The human body is really complicated and delicate. With lack of care, one might end up having serious and painful problems like UTIs or haemorrhoids. However, to treat most of the superficial issues and infections, there are products like sitz bath. A sitz bath is also known as the hip bath. It is a special type of bathing equipment designed to sit in water up to the hips.

This special type of bathing procedure is mainly used to relieve discomfort, swelling, pain or itching in the lower part of the body. Therefore we can see them in use as a treatment for haemorrhoids/piles, anal fissures, rectal surgery, perianal fistulas, uterine cramps, episiotomy, pilonidal cysts, or inflammatory bowel disease. The doctor may also recommend you treatment in case of infection of the prostate, bladder or vagina. The sitz bath work by keeping the area clean and increasing the flow of blood to it. These baths are custom across Europe, but they are increasingly popular as a therapeutic process worldwide.

Everything you need to know about sitz bath

A sitz bath is a shallow, warm bath that is meant to cleanse the perineum area. It is the space between the rectum, scrotum or vulva. These baths are meant to provide relief from itching, infections and pain in the genital areas. Anyone can get a sitz bath at home, in their standard bathtub, or on the toilet seats. However, a special sitz bathtub is required to do the procedure properly. It is an industrially made kit that is easily available online. It comes as a round shallow basin consisting of a plastic bag attached to the long tubing on the end. The bag is designed to be filled with warm water.

The purpose of a sitz bath

What’s great about a sitz bath is that it eases muscles and increases blood flow. Considering the therapeutic benefits it offers, there are times when doctors recommend using these baths to treat certain health issues. For instance, you can use this sitz bath for haemorrhoids or for cleansing the perineum area. This sitz bath also helps in reliving irritations, minor pains, itching or pains after birth. You can also use them to cure the pain and swelling in the vagina or vulva after surgery. Else it can also help you after surgeries and after-effects of haemorrhoids. At times the doctors may recommend some additional medication to put in a sitz bath for treating special conditions.

About taking sitz baths

Sitz bath tub bathing actually involves a special process. If you plan to take a bath, start by cleansing the tub and accessories of all the germs and bacteria using special agents like bleach. Next, you will need to fill the tub with 3 to 4 inches of warm water. The water temperature should not be more than 99 degrees F. Now, add any medication if the doctor asked you to. Next, you need to step into the tub and sit in a comfortable position. You can bend your knees or dangle your legs over the sides if you want and sit in there for up to 20 minutes. Pat dries yourself gently when you get out of the tub. I prefer using a clean cotton towel and avoiding scrubbing the area down there. Finish by rinsing the tub thoroughly.

Benefits of sitz bath for women

In women, the vaginal opening is surrounded by labia. It lets out normal secretion and different types of discharges that result in some health conditions. Keeping the anal and vaginal area clean and the skin in between to avoid such issues is important. It becomes more important if there is any unusual discharge. Only good hygiene can prevent unpleasant odours and infections in this area. A Sitz bath can be an effective and easy way to ensure the hygiene of intimate areas in women. It is also helpful in treating these areas with prescribed medications and prevents infections. It is also a widely appreciated way to cure after birth pains and infections and remove discomfort in genital areas.

Risk factors involved in sitz bathing

Luckily, a sitz bath carries very few risks or any harm. This is mainly because of the non-invasive treatment. However, a common adverse issue is associated with the sitz bath is perineum infection. It is a rare chance and can happen if you are caring for any surgical wound and don’t clean the plastic or tub thoroughly before and after cleaning. In any such case, it is better to stop using the sitz bath, contact the doctor as soon as possible, and follow the instructions thoroughly. If the sitz bath brings you real peace, the doctor might recommend some care and medication to avoid any such issue in future.

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