Sitz Bath For Women: Benefits, Procedure And Precautions

A sitz bath is a warm shallow bath that cleanses the perineum, which is the space between your rectum and vulva.

When you take a sitz bath, you basically sit in warm water to help relieve pain, swelling, inflammation or irritation in the perineum. it is in other words a way of bathing the genitals to relieve soreness, burning and inflammation.

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Although many women use the sitz bath therapy conveniently without recommendation, your doctor might suggest it if you have hemorrhoids, an infection in the anogenital area or if you’ve just had a vaginal childbirth.

What A Sitz Bath Looks Like:

A sitz bath normally comes as a plastic kit that can be fitted to a standard toilet, consisting of a plastic bag, attached to a long tube, leading to a shallow plastic basin.

The bag is filled with warm water, and this is used to fill the plastic basin. The basin Is larger than the toilet seat. It is placed underneath and is securely attached.

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In this part of the world however, this standard set of for a sitz bath isn’t popular, often than not squatting over a bowl with warm water is deemed a sitz bath, whether the results will be just as beneficial is open for debate.

When Should You Take A Sitz Bath?

Soaking in water at a mild temperature can help speed up the healing process by boosting blood flow. It won’t cure your condition, but it will soothe irritation.

Common uses of the sitz bath include healing perineal and vaginal lacerations after vaginal childbirth, relieving inflammation and irritation in the genital area, and reducing discomforts caused by hemorrhoids.

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A sitz bath is typically used as a home treatment for the following reasons:

• After a vaginal delivery
• Anal fissure or a small tear in the skin lining the opening of the anus
• Constipation/diarrhea
• Recent surgery in the anogenital area. 

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Procedure:

It doesn’t take a lot of water, only a couple of inches. Do not add shower gel, bubble bath, or any type of soap. The temperature should be lukewarm and comfortable to the touch.

You should soak up to three times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. Depending on your condition, a doctor may suggest more.

If you’re making a sitz bath in your tub:

• Fill the bathtub with about 2 to 3 inches of warm water.
• Sit in the tub, making sure your private area is covered.

Afterward, gently pat the area dry using a soft towel, and allow cool air blow the area.

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Benefits Of Sitz Bath For Women

Using a sitz bath can help prevent infection, and, used with any prescribed medications, it can also help to relieve the symptoms of an infection. Drawing a bath can also relief pain from cysts. Ultimately, the main use of a sitz bath for women is to promote comfort and healing after childbirth.

Precautions:

• Do not use hot water, lukewarm water is best.
• If you are experiencing any discomfort or discharge in your genital area, consult your doctor first.
• Early treatment for minor problems reduces the risk for complications and further infection.
• A sitz bath may relieve your symptoms, it will not cure it, so be proactive about your health.
• It is safer if you get a bowl fitting your toilet seat than squatting, that way, you can get all the warmth you want, and you eliminate the risk of spilling hot stuff on yourself.