Hemorrhoids can be a real pain in the you-know-what, and anyone who’s dealt with them knows how uncomfortable they can be. If you’re one of the 10 million Americans who experience hemorrhoids and looking for relief, you may have heard about bidets as a possible solution. But does a bidet help with hemorrhoids?
In this post, we’ll dive into the science behind it and explore whether a bidet toilet could be the key to easing your discomfort. So let’s get right into it!
Are bidets good for hemorrhoid care?
Yes, bidet toilets can be an excellent option for those with hemorrhoids, especially when compared to wiping with coarse toilet paper. They provide a gentle way to clean the affected area after a bowel movement without the need for harsh wiping, which can irritate inflamed tissue, cause hemorrhoidal bleeding, and delay healing. Bidets also promote better hygiene, which may reduce the risk of infection.
In fact, one study comparing sitz baths (commonly prescribed to hemorrhoid patients) to warm water sprays after hemorrhoid surgery found no significant difference in wound healing and recovery time between the two methods. However, the warm water spray group individuals reported it to be more satisfying and convenient.
Similarly, another study published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science found that bidets can be as effective as sitz baths in reducing pressure in the anal canal. The study, which involved healthy volunteers using electronic bidets, found that low/medium warm water pressure helped promote blood circulation and relieve anorectal pressure.
This is great news for those with hemorrhoids, as reducing pressure on the anus can alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
Not to mention, a bidet toilet seat provides a more convenient and hygienic option for cleansing the affected area without the need for a separate bath or basin.
How do you clean your butt with hemorrhoids?
When cleaning your butt with hemorrhoids, use warm water instead of toilet paper to avoid unwanted inflammation. Also, steer clear of any harsh chemicals or scented products that can aggravate hemorrhoids. After washing the anal area, gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which can cause irritation and damage the tissue.
Alternatively, you can also consider using:
- A bidet: As you’ve seen earlier, bidets can be an excellent option for those with hemorrhoids. Just make sure to adjust the water pressure to a comfortable level and avoid using water that’s too hot.
- Moist wipes: If you don’t want to use a bidet, moist wipes can be a helpful alternative. Look for wipes free of alcohol and fragrance, which can be harsh on the skin.
Remember, keeping the anal area clean is essential for hemorrhoid healing. If you’re experiencing severe or persistent symptoms despite good hygiene, you should talk to your healthcare provider for further hemorrhoid treatment.
Can a bidet aggravate hemorrhoids?
Yes, a bidet can aggravate hemorrhoid symptoms, but only if used improperly. For example, if the water pressure and temperature are inappropriate or if you don’t dry the area thoroughly after cleaning, a bidet can potentially worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
Here are some things to consider to make sure you’re using a bidet properly and get maximum hemorrhoid relief:
- Water pressure: Make sure to adjust the water pressure to a comfortable level. High-pressure water can cause further irritation to the hemorrhoids. To avoid this, start with low pressure and gradually increase it for effective cleaning.
- Water temperature: You want to use warm water, but avoid using water that’s too hot, as this can be harsh on sensitive anal tissue.
- Drying method: After using a bidet, make sure to pat the area dry gently with a soft towel to prevent moisture buildup. This is important because excess moisture can contribute to irritation and infection. Just make sure to avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which is one of the most important things you should never do to your hemorrhoid.
- Personal comfort: If using a bidet causes discomfort or aggravates your hemorrhoids, it’s best to avoid it and stick with other cleaning methods.
Is a bidet better than toilet paper for hemorrhoids?
Yes, many experts believe that bidets can be a more effective and hygienic option for cleaning the anal area than toilet paper, especially for those with hemorrhoids.
Toilet paper can be rough and abrasive, which can further irritate the inflamed hemorrhoidal tissue and cause discomfort. Bidets, on the other hand, provide a gentle and soothing stream of water that can help clean the area without causing further irritation.
In addition to being gentler on the skin, bidets are more effective at removing fecal matter and other debris from the anal area. This can help prevent infection and promote healing.
Bidets also help reduce the amount of wiping and toilet paper needed to pat the anal area dry, meaning there’s less risk of local irritation and toilet paper waste.
Lastly, a bidet helps keep your hands cleaner by reducing contact with fecal matter (which is full of potentially harmful bacteria).
Do bidets help with anal fissures?
Yes, bidets may be helpful in relieving the symptoms of anal fissures thanks to their pressure-relieving effects.
Anal fissures are small tears in the anal lining that lead to pain. This pain makes the anal sphincter muscles contract, which reduces its blood supply and delays healing. In turn, this causes even more pain, leading to a vicious circle. By lowering the pressure in the anal canal, bidets may be able to break this circle and promote fissure healing.
Plus, because most anal fissures are painful, wiping with toilet paper isn’t easy and can potentially cause infections, making the pain even worse.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that many risk factors for anal fissures, such as constipation and straining during bowel movements, are also risk factors for hemorrhoids.
Therefore, people with hemorrhoids may also be at an increased risk of developing anal fissures. That’s why using a bidet for hemorrhoids may reduce the risk of developing anal fissures at the same time.
Do bidets make hemorrhoids worse?
Although using bidets for hemorrhoids is a relatively new area of study, and we don’t have a lot of data, the initial findings are promising. And while there’s still ongoing research, there’s no such evidence to suggest that bidets can make hemorrhoids worse.
As long as you use them properly and with appropriate water pressure and temperature, you should have nothing to worry about.
Can a bidet cause hemorrhoids?
No, bidets cannot cause hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum and occur due to straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation, or diarrhea. Bidet use is not a risk factor for hemorrhoids.
On the other hand, bidets can actually be beneficial for people with hemorrhoids, as we’ve seen above.
How can a warm water bidet help relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids?
Using a warm water bidet can help relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids in a way that’s similar to a sitz bath.
Hemorrhoids lead to inflammation irritation, which warm water can help reduce. The gentle pressure from the warm water can also help increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing. Moreover, the cooling and refreshing sensation from the use of a bidet can also help relieve discomfort.
Yes, bidets do help with hemorrhoids!
As you saw above, there are multiple ways bidets can help with hemorrhoids. They provide a soothing effect to the anal area, improve blood flow and promote healing, and offer a pain-free way to maintain good anal hygiene.
If your existing toilet doesn’t have a bidet, there are many easily available bidet attachments or handheld sprays you can use.
But at the same time, it’s important to keep in mind that not all people with hemorrhoids find bidets to be comfortable. If you’re one of them, you can clean your butt with warm water during a bath or use moist wipes. Just make sure to avoid excessive scrubbing in the area, which can make your symptoms worse.
Finally, keep in mind that while bidets can relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids, they are not a permanent cure. This is especially true if you have grade 4 hemorrhoids, in which case you may need a surgical procedure like a hemorrhoidectomy.
