How Do I Choose the Best Sitz Bath?

To choose the best sitz bath, consumers should select a design that is made from a hard, durable plastic and provides overflow drainage. Other models are typically made from a flexible type of nylon or vinyl that can cause additional pain to users, and do not contain overflow drainage access. This type of device can be purchased through Internet ordering, or at a local drug store.

A sitz bath is a device used to soak the lower extremities of the body, including the hips, buttocks, and genitals. The solution used to soak these areas of the body is typically comprised of a salt water mixture that may also incorporate some herbs, natural extracts, and mild antiseptics. The purpose of this type of bath is to promote healing in the lower areas of the body where infection can occur due to hemorrhoids, vaginal tearing, and anal fissures.

Though it is not necessary to purchase a separate device to take this type of bath, purchasing a sitz bath designed specifically for this purpose can promote more frequent use. Most sitz baths are designed to fit over the rim of a toilet once the seat has been raised. The bath itself is the same circumference of the toilet bowl, and usually provides clamps to allow the device to become securely attached to the toilet.

The best type of sitz bath is one that has been made from a hard type of durable plastic. This bath design is both sturdy and supportive, capable of bearing most weight loads without bending toward the center. Individuals for whom this type of bath has been prescribed are typically experiencing a great deal of pain and some minor swelling in their lower genital regions. A hard, plastic bath is designed to remain in place while the user is sitting in it while avoiding hugging or touching those sensitive areas.

Some sitz bath materials use a hard vinyl that folds over the edge of the toilet, instead of snapping in place against it. These types of baths are less sturdy than their more durable counterparts regarding weight bearing capacity. They also force the user's body to be in full contact with the bath material at all times, which can be potentially irritating to some parts of the body.

Doctors usually recommend that this type of bath be used with warm water that is continuously refilled. Warm water, as opposed to cold or lukewarm, promotes stimulated circulation to any exposed regions of the body. This increased flow in blood can speed healing to infected or damaged areas, while the continuously changing water cleanses the area and removes any foreign contaminants. Many hard plastic sitz baths provide overflow holes in the back of the bath that allows old water to flow out of the bath and into the basin of the toilet. Consumers can check whether the bath contains this overflow feature by reading the product labeling, or removing the bath briefly from its packaging prior to purchase.