What a doctor says about wiping your penis with toilet paper: "You have to wash your hands before urinating."

From a young age, we learn certain tips that help us in our daily lives . We also need to learn how to go to the bathroom and do it as hygienically as possible. This puts an end to certain historical debates. For example, in Spain, we increasingly believe that it's best to keep the toilet seat down .

This has ceased to be one of those endless battles between men and women over who is more comfortable; it has become a matter of health. Closing the lid prevents bacteria from spreading due to the dispersion of water when the toilet is emptied. This isn't the only measure we should take if we want to avoid other risks, as Dr. Jordi Postius, a urology expert, points out.

"You have to wash your hands before urinating."

Bathroom hygiene measures have been one of the topics Dr. Jordi Postius has highlighted on his YouTube channel and TikTok account, which he uses to share his knowledge on the subject as a urology expert. He emphasized two things: " You must wash your hands before urinating" and "You shouldn't wipe the tip of your penis with toilet paper" afterward.

The reasons for both pieces of advice are the same: to avoid increasing the risk of exposure to bacteria . The specialist clarified that these tips are indicated for those occasions when using a public restroom, especially when using toilet paper, because he says it 's "full of bacteria ." This isn't the case in a private restroom, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't also take certain hygiene measures. Handwashing is key to reducing risks.

“It's funny when you go to a public urinal and you see everyone coming in, urinating, and then washing their hands,” a very common habit that everyone should practice, although they skip an essential step, which is washing their hands before urinating. We use our hands constantly. “If someone has touched money or anything and it has bacteria or fungus on it, they're putting it on their penis,” he explains, referring to the reasons for including this extra handwashing in their routine.

Dr. Postius is clear: “You have to wash your hands before urinating and after, but especially before.”

The best way to wash your hands

Washing your hands frequently is a good way to avoid getting and spreading illnesses, especially when preparing and eating food, after touching surfaces that everyone touches, when entering and leaving a public place, after using the bathroom, or after changing a diaper. It's also important to wash your hands before treating a wound, after blowing your nose, or after handling garbage.

In all these cases (and some others), it's best to wash your hands thoroughly for it to be effective. Ideally, first wet your hands with clean tap water, apply soap, and work it into a lather, rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds , covering all surfaces, including between your fingers and under your nails. Once this process is complete, simply rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean towel or air dry.

This is a simple habit that can help us stay healthy and avoid infection.

References

The Proper Way to Wash Your Hands. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/hand-washing/art-20046253