Origins of the Bidet (1710) The word "bidet" itself comes from the French term for "pony," a nod to the straddling posture required to use the device. Initially, bidets were intended to cleanse intimate areas between baths, filling an important hygienic gap.
Origins in 18th Century France
Early bidets were luxury items, typically used by the French nobility. These bidets were essentially basins that were filled manually with water and placed in the bedroom near the chamber pot for intimate washing.
A bidet is a standalone fixture, attachment, or handheld device that sprays water to cleanse your genital and anal regions after using the toilet. You can use a bidet to cleanse your body of fecal matter, menstrual blood, and urine.
A bidet (pronounced “bih-DAY”) is a plumbing fixture designed to clean your rear. It goes to work washing your lower region after you urinate or have a bowel movement, eliminating the need for toilet paper. Some bidets attach to your toilet, either affixed to the side of the bowl or with a detachable hose.
Bidet showers are used by Muslims in Muslim countries and all parts of the Arab world as well as in Asia in order to cleanse themselves with water after using the toilet, as a part of Islamic toilet etiquette. Here, water is commonly used instead of, or together with, toilet paper for cleaning after defecation.
Leaves: Naturally available and biodegradable, leaves are common in many rural settings. Corn Cobs: Historically used in many rural areas, including Amish communities, corn cobs are a readily available resource after harvesting. Newspapers: Old newspapers are repurposed as a practical and accessible alternative.
A common reason why bidets aren't used in the US is that during World War 2, American soldiers saw brothels utilizing bidets. When they came back to United States, they shunned the bidet because of the connotations. Plus, the construction boom that took place in the post-war years built plumbing systems without bidets.
However, excessive bidet use potentially causes anal pruritus and anal incontinence (AI). Physicians are advised to instruct patients with anal pruritus to avoid excessive cleaning of the anus and those with AI to discontinue bidet use.
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.
Italy is the only country where more than three-quarters of bathrooms have a bidet, one of only four countries where more than half have a bidet; and the only European country to be in the top ten. Bidets have been a legal requirement in newly-built homes in Italy since 1975 - and besides, Italians like them.
Adjust the position of the bidet nozzle to ensure proper cleansing. Position yourself on the bidet seat, ensuring comfort and stability. Activate the water spray by pressing the appropriate button or lever. After cleansing, activate the built-in air dryer, and you are ready.
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.
The cleansing of one's private parts seemed too intimate a topic to confront; therefore bidets were taboo. During World War II, American servicemen saw bidets all over Europe but most often in brothels and bordellos. The bidet became a symbol of sex, an instrument of hedonism, decadence, and fallen women.
Some bidets resemble a large hand basin, with taps and a stopper so they can be filled up; other designs have a nozzle that squirts a jet of water to aid in cleansing.
While bidets are effective at cleansing, they may leave you feeling wet. To dry off, gently pat the area with toilet paper until you're dry. It's essential to be gentle to avoid any irritation. Pro Tip: Consider using high-quality, soft toilet paper to prevent any discomfort.
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.
The installation of a bidet shower is notifiable in Scotland and Northern Ireland and could be notifiable in England and Wales, for example as a material change of use. Notification is an important simple and essential check to minimise the risk to water supplies both within a premises and the wider community.
Are bidets good for hemorrhoid care? Yes, bidet toilets can be an excellent option for those with hemorrhoids, especially when compared to wiping with coarse toilet paper.
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.
Bidets with a warm air-dry feature, like many of our products, make using ANY toilet paper completely unnecessary, even to dry off. Just be sure to give yourself an extra minute or two for the dryer to work.
Finally, While bidets offer several benefits for personal hygiene and comfort, excessive or improper use can lead to intestinal problems such as anal pruritus, dyssynergic defecation, hemorrhoids, and skin infections.
Japan is perhaps the most famous country when it comes to the widespread use of ceramic bidets, or more specifically, technologically advanced bidet toilet seats. The Japanese have embraced bidets not only for their cleanliness and hygiene benefits but also for the comfort and luxury they provide.
Ask for bidet permission
Hovering over someone else's bidet isn't like using their phone charger or using a paper towel to dry your hands. 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.
Conclusion: Warm-water nozzles of bidet toilets are contaminated with a wide range of bacteria, making them a potential vehicle for cross-infection. In the hospital setting, shared use of bidet toilets must consider the clinical background of patients.