If your doctor has suggested at home sitz baths as part of your treatment for relief of hemorrhoids or yeast infections or to help healing postpartum, it’s because often this form of hydrotherapy is very effective. Many healthcare providers will also recommend adding salt, baking soda or herbs to a sitz bath at home. The salt or other ingredients aid in the healing process and can help to relieve many symptoms such as itching, swelling, discomfort and pain.
Soaking is recommended from 10-15 minutes and is normally repeated anywhere from three to several times daily. Because a sitz bath at home is only meant to soak the affected area, it is not necessary to fill an entire bathtub for each treatment. To further save on water and time, a portable sitz bath can be purchased. These are basins that are usually made of plastic and fit into the open area of the toilet when the seat is up. They are quickly filled and quickly emptied, rinsed and ready for the next soaking. There are several different styles and some are equipped with a plastic pouch and tube that allows water to run through and flow out of vents in the portable tub that drain into the toilet.
If you’ve been diagnosed with hemorrhoids or other conditions of the rectal or vaginal area, please check with your physician before adding ingredients to your sitz bath at home. There are some ingredients that may further irritate the symptoms rather than relieve them. If he or she has suggested an herbal mixture be added, these can be purchased pre-packaged online or in drug and health food stores or can be made at home. Portable tubs can be purchased online or in drug stores as well and are usually fairly cost effective starting at just under $10 upwards to just over $20.