National Library of Medicine.
But theres a ton to know about sitz baths beyond cool linguistic trivia.
A sitz bath can help with vaginal, vulvar, and rectal irritation.
Getty / Caiaimage / Charlie Dean
Its just a tool we use to venture to calm down acute inflammation and irritation.
With that said, sitz baths arent typically a standalone treatment.
They usually work best in conjunction with other at-home or doctor-prescribed remedies.
Here are some health conditions that can call for a sitz bath.
Thats where a sitz bath may help.
If you had to describe hemorrhoids in one word, ugh would be a great candidate.
Hemorrhoids can be asymptomatic, but they also can cause serious itching, irritation, pain, and bleeding.
Fortunately, hemorrhoids often go away in a week or so with at-home care, according to theMayo Clinic.
National Library of Medicine.
They can also happen due to (ideally) more fun ventures, likeanal sex.
(Sorry for that mental image.)
These conditions involve irritation of the urethra, cervix, and rectum, respectively.
Of course, sitz baths wont clear up the underlying infection behind inflammation in these body parts.
Whatisclear is thatvulvodyniacan lead to unbearable burning, throbbing, itching, stinging, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
(Its really easy.)
(you could fill the whole darn tub if you wish.
These tools often go over thetoiletso you’re free to sit on them in a comfortable position.
If you have a similarly-shaped bin around the house, that can work, too.
In addition to being unnecessary, residue from harsh cleaners like bleach mightirritate your skin.
Decide on your water temperature.Lukewarm usually works, the experts say.
Dr. Paik recommends thinking about the temperature you would use to draw a bath for a baby.
Dont dump anything in there without asking your doctor first.
Just water is generally the best, Dr. Paik says.
Also, youll be exposing your delicate vagina to whatever you add to your sitz bath.
This is why doctors recommend against adding anything sudsy or fragrant, like bath bombs or essential oils.
If your condition doesnt go away or worsens, see a doctor.
So are indications of infection, like a fever or strange discharge leaking from a sore.
Sometimes you should probably call in additional medical reinforcements.
