Men are being advised to use toilet paper after urinating to reduce the risk of penile infections, according to medical experts. The guidance follows a wave of viral videos on social media discussing whether men should wipe after peeing, with one clip viewed over 3.3 million times on Instagram.
A YouGov poll found that more than a third of men never wipe after urinating. Doctors warn that this habit can lead to a build-up of bacteria, causing conditions such as balanitis – inflammation of the head of the penis – which affects an estimated 3 to 11 per cent of men, particularly those who are uncircumcised.
Professor Christopher Bunker, a consultant dermatologist specialising in male genital dermatology, recommends that men retract the foreskin fully, empty the bladder, gently squeeze the penis a few times to expel residual urine, and then dry the area with dry toilet tissue. He advises against using wet wipes, as chemicals in them can cause allergic reactions on sensitive skin.
Experts say that retained urine can create a warm, damp environment under the foreskin, allowing bacteria and yeast to thrive. This can lead to lichen sclerosus, thrush, dysuria, tightening of the foreskin, and even penile cancer in rare cases. Dr Jeff Foster, a GP specialising in men's health, noted that while not wiping is not always the direct cause, it significantly increases the risk of infection.
Men over 50 who experience post-micturition dribbling are particularly vulnerable. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends drying the penis after urination to reduce risk. Early diagnosis and proper hygiene can help manage conditions like lichen sclerosus, which affects about 0.07 per cent of men.
