Are Bidets Good for Hemorrhoid Care?

Life is full of harsh realities. Hemorrhoids are one of the harshest. Nearly three in four adults in the U.S. will experience occasional hemorrhoids. That’s why when many people are shopping for a bidet, hemorrhoids come to mind when considering its potential benefits. Is a bidet good for hemorrhoids? Let’s see what experts have to say. 

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are, quite literally, a pain in the butt. They’re painful swollen veins that can form inside the rectum or on the outside of the anus (and yes, some lucky people experience both at once). Whether internal or external, hemorrhoids cause itching, burning, or discomfort. 
Other symptoms of hemorrhoids include pain or bleeding during bowel movements, swelling, hard lumps by the anus, and drainage. None of it is particularly fun! 
What causes hemorrhoids? A lot of causes can contribute to hemorrhoid development. They’re very common during pregnancy and become even more common with age — in fact, about 50% of people over the age of 50 experience hemorrhoids. But other lifestyle factors can contribute to these pesky flare-ups. Constipation or diarrhea can both cause the straining that often triggers hemorrhoids. Heavy lifting can also be a cause, as can sitting for long periods of time. 

How do you treat hemorrhoids? 

You can prevent hemorrhoids by eating a high-fiber diet and drinking lots of water to make sure you’re not straining during bowel movements. Watch how long you’re sitting during the day and make sure to take breaks to get up and walk around so you don’t have pressure on your butt all day long. 
But what if you already have them? If you’re experiencing significant bleeding, you should definitely contact your doctor. But if you’re stuck with regular hemorrhoids, you have a few options for home treatments. Over-the-counter medications can help ease the pain by shrinking the inflamed veins. There’s also the time-tested sitz bath: a bowl of water or a bathtub with just a few inches of water in it that you can sit in for 15-20 minute increments. But not everyone wants to take the time or go to the trouble of setting up a sitz bath. Luckily, there’s an easier way to get the benefits of warm water in treating hemorrhoids. You guessed it: a bidet!

Can a bidet help with hemorrhoids?

Yes, there’s another reason to install a bidet: hemorrhoid treatment! A bidet can certainly help soothe and prevent hemorrhoids. A low-pressure, warm water stream from a bidet can help ease the pressure on veins that causes hemorrhoids in a way that simulates a sitz bath, according to some researchers. A bidet also prevents further irritation by eliminating the need to wipe with harsh toilet paper. A bidet attachment can wash after you go so all you need to do is gently pat dry. 

Bidets are especially useful to those whose serious hemorrhoids have been treated with a surgery, called hemorrhoidectomy. The skin around the affected area is very sensitive during recovery, so using a bidet after hemorrhoid surgery is the best way to use the bathroom without pain. Not only is a gentle stream of water more comfortable for those recovering from hemorrhoid surgery than the harshness of wiping, it also keeps the area clean as it heals. Doctors recommend letting the area air-dry or patting it dry with a soft towel during the recovery process, so a luxury bidet with a dryer feature can be especially helpful in this case. 

So when life gives you hemorrhoids, take care of your sensitive bottom. Switch to a bidet to soothe the pain and prevent any further irritation.