Bidets are Safe for Women and Here's How to Use Them

A lot of questions can pop up when people are considering trying a bidet. Some common search terms, according to our research, include “how to use a bidet (female)” and questions like “are bidets bad for women?” and “is a bidet for a man or a woman?” 

The answer is that everyone can benefit from a bidet! We’ve previously provided a general guide for how to use a bidet (How to Use a Bidet). For women and anyone with vaginas, though, there are some additional concerns to consider. But because of the complexities of vaginal health, it’s understandable why some people ask “are bidets safe for women?” Bidets are, indeed, safe and sanitary for anyone with a vagina. 

Are bidets safe?

For anyone with a vagina, UTIs and yeast infections are painful, annoying health problems to deal with. So it’s natural that you might worry about switching to cleaning with water every time you go to the bathroom. 

Luckily, bidets are safe for female genitalia. The guideline for wiping — go front to back — applies here, too. Use the bidet’s front wash feature (sometimes called “feminine wash”) to spray water from front to back. This helps prevent anything travelling from the anus to the vagina, which is what causes infections. Use a bidet toilet seat’s drying feature to make sure the area is thoroughly dry, as moisture can also cause the growth of yeast and bacteria, or simply dab dry with a few squares of toilet paper. 

Bidet benefits

A bidet can actually provide several benefits for vaginal health. 

The spray of a bidet is a pleasant way to clean up during your period and provides a healthier alternative to wet wipes, which often contain ingredients that can irritate your vulva. A bidet is also a convenient way to clean out a menstrual cup. You probably know the rule that you should pee after sex to prevent a UTI, and a bidet comes in handy in this instance, too, providing a quick cleanup after sex without the need to take a shower. 

Bidets are especially handy during pregnancy. Gestating a baby is hard work, and the unpleasant tradeoffs can include hemorrhoids, which a bidet can help prevent and treat. The convenience of a bidet is particularly helpful in later trimesters, eliminating the need to reach down to wipe with a pregnant belly in the way. And the soothing water of a bidet is especially needed after giving birth, making going to the bathroom a less painful experience in the first few weeks after labor. Some new parents even use their bidet to clean their babies’ cloth diapers, which is another use for the bidet after bringing a baby into the world!  

The bottom line

Are bidets safe for women and people with vaginas? Are bidets sanitary? Yes and yes! In fact, they’re not just safe and sanitary — they also offer a pleasant, convenient experience in a variety of instances that make your life and your bathroom a little better.