Sitz Bath- What purpose it is used for and how to take it for maximum benefit.

A sitz bath is a warm water bath you sit in to relieve discomfort in your perineal region. Soaking this area in warm water relaxes your anal sphincter, which helps increase blood flow through your anal tissues. This promotes healing and reduces the pain, itching and irritation felt due to various issues of anal region like fissure, hemorrhoids, following surgery of the perineum or anal region.

So how to take a sitz bath:

Using a sitz bath bowl:

A sitz bath bowl is a plastic container/bowl that’s placed on a toilet. You can buy this in pharmacy or can order online and its easily available. To take a sitz bath this way:

1. Lift the toilet lid and seat. Place a cleaned sitz bath bowl on the rim of your toilet. Make sure the bowl is firmly in place and won’t move around.

2. Fill the sitz bath bowl with Luke warm water from a pitcher or other container. The water should cover your perineum. Make sure the water temperature is comfortable and check the temperature of the water before sitting on it.

3. Add medicine to the water as advised by your healthcare provider.

4. Gently sit down on the sitz bath bowl. Hold onto a railing. Or ask for help from a family member, friend, or caregiver if needed.

If you have a wound, the water may cause pain at first, but the pain should ease. Make sure the area that needs treating is under the water.

If you do not get a sitz bath bowl which can be used with the toilet sit, then one can use a normal plastic bowl and place it on the floor. Rest of the directions are same as that of above.

For any type of sitz bath

Sit in the water for 10 to 20 minutes.

Add more warm water as needed to keep the water comfortable.

Get up slowly from the tub or toilet. You may feel lightheaded or dizzy. Hold onto a railing. Or ask for help from a family member, friend, or caregiver if needed.

Gently pat your anal area, perineum, and genitals dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub the area.

Wash your hands. Put any ointment or cream on the area, if advised.

Wash the bathtub or sitz bath bowl with soap and water after each use.

Use a sitz bath 2 to 3 times a day, or as often as your healthcare provider advised.

What are the benefits of sitz bath.

Anal Fissures

These can lead to irritation, pain and bleeding as you pass stool, and spasms in the anus. Anal fissures are small tears in the tissue that lines the anus and can occur due to constipation, straining whilst you pass stool, passing large or hard stools, and chronic diarrhea.

Using a sitz bath, you can relax the muscles in the anal sphincter, reducing pain and discomfort. It can also help to health the fissure faster too!

Bartholin's Cysts

When the lubricating glands located on either side of the vagina become blocked and swollen, tiny cysts are created. These cysts can become infected, resulting in a pus-filled abscess.

Although larger Bartholin's cysts may require surgical drainage, smaller ones can drain on their own with a few sitz baths for three to four days. Bathing in a warm sitz bath can help to drain a cyst and reduce its size.

Hemorrhoids

Straining during bowel movements or putting pressure (like pregnancy) on your pelvic region can cause the veins in the anus to swell and form into hemorrhoids (piles). You may experience itching, irritation, pain, bleeding, or even no symptoms at all.

Hemorrhoids can go away within a week or so with at-home care, including sitz baths.

Postoperative Recovery

Your doctor may recommend a sitz bath as part of your post-operative care afte surgery of the perineal area.

Postnatal Care

You may be given a sitz bath in your early postpartum period. This can help to ease pain, promote healing, reduce swelling and ensure good hygiene in the perineal area. Sitz baths are particularly recommended after an episiotomy or if you tear during childbirth.