Over 11 million Americans suffer from hemorrhoids, which can be a very embarrassing condition. It does not have to be, however. A sitz bath - the most popular hemorrhoids treatment today - offers a simple and cost-effective method of relief for hemorrhoids sufferers everywhere.

A sitz bath is not just for hemorrhoids; it is also used to treat prostate infections, anal/vaginal fissures, and genital herpes. Due to the helpful benefits caused by sitz bath usage, many doctors worldwide recommend a sitz bath to ease pain and discomfort that comes with hemorrhoids.

What is a Sitz Bath?

A sitz bath is exactly what it sounds like. It is a small plastic bowl that fits right over your toilet. It holds enough water to cover your buttocks and hips. You fill it up with warm water and sit on it. When you sit in warm water you allow more blood to reach the impacted area. The blood flow to the area will relieve the pressure. That in return will take away the discomfort and pain associated with the hemorrhoids.

Using Hydrotherapy for Hemorrhoids

When you use a sitz bath you are using hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is more known as water therapy. This medical practice dates all the way back to the 18th century. It was first used by the Greeks. When using a sitz bath for hemorrhoids it’s best to use the hottest water you can stand. The heated water acts as a sedative and the hot water vapors will relieve the pain. It is recommended to soak 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes in the sitz bath to relieve the pain and pressure from the hemorrhoids.

How to use a Sitz Bath

There are many sitz baths available, from the simple to the complex. One simple sitz bath is a bathtub. To use, just fill a tub with a suitable amount of warm/hot water. The most popular method, though, is to use a bath that fits over the toilet. Some of these can add hot water continuously to maintain the desired temperature. These also have overflow slots cut into the bath to avoid a mess, and generally can be found in a local pharmacy or medical supplies store for under $15.

After filling the sitz bath you will want to sit on it for at least 15 minutes. Some doctors recommend using two sitz baths, one with hot water and one with cold water. If you use two of them you will want to switch back and forth every 3-4 minutes. By switching from hot to cold water you will get the blood in the area moving again. When you are done you need to dry off. You should use a clean cotton towel. Make sure you pat your area dry and don’t rub it. Rubbing the area can irritate it more and make the swelling and discomfort worse. Some even prefer to let the area air dry than to put anything on it.

A sitz bath, paired with over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, can greatly relieve any itching, swelling, and discomfort that come with hemorrhoids. No matter what the treatment, though, one should be sure to consult a qualified physician before use. They can offer additional help in choosing a sitz bath and picking a proper and effective course of treatment that can help alleviate this painful and embarrassing condition.

Tags: diseases and conditions, fitness, health, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoids, piles, sitz bath