The Health Bulletin

For many, many years, physicians and healthcare providers have been treating various conditions with hydrotherapy. Hydro means water. Water therapy for conditions such as hemorrhoids, rashes, postpartum symptoms and other skin irregularities speeds healing, relieves pain and itching, and keeps the affected area clean without the need to wipe or scrub. Another common term for hydrotherapy is sitz bath.

Sitz baths are quite simply basins or tubs filled with water up to about 3 to 4 inches in which a patient soaks the area that is causing discomfort up to several times per day. The soaking is done in either hot or cold water depending on the circumstances and the recommendation of the healthcare provider. Another variant in sitz baths is ingredients. Some doctors will suggest adding various ingredients to the sitz. These ingredients will vary due to the issue being treated. Salts such as Epsom or baking soda are often used to treat hemorrhoids. Herbal mixtures are often suggested in the treatment of postpartum discomfort.

Because sitz baths only work when they are taken at least 3-4 times daily, it can be tiresome, wasteful and even dangerous to use a regular bathtub for treatments. The reason for this that filling a large tub with even a few inches of water can be time consuming. It also uses quite a bit of water – especially when done 4 or more times each day. More importantly, it can be quite dangerous because when a person soaks in hot water, the blood rushes to the heated area. This of course, promotes faster healing however, it also causes lightheadedness upon standing. It’s imperative that a patient rises very slowly after a tub sitz bath because there is a true danger of slipping and falling due to dizziness. This is especially true with elderly patients.

To combat the danger, time and water consumption, portable sitz baths were created. They are quite simply small basins that fit perfectly on the open toilet seat. Some include a bag and tube to hold water that will flow through the basin and into the toilet. This moving water helps to relieve discomfort and keep the area clean. Other styles, much like a tub, are used only for soaking. They are available in inflatable and plastic designs that are easily emptied, rinsed and left to dry for the next treatment. They are filled in seconds and because the patient doesn’t need to sink down into a large tub, it’s a much safer alternative.

Portable sitz baths are very inexpensive and can be purchased online for prices that range from under $10 to $30 depending on the preferred style. They make the perfect gift for the expectant natural birth mother and since they’re so small an investment, every household should be equipped with one – just in case.