A Sitz Bath: Treatment for Hemorrhoids

There are over 11 million people in the US today suffering from hemorrhoids. Many of these people are too embarrassed to do something about it. This doesn’t have to be the case. Most hemorrhoids can be cured by a simple treatment plan including using a sitz bath. In fact a sitz bath is the most popular used medical treatment out today when it comes to treating hemorrhoids at home.

Many different medical issues are treated with a sitz bath. For example, prostate infections, vaginal fissures, anal fissures, as well as hemorrhoids are often treated with a sitz bath. Furthermore, the sitz bath appears to reduce pain and discomfort typically associated with herpes, hemorrhoids, and vaginal infections.

What is a Sitz Bath?

A sitz bath is a plastic bowl that fits over a toilet and holds enough warm water to cover a person’s buttocks and hips. When a person sits in this bath, more blood reaches the impacted area, which in turn decreases the pressure. Decreased pressure then results in a lessening of the discomfort and pain that comes with hemorrhoids.

Using Hydrotherapy for Hemorrhoids

When you use a sitz bath you are using hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is more known as water therapy. This medical practice dates all the way back to the 18th century. It was first used by the Greeks. When using a sitz bath for hemorrhoids it’s best to use the hottest water you can stand. The heated water acts as a sedative and the hot water vapors will relieve the pain. It is recommended to soak 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes in the sitz bath to relieve the pain and pressure from the hemorrhoids.

How to use a Sitz Bath

There are many different styles of a sitz bath available to use. One of the obvious you can use as a sitz bath is your bathtub. Simply fill your tub up with enough warm water to cover your buttocks and hips. Remember the hotter the better. The most recommended sitz bath to use is the plastic sitz bath that fits over your toilet. These models come with the ability to continuously add hot water to the bath so the water will remain at the desired temperature you want. The plastic sitz bath bowls have precut slots towards the top to channel the overflow water into the toilet so you won’t have to worry about overflowing the bowl and making a mess. Most of the plastic sitz baths can be found in your local drugstore for fewer than fifteen dollars.

Soaks in the sitz bath should last a minimum of 15 minutes. Some doctors recommend a hot water sitz bath and a cold water one, switching back and forth every four minutes. This increases circulation and helps lower pressure. Following a soak, it is important to dry off with a soft material and keep the affected area dry without rubbing. Rubbing can irritate the affected area and cause more pain. In fact, some recommend letting the area air dry before lightly dabbing with a clean cotton cloth.

By using the sitz bath and other over the counter hemorrhoid creams you will alleviate the inflammation, itching and swelling. Some people even will use Epson salt or oatmeal powders in the sitz bath to add more relief. Before you choose to add anything make sure you consult with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you. It’s recommended that you use a sitz bath 2-3 times a day to help in the healing process of hemorrhoids. By using this plan you’ll have relief in no time!