Splinting is the viral health trend that involves pushing your perineum to help relieve constipation, but does it actually work?

Have you ever heard of splinting? No, we’re not talking about getting a rogue shard of wood stuck in your finger. Splinting actually refers to a rather ~out there~ technique to relieve constipation. Where did we get this intel? TikTok, of course. 

Admittedly, TikTok has been responsible for some pretty questionable trends lately. I mean, sun cream contouring? Hell no. Parasite cleanses? Excuse you. But, as for splinting? Well, it definitely deserves a closer look.

It all started when TikTok user @ambriaalicewalterfield (whose account is currently unavailable) shared a clip asking her followers to give her (via Shape) “one reason you’re happy to have a vagina,” before saying, “I’ll go first. You know when you’re [sitting] on the toilet and you’re struggling to go for a P-O-O? But then you’re just like [push thumb forward] and then it’s fine.”

Confused yet? Thankfully another TikTok user, @oncopelvicpt – who, according to her bio, is an ‘Oncology & Pelvic Health physical therapist’ – was on hand to provide a little more detail about splinting, explaining, “Everybody can do it [not just people with vaginas]. Press up and back on the perineum (directly in front of the anal opening) or insert your thumb vaginally (using gloves and lube) and push up and back.” 

Hmm, sounds (fairly) legit so far. But as much as we love TikTok, it’s worth taking a closer look at the science around splinting. One study concluded that the women in their study group who used “manual splinting to assist in defecation” were actually “compensating for a pelvic floor defect.” It also noted that, “in all but 1 woman (96.6%), splinting improved or completely corrected the identified defect(s).”

Does this mean that splinting is actually a medically-approved way of easing constipation? It looks like it. However, if you want to give it a go, you should always check with your GP first to see if it’s the appropriate course of action for you.

The University of Michigan Health System notes that “straining to have a bowel movement can cause problems with weakening of the pelvic floor, causing rectoceles [a type of prolapse in which the wall of tissue between the rectum and vaginal wall weakens], pelvic organ prolapses and haemorrhoids. Perianal Pressure/ Splinting is a way to help move the stool out of the rectal canal when you have a rectocele.”

GLAMOUR spoke to Dr Swati Jha, consultant gynaecologist and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, to get the intel on splinting. 

Does splinting actually work?

“Splinting is commonly used to help women who have difficulty emptying the bowel, as well as to relieve constipation. Many women are unaware of splinting, as it is not often spoken about, and can be seen as taboo.”

Is splinting dangerous?

“No [splinting] isn’t dangerous at all. If you are experiencing regular constipation, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor about possible causes and treatment as it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.”

Are there healthier ways of relieving constipation?

“While not dangerous, other lifestyle changes may relieve constipation so that splinting is not needed. These include a high fibre diet, a more active lifestyle, drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydration.

“It can also be beneficial to adopt different positions when you are going to the toilet by using toilet stools, such as squatty potty, which brings your knees higher than your hips and makes it easier to empty the bowel.

“It is important to make a distinction between constipation and difficulty emptying the bowel (also referred to as obstructive defecation). Splinting is used for both. Surgery is and should only ever be a last resort.”

If you are concerned about constipation, it’s always recommended to book an appointment with your GP to discuss diagnosis and treatment. You can find your local GP here.

For more from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.