Sitz Bath

epsom salt bath during period
epsom salt bath during period

What is a sitz bath?

A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath you sit in to relieve pain, burning or itching in your perineum. Your perineum is the area between the opening of your butt (anus) and your external genitals (scrotum or vulva). Soaking your perineal area in warm water reduces muscle spasms by relaxing your anal sphincter (the ring of muscles that open and close at the bottom of your anus). Relaxing these muscles improves the blood circulation in your anal tissues, which promotes healing and reduces pain.

The first documented use of a sitz bath in the United States was in 1859. Initially, a sitz bath was a metal half bathtub. People soaked the lower half of their bodies in a reclining position. By the late 1880s, sitz baths were considered spa treatments. Today, healthcare providers commonly prescribe sitz baths for a variety of reasons, including hemorrhoid relief and as a treatment for anal fissures and other health conditions.

What is a sitz bath used for?

You can use a sitz bath to relieve discomfort due to several common health conditions and medical procedures. The warm water increases blood flow to your perineal area, which promotes faster healing.

Sitz bath for hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in your lower rectum and anus. They occur for many reasons, including constipation, pregnancy and childbirth. Sitz baths can help reduce pain and swelling caused by hemorrhoids. If you’ve recently had hemorrhoids removed, sitz baths can also help with any discomfort you may feel after surgery.

Sitz bath for postpartum recovery

After childbirth (postpartum), you may experience soreness and swelling in your perineal area. This can occur whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section. Sitz baths can help relieve any pain and swelling, as well as promote healing in the area.

Sitz bath for Bartholin cysts

A Bartholin cyst is a type of cyst that can form on your labia near the opening of your vagina. It can happen when a blockage occurs at the opening of one of your Bartholin glands, which produce fluid that helps lubricate your vagina. A sitz bath may help a Bartholin cyst burst and drain on its own.

Sitz bath for anal fissures

An anal fissure is a tear located in the lining of your anus or anal canal. The pain you feel before or immediately after pooping (a bowel movement) comes from muscle spasms caused by the anal fissure. Sitz baths can help those muscles relax, which can help the anal fissure heal over time.

A sitz bath can also help relieve symptoms or promote healing in people with other health conditions, including:

  • Perianal abscesses.
  • Anal fistulas.
  • Recent anal, vaginal or vulvar surgery.
  • Anal diseases.

You may also choose to use a sitz bath to help keep your perineal area clean or to relieve discomfort during bowel movements.

This post was last modified on Tháng mười một 21, 2024 3:43 chiều