Based on the limited research regarding bidets, it's generally considered safe and effective as a hygiene aid. It's important to follow usage instructions, though, particularly with jet stream pressure and water temperature.
Bidet Toilet Use and Bacterial Contamination
In each case, the outbreaks were reportedly due to bidet use by patients in the hematology department, and it is speculated that antimicrobial-resistant bacteria attached to the nozzles spread to other patients through the splay water.
Con #1: Bidets may pose health concern for people with vaginas. Although some benefits are clear, as noted, there are potential downsides, especially if you have a vagina. “Bidets may mess with the health ecosystem of bacteria called Lactobacillus microflora in your vagina,” Dr. Rea said.
Bidets are more hygienic.
Bidets allow for nearly hands-free cleaning of the genitals and anus after toileting or intimacy. Water is used to thoroughly clean skin surfaces and crevices rather than wiping, which can lead to the spread of fecal matter and bacteria.
Conclusion: Habitual use of bidet toilets aggravates vaginal microflora, either by depriving normal microflora or facilitating opportunistic infection of fecal bacteria and other microorganisms.
It's important to follow usage instructions, though, particularly with jet stream pressure and water temperature. “But if it's working properly and you clean and sanitize it regularly, a bidet is a good alternative option for many people,” says Dr. Lee.
Should you use a bidet after peeing? You can if you want to! Most people use bidets after pooping, but it's totally fine to use one after you pee. Some people enjoy using a bidet while they're menstruating since it can really help clean your genital area.
For example, if the water pressure and temperature are inappropriate or if you don't dry the area thoroughly after cleaning, a bidet can potentially worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
You won't need to wipe after using a bidet, although some bidet users do use a small amount of toilet paper to dab themselves dry. Bidets with a warm air-dry feature, like many of our products, make using ANY toilet paper completely unnecessary, even to dry off.
It's clear that the widespread use of bidets in many countries has its advantages. The lack of popularity in the UK and US likely has to do with a combination of factors: unfamiliarity, lack of space, cost, and more.
Most bidets have customizable spray options, making it easy to control the pressure and spray angle so water only goes where needed (in other words, you won't get soaked). Still, it's normal to have some water left over after you wash.
In fact, a case of rectal mucosal prolapse syndrome associated with overuse of bidet has been reported (17), and another study concluded that anal fissure might be caused by bidets operated at high water pressures (18).
If you're referring to the increased prevalence of problems for women using USA style bidets (ie, yeast and bacterial vaginal infections, and increased UTIs), then that is unfortunately a common problem. It's important to try and seek out bidets with actual front wash features.
Maybe the misconception that bidets are unsanitary goes back to childhood, since wiping is one of the first lessons of good bathroom hygiene. So are bidets clean? Of course! In fact, some studies have reported that using a bidet is cleaner than using toilet paper alone.
Using a bidet as an enema is an accessible and healthy way to relieve constipation naturally. Find out how enemas work, how long medical professionals have used them, and how to use the enema function on your Bio Bidet (or any bidet!)
Though often thought of as a 'woman's product,' bidets are in fact hygienic for both sexes. This is due to the many health benefits they provide, such as improved anal and vaginal hygiene, reduced UTIs, and less discomfort when going to the bathroom.
Using a bidet is generally safe, but there might be some risks if you use it incorrectly. For example, make sure to keep the water pressure low if you have ulcerated skin on or near your genitals or anus, said Dr. De Latour. High water pressure may aggravate tears in your skin, increasing infection risk.
There's little evidence that bidets cause UTIs when used correctly.
Don't use the bidet as a toilet: It's designed for post-toilet cleaning, not for the disposal of waste. Avoid using too much toilet paper: It can lead to plumbing issues, especially in areas with sensitive systems. Watch the water pressure: Start low to avoid splashing or discomfort.
According to Coco bidet maker Biolife Technologies, a bidet uses an eighth of a gallon of water per wash. So it will raise your water bill a bit, but not much (compare that with a single toilet flush, which uses 4 gallons). You may also want to factor in the labor and grief you'll save from fewer clogged pipes.
Yes, the bidet's main function is to get us clean. But they can also help us to feel sexy. Aquaphilia is the sexual arousal from water and/or watery environments and bidetonism is the use of water spray from a bidet as a genital sexual stimulant.
This fixture is very much a personal care item. And some homeowners might not be keen to let a guest mess around with it, especially a first-timer. So when you see a bidet and feel like trying it out, take the homeowner aside first.
“Using a bidet can help with maintaining cleanliness and hygiene during menstruation,” he says. “The gentle stream of water can effectively clean the area, which can be more comfortable and thorough compared to using toilet paper alone.”