Expert Says Tissue Paper is Safe for Intimate Care, But Watch These Habits

Conflicting advice on social media has made many women unsure if using toilet tissue after urinating can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), irritation, or other health issues.

Some posts even claim that wiping with tissue paper is not safe.

But medical experts say there is no proof that using clean, plain, unscented tissue paper after urinating causes infections when used the right way.

They warn that practices like douching, using scented wipes, cleaning inside the vagina, and wiping from back to front are more likely to upset the natural balance of the genital area and increase infection risk.

Speaking with PT Health Watch, Yahya Mohammed, a doctor at the National Hospital in Abuja, said women don’t need expensive products or excessive cleaning to maintain intimate hygiene.

He explained that the main issue is not the tissue paper itself but hygiene habits that can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract or disrupt the body’s natural defenses.

Plain Tissue Paper is Safe

Mr Mohammed said gently drying the genital area with clean, unscented toilet tissue after urinating is safe for most women and might help reduce moisture that can cause skin irritation.

He noted that while wet wipes are generally safe if they are mild and fragrance-free, those with perfumes, alcohol, or harsh chemicals can irritate the sensitive skin around the vulva.

This irritation can sometimes be confused for an infection.

He stressed that using feminine wipes too often is not needed.

According to him, washing the external genital area, the vulva, with clean water is enough for everyday hygiene. Women who prefer soap should use only mild, fragrance-free cleansers.

"Clean tissue paper is generally safe, while wet wipes are usually safe if they are non-irritating," he said.

What Really Causes UTIs?

Mr Mohammed explained that UTIs usually happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally live in the bowel.

He said clean toilet tissue does not cause UTIs.

While wet wipes may provide comfort during menstruation or for women with diarrhoea or haemorrhoids, they should not take the place of routine washing with clean water.

Instead of worrying about tissue paper, he said women should focus on hygiene practices that stop harmful bacteria from reaching the urinary tract.

Hygiene Habits to Avoid

Mr Mohammed listed several common habits that can increase irritation and infection risk.

He said wiping from back to front after using the toilet can move bacteria from the anus to the urinary tract.

He also warned against using coloured, scented, or antibacterial wipes for intimate care, saying these can irritate sensitive skin and may lead to repeated vaginal infections or allergic reactions.

Other habits to avoid include wiping too hard, cleaning inside the vagina, douching after urination, staying in wet underwear too long, wearing tight non-breathable underwear, and washing the vulva with harsh soaps.

He explained that douching can wash away protective bacteria that help keep the vagina’s normal pH, which raises infection risk.

The Best Way to Clean After Using the Toilet

Mr Mohammed said the best hygiene method often depends on personal choice, skin sensitivity, and what is available.

He suggested using plain, unscented toilet tissue to gently blot or wipe dry after urinating.

After a bowel movement, women should wipe until the tissue is clean.

He added that rinsing the vulva with clean water is also a good choice, while combining water with gentle drying using plain tissue gives comfort to many women.

Less is More

Mr Mohammed stressed that women do not need fancy intimate hygiene routines.

He explained that the vagina naturally cleans itself through normal secretions, while the vulva only needs gentle external cleaning.

He said too much washing or using many intimate hygiene products can do more harm than good.

He advised women facing ongoing itching, strange vaginal discharge, pain while urinating, bad odour, or repeated infections to see a doctor instead of relying on social media advice or self-medication.

"The vulva cleans itself through its natural secretions," he said.

He added that simple hygiene practices and getting quick medical help for symptoms are the best ways to protect intimate health.