Hemorrhoids, Meet Your New BFF: Why Bidets Beat Wiping

The Painful Truth... Hemorrhoids aren’t polite dinner conversation, but around 10 million Americans deal with them every year. They’re swollen veins that itch, burn and bleed – and wiping with dry paper is like rubbing sandpaper on a sunburn. It’s time to ditch the scratchy squares and embrace the gentle stream of a bidet.

Why Bidets Help

Gentle cleaning beats abrasive wiping. Bidet toilets provide a gentle way to clean the affected area without harsh wiping. Wiping can irritate inflamed tissue and even cause or worsen bleeding. Warm water promotes healing. Studies comparing sitz baths and warm water sprays after hemorrhoid surgery found no difference in wound healing, but patients preferred the warm water spray because it was more convenient. Another study found that low/medium warm water pressure promotes blood circulation and relieves anorectal pressure. Reduce pressure, reduce pain. Using a bidet with medium‑low water pressure can help relieve pressure on the anus and may lower your risk of hemorrhoids. Warm water sprays have also been shown to be as effective as sitz baths in relieving discomfort. Hygiene matters. Keeping the anal area clean reduces infection risk. Bidets do a better job of removing debris without irritation.

How Not to Make Things Worse

Bidets aren’t magical cures; they’re tools. To get the most relief:

1. Choose warm over hot. Use comfortably warm water; water that’s too hot can irritate sensitive tissue.

2. Mind the pressure. Start with low pressure and increase gradually to avoid aggravating hemorrhoids.

3. Pat, don’t rub. After spraying, pat yourself dry with a soft towel instead of scrubbing.

The Bottom Line

Bidets aren’t just for luxury bathrooms; they’re a legitimate option for anyone dealing with hemorrhoids. By delivering a soothing stream of warm water, they reduce irritation and promote healing. If you’ve been suffering in silence, it might be time to let a bidet help you sit pretty again.