Splinting: What is it and is the TikTok constipation hack dangerous?

Constipation: Symptoms and treatment

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.

A TikTok about the concept of splinting recently went viral and racked up more than 304,000 likes. Female social media users were stunned by the hack and annoyed that they had never heard of splinting before. So what is splinting, and should we all be doing it when we are constipated? Express.co.uk chatted to Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy to find out.

She said in the video: “When you’re constipated and the poo is there but you can’t push it out, just hook your thumb in your vagina and you can feel the poo and you can just pop it out.”

The comment section is full of women who say they have “never even thought of this”.

One TikTok user said: “I can’t wait for the next time I’m constipated so I can try this.” And another added: “I feel like I’m doing this girl thing wrong.”

Express.co.uk spoke to Dr Lee to find out if splinting is really safe and effective or something to avoid.

Although the concept of splinting may only recently have hit Tik Tok, it is not actually new!

Dr Lee said: “Embarrassing as it is, women sometimes need to find a way to empty their bowels and putting a finger or thumb in the vagina is a quick and effective solution.

“Many women have told me in the gynaecology clinic that they do this. This process has now been termed – splinting.”

READ MORE- 

Why do women need to splint?

Not everyone needs to splint. Most women who need to splint will have some degree of prolapse, Dr Lee said.

She said: “If you get the urge to open bowels, sit there and strain, and nothing happens – you may have a vaginal prolapse, and splinting can help.”

A prolapse is caused by a weakness in the muscular walls of the pelvis which can cause the pelvic organs to slip down into the pelvic cavity.

Dr Lee explained: “Bowel tissue may bulge onto the back wall of the vagina – called a rectocele. The bladder can bulge onto the front wall of the vagina – called a cystocele.”

Dr Lee said: “If you have a rectocele, there is a lump of tissue protruding from the rectum into the vagina.

“This is painless, so (unless it is very large), you would not know you have it. However, if the lump becomes full of poo, and you get the urge to go to the toilet, this may mean that despite repetitive straining, the poo is stuck in your system.”

A cystocele is usually associated with urinary symptoms and stress incontinence.

Rectoceles and cystoceles are most common in middle-aged or older women.

Dr Lee explained: “They are generally caused by childbirth but can worsen as the years pass due to other factors such as obesity, and estrogen deficiency which occurs around the time of menopause. “

DON’T MISS…
Fatty liver disease symptoms: Nail changes could signal the condition  [INFORMER]
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Three signs of ‘prolonged’ B12 deficiency  [INSIGHT]
Bowel cancer symptoms: Slimy poo could indicate the disease  [EXPLAINER]

The TikTok advice is accurate, but Dr Lee’s advice is much more thorough and easy to understand.

She said: “While you are sitting on the toilet, just insert either your thumb or a finger or two, into the vagina and press downwards and backwards as you strain.

“Try and be as relaxed as possible and breathe regularly and slowly. There is no need to panic.

“Take care to be gentle, and make sure you have short fingernails. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.”

Splinting isn’t dangerous. It’s a simple, easy way to help yourself.

However, Dr Lee said it isn’t good for you to be continually straining to open your bowels, as this will worsen the prolapse and encourage the development of haemorrhoids.

She said: “It can result in rectal bleeding, which can cause anaemia. If you keep needing to splint, you should see your GP. Any rectal bleeding should always be reported to your doctor.”

If you’re constantly constipated, there are a few easy changes you can make to help to improve the situation.

Dr Lee recommends eating a healthy diet that includes at least 30 g of fibre per day and drinking at least two litres of water a day.

She said: “This bulks the stool and helps it move properly through the gut. It’s much easier to pass a soft bulky stool than a hard constipated one.”

Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, and stopping smoking, will all help reduce the severity of symptoms from a prolapse.

While on the toilet, you should elevate your feet on a small footstool to change the angle of the pelvis and the anal canal to make it easier and less painful to poo.

Pelvic floor exercises are also important but cannot reverse a significant prolapse, Dr Lee said.

She added: “Menopausal women may benefit from the use of topical estrogen on their pelvic floor. If you are concerned you may have a prolapse, go and discuss this with your GP.”

It’s important that you don’t confuse splinting due to a rectocele, with finding a lump protruding from your rectum.

Dr Lee said: “If the rectum prolapses through the anus this is called rectal prolapse.

“If you feel any lumps in the anal area when you are opening your bowels, go and get this checked with your GP. “

Dr Lee added: “Don’t be embarrassed about discussing your bowels with your doctor. They will put you at ease.

“They’ve heard it all before. Bowels – poo – wind- farting – whatever it is, they won’t be shocked and will try and help you!

“See your GP to discuss this. It may be time to see a Gynaecologist and discuss your options.

“Some women will benefit from the use of a vaginal pessary, or the alternative is a surgical prolapse repair.”

Source: Read Full Article