Are you looking for a natural way to relieve pain around your private parts? Then, taking a sitz bath or hip bath benefits by reducing pain around your private parts or in your bottom because you sit in warm water up to the hips. The word sitz means to sit, derived from the German word ‘sitzen.’ A sitz bath is a shallow, warm bath that works exceptionally well for cleansing the perineum. The space between the rectum and the scrotum or vulva is called the perineum.
You can relieve the itching or pain in the genital area by taking a sitz bath. For people suffering from haemorrhoids, an anal fissure, or even if you’ve just had a baby, your doctor might suggest you have a sitz bath. But before you go and have one, try to gather all the necessary details from this article. Read on!
Hip Bath or Sitz Bath Benefits:
Suppose you are looking for a non-invasive treatment that relieves pain, discomfort, and itching caused by several health conditions. In that case, a sitz bath can be an exceptional solution. Whether buying a kit or using your bathtub, a Sitz bath is relatively easy.
Sitz baths or hip baths promote faster healing by providing warm blood flow to your perineal area. You can also reduce any discomfort from medical procedures or health issues. Here are some of the benefits associated with Sitz baths:
1. Sitz Bath For Haemorrhoids:
The swollen veins located in the lower rectum and anus are called haemorrhoids. From constipation and pregnancy to childbirth, several reasons cause haemorrhoids. Sitz baths can help you with any discomfort you might feel after getting haemorrhoids removed and help you deal with the swelling.
2. Sitz Bath For Anal Fissure:
A tear in the anus’s lining or anal canal is called an anal fissure. Anal fissures cause muscle spasms, which result in pain that you feel before or immediately after pooping. A Sitz bath helps the anal fissure heal by helping those muscles relax.
3. Sitz Bath For Bartholin Cyst:
A type of cyst that forms near the opening of your vagina on your labia is called a Bartholin cyst. A Bartholin gland lubricates your vagina by producing a liquid. A cyst happens when one of your Bartholin gland’s openings has a blockage. You can make the Bartholin cyst drain on its own by having a Sitz bath.
4. Sitz Bath For Recovery After Postpartum:
Postpartum is the time right after childbirth, and women experience swelling and soreness in the perineal area during this time. Sitz baths after birth, whether vaginal or c-section, can be very helpful in healing the area while relieving the pain and swelling.
People with anal diseases, anal fistulas, perianal abscesses, or who recently had anal, vaginal, or vulvar surgery can also use a Sitz bath to relieve their pain.
How Do You Take a Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoids at Home?
If you are looking for how to use a sitz bath in the comfort of your home, then knowing the Sitz bath procedure can be very helpful, whether you’re using a bathtub or a sitz bath kit. Here are the steps:
- The first step to taking a Sitz bath is cleaning the bathtub to avoid infections. First, fill the tub with 12 gallons of water and two tablespoons of bleach.
- Scrub the tub and rinse it properly without leaving any residue. Next, fill the tub with warm water reaching 3 to 4 inches. Make sure the water isn’t too hot. Use your hand to choose the correct water temperature for your body.
- Add substances like Epsom salt, baking soda, or salt to the water. Make sure you talk to your doctor about what substances you can add to avoid infections.
- Soak your perineum for about 15 to 20 minutes. Afterwards, you can either keep your foot out of the tub by dangling them over the sides or bend your knees.
- Use a clean and soft towel to gently pat yourself dry once you get out of the bathtub. To avoid irritation and pain, do not rub or scrub the perineum.
- Finally, don’t forget to scrub and rinse your bathtub after the Sitz bath thoroughly. You can use the Sitz bath four times a day.
Instructions for Using A Sitz Bath Kit:
Sitz bath kits are available on the market that fit very well over the toilet. They come with solutions and clear instructions, making the process efficient. However, cleaning all the materials thoroughly before use is advised if your kit doesn’t come with the required instructions. Here are the instructions you can follow to use a sitz bath efficiently:
- Place the Sitz bath on top of the toilet.
- To ensure that the kit will stay in place and won’t shift, it is best to try to move it from side to side.
- You can either pour warm water into the tub before sitting or use a tube to fill the tub after you sit. Make sure to fill the water so that your perineum is immersed.
- Soak your perineum for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- As the original water cools, you can add warm water using the plastic bag. The Sitz bath kit prevents water from overflowing because most have a vent. You can flush the overflowing water since it goes directly into the toilet.
- Once you are done, pat the area dry using a smooth cotton towel.
- However, when doing the patting, make sure to avoid any rubbing or scrubbing.
- Clean the Sitz bath kit thoroughly before you get the equipment ready for another session.
Before and after use, you should replace your Sitz bath if you notice weak spots or cracks, but there are no hard and fast rules about when to do so.
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Risk Factors Of Sitz Bath:
Although the sitz bath is safe and has benefits for relieving pain and itching, there are some significant risk factors associated with it. However, here are some of the Sitz bath disadvantages you will have to keep in mind while using one:
- Although rare, one of the most common adverse effects associated with a Sitz bath is an infection of the perineum. Since a Sitz bath involves the perineum, it is advised not to share your Sitz bath with anyone. Contact your doctor immediately if your perineum becomes red and puffy or if the pain or itchiness in the area worsens after using a Sitz bath. Stop using them directly.
A sitz bath or hip bath is a shallow bath where you sit to relieve pain and itching by cleansing your perineum. This is a perfect solution for people suffering from postpartum discomfort, surgical wound irritation, anal swelling, or haemorrhoids. Although it is perfectly safe to take a sitz bath, take all the necessary precautions to avoid any unnecessary infections. However, call your doctor immediately if you find bleeding in the area. Finally, to be on the safe side, consult your doctor before you start taking sitz baths. Don’t forget to let us know if you found the article helpful!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on research and is not a replacement for professional advice. If you aren’t sure about something, you should talk to a doctor because the website isn’t responsible for ensuring the information is accurate and correct.
FAQ:
1. What are the different additives used in a sitz bath?
Though many people take a sitz bath with or without medication, some use water without additives. For a more relaxing experience, some people add baking soda, vinegar, and Epsom salt to their baths. Depending on your health, a doctor might tell you to take a sitz bath with one of several different medicines.
2. What are the most necessary things needed to take a sitz bath?
The primary things needed to take a sitz bath are:
- A bathtub or a small plastic tub.
- Enough water to cover the perineum.
- Additives as suggested by the doctor.
3. Who can take a sitz bath?
Here is the list of people who can take a sitz bath:
- People who have surgery in the groin area.
- People who have genital herpes.
- People who have uterine cramps.
- People with haemorrhoids, fissures, itching, and perineal pain.
