Recent studies and expert opinions have prompted a reevaluation of traditional intimate hygiene practices, particularly the widespread reliance on toilet paper. Researchers from Sanyo-Onoda City University in Japan conducted a study in 2022 that found differences in bacterial presence between users of toilet paper and bidets. In the study, participants wore plastic gloves before using the toilet, which were later examined for bacterial content. The findings revealed that individuals who utilized bidets had about seven to ten times fewer bacteria on their hands than those who relied solely on toilet paper. This indicates that bacteria have less chance to thrive with a bidet compared to toilet paper.
Medical professionals are weighing in on these findings, emphasizing the potential health benefits of adopting bidet use for intimate hygiene. Andreas Voss, professor of medical microbiology and infection prevention at UMC Groningen, noted that it is a misconception to believe toilet paper is bacterially tight. "After using toilet paper, you have a good chance of microorganisms on your hands," Voss said. He added that while a healthy immune system can handle some bacteria, it is wise to wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet.
Colorectal surgeon Stéphanie Breukink from Maastricht UMC questioned the effectiveness of toilet paper in thoroughly cleaning the backside. "Macroscopically, wiping with toilet paper may make it a bit clean, but microscopically, it is not at all," she stated. Breukink pointed out that rinsing with water results in a much cleaner outcome compared to wiping with paper. "If you rinse with water, it becomes much cleaner than with toilet paper. More southerly cultures haven't thought it so badly in that regard," she added.
Public health concerns also extend to the environmental impact of toilet paper usage. Toilet paper is known to be polluting, especially the extra-soft varieties that contain a higher percentage of new fiber, making them less environmentally friendly. Small gestures like reducing toilet paper usage contribute positively to the environment by reducing pollution and waste. Experts suggest that switching to healthier alternatives like bidets can be both a sustainable and economical choice.
There are also health risks associated with the abrasive effect of toilet paper on the skin, increasing the risk of irritation. "Using toilet paper can provoke symptoms such as swelling, itching, or burning due to the presence of fecal bacteria," noted specialists. Cleaning should be limited to the external area, and excessive scrubbing can disturb the natural microbiota and even damage the skin. The most hygienic way to clean oneself is with water and soap, as this effectively removes any dirt and reduces the risk of skin irritations.
"Just as you wouldn't shower with a towel without wetting it, using only dry paper doesn't guarantee complete cleaning," stated Rose George, an author and sanitation advocate. She compared using dry toilet paper to showering with a dry towel without wetting it first, implying that it does not guarantee complete cleaning.
In technologically advanced places like Japan or Singapore, it is common to find toilets with on-demand jets, similar to smart toilets that clean a person using jets of water. While the bidet has lost popularity in some countries, it remains widely used in others like France. Advocates for bidet use suggest that embracing this practice could lead to better health outcomes and a reduced environmental footprint.
Written with the help of a news-analysis system.