Sitz bath

Overview

A sitz bath involves sitting in a warm, shallow bath to alleviate pain, burning, or itching in the perineal region—the area between the anus and external genitals. Soaking this area helps relax the anal sphincter, reducing muscle spasms and improving blood flow to the tissues, which helps in healing and reduces discomfort.

The sitz bath has been used since at least 1859, originally as a metal half-bathtub designed for soaking the lower body. By the late 1880s, it had gained popularity as a spa treatment. Today, healthcare providers commonly recommend sitz baths for relieving conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and other similar health issues.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

A sitz bath can alleviate discomfort from several common health conditions and medical procedures by enhancing blood flow to the perineal area, which speeds up healing.

• Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus caused by constipation, pregnancy, or childbirth can be soothed with sitz baths. They also aid in recovery post-surgery if hemorrhoids have been removed.
• Postpartum recovery: Sitz baths can relieve soreness and swelling in the perineal area after childbirth, whether from vaginal delivery or C-section, and help promote healing.
• Bartholin cysts: These cysts form on the labia near the vaginal opening due to blockages in the Bartholin glands. A sitz bath can assist in naturally draining the cyst.
• Anal fissures: Tears in the anus or anal canal can cause pain during or after bowel movements due to muscle spasms. Sitz baths can help relax these muscles and support healing.

Additionally, sitz baths can benefit those with perianal abscesses, anal fistulas, recent anal, vaginal, or vulvar surgery, and various anal diseases. They can also be used for general cleanliness and to ease discomfort during bowel movements.

Risks

Using a sitz bath carries minimal risk as it is a noninvasive treatment. However, infections in the perineal area can occur, especially if the sitz bath isn’t cleaned thoroughly before use. To prevent infections, avoid sharing your sitz bath with others. Infections may also arise if you’ve had recent surgery in the perineal area.

If you experience increased pain or notice redness and swelling in your perineum, discontinue use of the sitz bath and consult a healthcare provider for further advice.

Procedure

You can use a sitz bath either in your bathtub or with a small plastic tub that fits over your toilet. A plastic sitz bath kit often includes a shallow basin and a plastic bag with a tube for filling the basin with warm water. These kits are available many stores or even online stores.

Before use, thoroughly clean and rinse the tub. For a plastic tub, place it on your toilet bowl and cover it with the toilet seat. Fill the bathtub or plastic tub with 3 to 4 inches of warm water, ideally at 104°F (40°C). Ensure the water isn’t too hot to avoid burning your skin.

If using a plastic tub, you can either pour the water directly into it or fill it using the plastic bag and tubing after sitting down. Add more warm water from the bag as needed to maintain the desired temperature.

Soak your perineum for 15 to 20 minutes. Epsom salts, oils, or other additives are generally not necessary and may cause irritation unless prescribed by your healthcare provider. After the bath, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel and clean the tub.

Your healthcare provider may recommend taking three to four sitz baths daily to relieve pain, itching, and discomfort.

Outcome

Sitz baths offer a straightforward, noninvasive method for relieving pain, itching, and discomfort associated with various health conditions. They are simple to use and can be done either for free in your own bathtub or at a low cost with a purchased kit.

If you don’t notice improvement in your perineal pain after two or three sitz baths, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider, as this may indicate an infection or another underlying issue. Pregnant individuals or those who have recently given birth should seek their provider’s advice before starting sitz baths to get specific guidance on when and how to use them.