Toilet paper is an environmental nightmare. As a culture, we are addicted to the too good to be true breeziness of using things only once.
Toilet paper has been used dating back to the the 6th century ,although the current modern form of the product began in the 1800’s.
So it would be hard to imagine that people could stop using it. But that’s exactly what some doctors want us to do.
In fact, some experts are suggesting we don’t because it is unhygienic and bad for our health.
Toilet paper unhygienic, how can that be possible?
You’re probably going to wish we didn’t tell you this, but toilet paper can actually leave traces of poo behind so it’s not a very effective way of cleaning yourself.
Wiping with toilet roll alone could actually just spread faeces around instead of moving it, and excessive use could even lead to health issues such as anal fissures and urinary tract infections.
However, using a bidet or some other stream of water after using the toilet would help reduce the risk of a number of butt-related maladies, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, itchiness and it may even prevent some forms of constipation.
Doctors Amira and Kibe are also against using toilet paper to clean their vaginas, saying the products contain ‘harmful’ chemicals, which could lead to vaginal infections.
“Tissue paper shouldn’t be used in a woman’s private parts. I advise women to look for a cotton clothe to clean the vagina.
When a toilet paper soaks in, let’s say urine, some parts of it remain inside the vagina. Studies have shown that some chemicals used to make the tissue papers could be harmful,” said Dr Amira.
“In place of the tissue paper, get a light piece of cotton clothe that you will only use in cleaning the vagina.
And even after making love, you wash your private parts with it. And, always ensure that that the piece of clothe is aired out in the open,” advised Dr Amira.
Dr Kibe said a healthy vagina shouldn’t have a bad smell; and that when one experiences a strange odour emanating from the vagina, she shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical attention.
“There are certain bacteria which do have bad odour, especially when they mix in the vagina. Any woman would know when her private parts emit bad smell, and, should immediately, thereafter, visit a doctor,” said Dr Kibe.
The medical doctor advised men against telling their women that their vaginas “smell bad” because “the effects of such statements last long in a woman’s mind, hence affecting their self-esteem”.