Expert urges people not to try viral TikTok Trend ‘splinting’ to relieve constipation

By Stephanie Taylor, Managing Director of Kegel8

“Throughout lockdown we’ve seen an array of bizarre Tik Tok beauty hacks dominate the internet. Users are getting wrapped up in these fads, and with little to occupy their time, you can’t really blame them. However, there is one hack dividing the internet – and that is ‘Splinting’.

The term ‘splinting’ refers to a woman putting their thumb up their vagina to relieve constipation and free trapped stool. One TikTok user revealed that inserting your thumb and pushing it towards the vaginal wall while sitting on the toilet freed her excrement – a technique she deemed successful after hearing with a ‘pop’ sound.

While ‘splinting’ may sound like a bizarre way to relieve constipation, it’s apparently a scientific method used by medical professionals. However, I’d recommend women proceed with caution before inserting anything up their vaginas to relieve themselves as getting bacteria from your faeces in the vagina is not pleasant and could result in bacterial vaginosis. If you are to try this technique, ensure hands are freshly washed before inserting, as unclean hands can spread bacteria and upset the natural flora. Secondly, ensure that your thumb is lubricated, as any type of penetration without it can cause friction and irritation to the vaginal walls.

Plus, there are a number of other techniques you can try to help with constipation, such as improving your diet, drinking plenty of water and increasing the amount of exercise you do. If the problem persists, visit your doctor to see if there is anything they can do or give to you to assist with your bowel movements. Putting your thumb up your vagina is not a fail-safe method and while it may help with one problem, it may result in further issues for your vaginal health.”