Constipation can be one of the most uncomfortable – and sometimes painful – experiences.
Typical symptoms include going for a poo less than three times a week and finding it difficult when you need to go.
But many people are saying they’ve found a solution to their constipation – even if doctors advise against it.
Many people have taken to the comments and have admitted to trying splinting.
“There goes my dirty little secret! I thought I was the only one that did this!” one person admits.
Another asks: “Wait, everyone doesn’t do this?”
“Oh my gosh I totally do this but I didn’t know that I was doing it,” comments a third.
Somebody else says: “This really works and is my go-to.”
Although splinting is effective for some people, experts say it is not something you should do regularly and if you feel that you need to do it, it could be a sign something isn’t right.
So before we get down to why it may not be the best idea, let’s investigate what splinting actually is.
Well, one TikToker has gone viral after candidly opening up about testing it out.
In a now-deleted video, they said: “You know when you’re sitting on the toilet and you’re struggling to go for a poo but you can just like…”
With their hand, they then make an ambiguous waggling motion with their thumb.
In a follow-up video, they went into further detail.
“When you’re constipated and like the poop is there but you can’t quite push it out… it’s like turtling,” they explained.
“Just hook your thumb into your v**ina and you can feel the poop, and you can just pop it out. You’re welcome.”
But splinting is not advised by medical professionals.
Back in 2013, 29 patients took part in a study and during an MRI, they were asked to splint to see whether there was a change in their pelvic anatomy.
The research uncovered: “Most women in our study group who used manual splinting to assist in defecation are compensating for a pelvic floor defect that can be detected on MRI.”
It was found that 86 percent of the patients had rectocele, which is a bulge from the back wall of the rectum into the front wall of the v**gina.
While 72 percent of patients had a cystocele, which involves a prolapsed bladder that bulges into the v**ina.
Splinting is not a natural or healthy way to have a bowel movement.
If you find that you are relying on this method to poop, it’s a strong indicator that you need medical advice.
While it can provide temporary relief, it doesn’t address the underlying problem. Left untreated, these issues can lead to significant health concerns down the road.