How to Use a Sitz Bath

Buy a Sitz Bath Kit

Sitz baths be purchased online or at most brick-and-mortar medical supply stores for an average of $10-$30. The plastic basin rests on top of your toilet seat.

Sitz bath kits often include a plastic bag with a tube on the end that can be used to spray water into the affected area. Higher-priced sitz baths include a long hose that you can attach to a faucet for easy filling.

You can also use your bathtub if you'd prefer not to use a sitz bath kit. Just add 3 to 4 inches of warm water to the tub and follow the instructions below.

Choose Helpful Sitz Bath Add-Ins

You can either use a sitz bath with just clean, warm water from your tap or add certain ingredients to make the process more comfortable and reduce the risk of infection, including but not limited to:

• Epsom salts (also called an Epsom salt bath)
• Sea salt (non-iodized)
• Witch hazel
• Vinegar
• Baking soda

You can also add olive oil, essential oils, herbs, and aromatherapy fragrances. Just be sure to add products that won't further irritate your skin.

Find the Best Soaking Position

Take the time to find the most comfortable position. If you're using a portable sitz bath, gently lower yourself onto the seat. The basin part of the seat has been cut out to allow any excess water to flow through and prevent overflow.

If you're using a bathtub, lower yourself in the way you would an ordinary bath, but bend your knees when you sit to take some of the pressure off the perineum. You can prop your feet on the tub's edge to make yourself more comfortable.

Adjust the water temperature to your liking, then sit back and relax. If the water cools down before you are done, add some more warm water.

Clean Up

When you're done with your sitz bath, it's important to clean up. Luckily, it's quick and easy to do.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water.
2. If you used a portable sitz bath, wash it in hot water with a mild detergent. Don't put it in a dishwasher.
3. If you used your bathtub, rinse it out. Then, clean it as you usually do.
   

If you added Epsom salts to your bath, it's important to rinse off. If you don't rinse after an Epsom salt bath, you may experience skin dryness.

When to Call a Healthcare Provider

See a healthcare provider if your pain has not improved after a few days of using the sitz bath. Your symptoms could be caused by an infection or another condition. You should also see your healthcare provider any time you have bleeding from or near your rectum.

People who are pregnant or have recently given birth should talk to their healthcare provider about how and when to use a sitz bath.