The first documented use of a sitz bath in the US was in 1859. Originally, a sitz bath was a metal half bathtub where people soaked the lower half of their bodies in a reclining position. By the late 1880s, sitz baths were considered spa treatments. Today, doctors often advise sitz baths for different reasons, including hemorrhoid relief and as a treatment for anal fissures and other health conditions.
What is a sitz bath?
A sitz bath plastic kit
A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath you sit in to cleanse the perineum, which is the space between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum. A sitz bath can also help relieve pain or itching in the genital area.
You can give yourself a sitz bath at home in your bathtub or with a plastic kit that fits over your toilet. The kit is a round, shallow basin that comes with a plastic bag that has long tubing on the end. You can fill the bag with warm water and safely fill the bath through the tubing. The basin is slightly larger than the size of a standard toilet bowl which you can safely secure and place underneath the toilet seat to allow you to remain seated while taking a sitz bath.
Uses of sitz bath
A doctor's prescription is not needed for a sitz bath. Some people use sitz baths regularly as a way to cleanse their perineum. Other than that, the sitz bath's warm water increases blood flow to the perineal area which promotes faster healing.
A sitz bath is a relief for:
- itching
- irritation
- minor pain
Other common reasons to consider using a sitz bath include:
- just had surgery on the vulva or vagina
- just gave birth
- just had hemorrhoids surgically removed
- having discomfort from hemorrhoids
- having discomfort with bowel movements
Sitz baths can be used by both adults and children. However, parents should always supervise their children during a sitz bath.
Doctors sometimes prescribe medications or other additives to use in a sitz bath such as povidone-iodine, which has antibacterial properties. Adding vinegar, baking soda, or Epsom salt to the warm water may also create a soothing solution. Otherwise, using only warm water without any additives is fine, too.
Sitz baths benefits for women
After giving birth, doctors sometimes recommend sitz baths to reduce perineal pain and help heal the area as you will likely be sore and swollen after delivery, whether through vaginal delivery or cesarean section.
A sitz bath helps relieve discomfort in your perineum and vulva while also ensuring the area is clean. Hemorrhoids, swelling of the veins in the anus and lower rectum, usually happen during postpartum, too. Using a sitz bath can help reduce the swelling of the anal caused by hemorrhoids and make it easier to have a bowel movement without pain.
Risks of using a sitz bath
A sitz bath is deemed a noninvasive treatment, hence, there are little to no risks involved in the use of a sitz bath. Rarely, an infection could develop in your perineal area which could happen due to an unclean sitz bath. Hence, do remember to always clean your sitz bath carefully before use, and do not share your plastic sitz bath with others. Also, an infection may also occur if you recently had surgery in your perineal area.
Stop using sitz baths and contact your doctor if the pain or itching worsens, or if your perineal area becomes red and puffy.
