Try a sitz bath, soaking the genital area and buttocks with warm water

Warm baths have been widely used to relax and refresh the body, especially when the air is cold. However, it turns out that a warm shower can also help clean the genital area. A warm bath is meant here by soaking the genital area in warm water, or what is called a sitz bath.

What is a sitz bath?

A sitz bath is a treatment for the buttocks and perineum, which is the space between the rectum (inside of the anus) and the vulva (outside of the vagina) in women or the testicles in men. This treatment is also known as a sit or butt soak. Apart from cleaning the genital area, a sitz bath is a procedure that can help relieve itching or pain in the buttocks and genital area.

Source: Cascade Health Resolutions

You can do a sitz bath in the bath or with a plastic kit that is placed over the toilet at home (see image above). These kits are round, shallow containers that often come with a plastic bag that has a long tube or hose at the end. This bag can be filled with warm water and used to safely fill the tub through a hose.

It is a little bigger than a standard toilet seat so it easily fits securely into the toilet seat to allow you to stay seated while enjoying the sitz bath treatment. These kits are available at some pharmacies and medical supply stores.

What's the use of a sitz bath?

A sitz bath is a treatment aimed at keeping the anus and genital area clean, reducing inflammation and pain due to hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids), as well as helping to heal wounds in the genital area and vagina after childbirth.

Soaking in warm water (lukewarm, not hot) can help speed up the healing process by increasing blood flow to the area. Sitz baths will not cure your condition, but they can reduce irritation and discomfort.

This treatment is usually used as a home remedy for the following:

• Anal fissure, or a small tear in the skin that lines the anal canal
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids)
• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
• After a normal delivery (vaginally)

Taking a warm bath can reduce pain, stinging, irritation, and inflammation, but you may need other treatment. Therefore, consult your doctor first before undergoing this treatment.

Sitz bath stages (warm bath)

1. Sitz bath in the bath

Source: Health of Wellness

Make sure the tub is clean. Clean the bath by mixing 2 teaspoons of bleach with half a gallon of water. Scrub the tub and rinse thoroughly. The bath is ready to use for a warm shower (sitz bath).

Here are the steps:

1. Fill the tub with enough warm water (so that your genital area can be submerged). The water used must be warm, not hot. You can add any medications your doctor may recommend.
2. If the water temperature is comfortable enough for you, soak your genital area for 15-20 minutes. Bend your knees or maybe let your feet hang over the sides of the tub to keep your feet from getting in the water.
3. When done, gently wipe the submerged rump until it is dry, but not scrubbing vigorously.
4. Don't forget to clean your bathtub back to normal.

2. Sitz bath while sitting on the toilet

Source: Qsota Medical

Rinse the plastic kit with clean water before use. If it is clean, you can do the following steps.

1. Place the sitz toiletries on the toilet seat.
2. Make sure the kit will not shift.
3. You can pour in warm water before you sit down, or by using a plastic bag and hose to fill the kit with water after you sit down. The water should be deep enough so that it covers your genital area as well as your buttocks.
4. Soak for 15-20 minutes. If you are using a plastic bag, you can add warm water when the bathwater has cooled down. You don't have to worry about the water overflowing in the kit, as most Sitz kits have holes.
5. When done, gently wipe the submerged rump until it is dry, but not scrubbing vigorously.
6. Don't forget to clean the kit again as before.

The kits that are sold usually include instructions for use and how to clean them. If your kit does not come with instructions, clean it the same way you clean your bath or ask a pharmacist.