Have you ever heard of a ‘sitz bath’? Have you been recommended a sitz bath, which left you wondering what it may be? Well… As the name suggests,'sitz’ comes from the German term 'seat', and a sitz bath is a seat designed to only bathe your buttocks and hips. The idea may seem a little bizarre and even uncomfortable, but experts believe it holds several benefits and can reduce pain and discomfort in various conditions.
How To Take A Sitz Bath
Taking a sitz bath usually involves filling a bathtub or a special sitz basin with warm water, which covers your lower pelvic area. Soak for 10-20 minutes, letting the warm water work its magic. People can also add some Epsom salt or baking soda for extra comfort.
Also Read: Is Vaginal Itching a Recurring Struggle For You? Discover How Sitz Baths Is Your Easy Solution
After the bath, gently pat the area dry with a soft towel and repeat this soothing ritual 2-3 times a day or as directed by your doctor.
According to several experts, this particular home remedy has many benefits and is said to be highly effective. Some of the advantages of taking a sitz bath regularly include:
Alleviates Pain From Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are painful, swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum caused by forceful straining while passing a bowel movement. They are common in adults but occur rarely in people under 20 years of age, according to StatPearls Publishing.
Treating haemorrhoids and relieving their symptoms may require various measures, including adequate fluid intake, taking stool softeners, eating high-fibre foods, becoming physically active, and using analgesics for pain. However, a sitz bath is also a doctor-recommended remedy that works by increasing blood flow to the area, reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and easing discomfort.
Also Read: Haemorrhoids Fact Vs Fiction: Expert Debunks Common Myths About This Painful Disease
Helps With Postpartum Recovery
Postpartum recovery can be a task. It is the journey a mother's body takes to heal and return to its pre-pregnancy state, both physically and emotionally. In general, childbirth can take a toll on a new mom's body, especially the perineal area, which is the region between the vagina and anus. This area may experience tearing, stitches, or swelling after delivery, which is when sitz baths can offer much-needed relief. The warm water bath increases blood flow to the perineum, reducing inflammation and pain and easing the new mother's postpartum recovery.
Reduces And Prevents Vaginal itching
A sitz bath is usually recommended to keep the perineum and the genital areas clean. These areas are particularly prone to infections, which can lead to itching, burning, and swelling. Vaginal itching is a common problem among women and can be caused by several factors, such as skin irritants, yeast infections, or even stress. To keep these under control or to prevent vaginal issues, a sitz bath is a natural solution to it all. While it does not promise complete protection, it sure does reduce the risk.