4 Ways to Make a Sitz Bath
Use a Sitz Bath for Relief of Pain in the Pelvic Area
Sitz baths are often used for pain relief of hemorrhoids, although they can be used for relief from vaginal yeast infections, genital herpes, menstrual cramps and generally most conditions involving a painful pelvic or anal area.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Use Your Tub or a Store-Bought Bath
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Sitz baths are essentially the concept of a bath just for the pelvic area. In other words, the rest of your body can remain dry.
The point is to allow the inflamed pelvic area to soak in warm to hot water.
It is possible to purchase a Sitz bath bowl at your local well-stocked pharmacy, or you can simply fill your bathtub with the few inches of water necessary.
Tips
If you use your own tub, you may want to sit on a "donut" or a pillow with a hole in the middle, which allows you to take pressure off the area while you soak.
These donut pillows are usually available at most pharmacies.
- Sitz baths are essentially the concept of a bath just for the pelvic area.
- The point is to allow the inflamed pelvic area to soak in warm to hot water.
Plan a Different Solution for a Vaginal Yeast Infection
Most conditions respond well to a Sitz bath of warm water, but a vaginal yeast infection can be ameliorated with the addition of saline, or salt and vinegar.
Tips
Usually 1/2 cup of each added to several inches of warm water in a small Sitz tub or a regular bathtub works best.
Plan for Two to Three Sitz Baths a Day for Real Relief
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When trying to reduce swelling from hemorrhoids and other inflammatory conditions, plan on sitting in the Sitz bath for 15 minutes twice (preferably three) times a day.
Again, for hemorrhoids, a bowel movement can inflame the area all over, so it's often recommended to add a Sitz bath to your regimen after each bowel movement.
Warm water allows for immediate pain relief and a return of even blood circulation to the area.
Related Articles
References
- Saint Luke's Health System. Taking a Sitz Bath.
- University Health Network. Having a Sitz Bath at Home. Reviewed 2019.
- Lang DS, Tho PC, Ang EN. Effectiveness of the Sitz bath in managing adult patients with anorectal disorders. Jpn J Nurs Sci. 2011 Dec;8(2):115-28. doi:10.1111/j.1742-7924.2011.00175.x
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