gave me practical exercises to do at home that were not tedious and provided instant (and lasting) relief. Although I mainly work with Laureen, my interaction with the owner (Heather) has been great. She is very generous, kind, and committed to her business.
It hurts to know there are women out there suffering who will never know or have the opportunity to work with women like Laureen and Heather because this issue is hardly talked about and this field is so rare. I hope more doctors and physical therapists see the value in this work and can relieve more woman of their pain.

-- Julie T., 12/4/16 via Yelp!

Testimonial by R.S.

I wanted to thank you so much for helping me get through something I thought I may never be able to. We have achieved pain-free intercourse and this has really solidified our marriage. We are so grateful to you for all the work you do! Thank you!!

-- R.S.

Testimonial by M.M.

A personal journey and testimonial from one of my patients:

My husband and I were married for 5 years before we were able to have intercourse due to my vaginismus. There was nothing traumatic in my past but for some reason, even though I wanted sex, I mentally avoided "that area" of my body and didn't even admit to myself that there was a problem for a long time, even though I was never able to put tampons in. Once I finally opened my eyes up to the fact that I had a problem, I had a surgery that was supposed to fix the issue.

Read more: Testimonial by M.M.

Testimonial by Julie T.

Femina PT (née Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy) has honestly changed my life. Before receiving treatment at Femina, I was going doctor to doctor to try and find the answer to my pelvic pain. It has taken me YEARS to find someone that can help fix this. It wasn't until my gynecologist recommended your clinic that I finally felt relief. My pelvic pain is almost gone, and granted I still have a lot more to work on with Laureen (my PT), my original problem is nearly cured. I am so grateful to her.
What is even better is she gave me practical exercises to do at home that were not tedious and provided instant (and lasting) relief. Although I mainly work with Laureen, my interaction with the owner (Heather) has been great. She is very generous, kind, and committed to her business.
It hurts to know there are women out there suffering who will never know or have the opportunity to work with women like Laureen and Heather because this issue is hardly talked about and this field is so rare. I hope more doctors and physical therapists see the value in this work and can relieve more woman of their pain.

-- Julie T., 12/4/16 via Yelp!

Testimonial by A.M.

Months after giving birth, it was difficult for me to go from a sitting or lying position up to a full standing position without feeling that I had to remain hunched over until a bit of time had passed to get fully upright. However, after taking Heather’s course, I learned exercises to get my body back to normal. She also showed me correct ways to lift and carry my son as well as put him in/take him out of the carseat and stroller. This class was really beneficial and Heather is a wonderful teacher who made me feel very comfortable.

-- A.M.

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Buzzfeed | Front-To-Back Wiping Your Vagina