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.
Backflow Prevention: Bidets and shattafs pose a high risk of backflow, which can lead to contamination of the main water supply. These devices are classified as fluid category 5, the highest risk level for cross-contamination.
Although bidets have been around for a long time, their popularity has been less than predicted. One of the biggest reasons why bidets have fallen out of favour is because of the invention of the toilet paper. The traditions of cleaning the rear end with dry paper has stuck, and bidets have failed to catch on.
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.
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.
One prevalent one is that bidets can be difficult and costly to install. In reality, most models are fairly easy to install, even for homeowners with limited plumbing experience. In fact, several bidet toilet seats now come with intuitive “smart” features such as heated seating and water temperature adjustment.
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.
Bidets are common bathroom fixtures in the Arab world and in Catholic countries, such as Italy (the installation of a bidet in a bathroom has been mandatory since 1975), Spain (but in recent times new or renewed houses tend to have bathrooms without bidets, except the luxurious ones), and Portugal (installation is ...
Bidets are an effective alternative to toilet paper that help cleanse the genital and anal regions. 1 Still, is using a bidet more sanitary than wiping? The short answer: Bidets are not necessarily more helpful or harmful than toilet paper for the average person, but they might have some benefits.
The Bidet Boom
However, in recent years, the bidet has been making waves in the US market, fueled by a growing awareness of its advantages and a shift toward sustainable living. Americans are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional toilet paper, and the bidet offers a convenient and eco-friendly solution.
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.
Many Asian toilets don't use paper at all, they may have a hose as a bidet, or water pale, using their hands to clean, actually, you may find the Chinese are much closer to western style than other Asian cultures.
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.
In Ireland, we are well behind when it comes to Bidets
They are also common in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Japan as well as the middle east. Bidets though are increasing in popularity with the older generation, and for use among people who are handicapped with physical disabilities.
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.
You are vulnerable, legs and genitals exposed and water is splashing on them, which can cause arousal. Plus, it's a very intimate and private thing that isn't your every day occurrence, and this can be a turn on. Any form of stimulation to the genitals and genital area can cause arousal.
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.
The answer to why Americans don't own bidets can be summed up in two reasons: history and unfamiliarity. Most Americans who have had the opportunity to use bidets or Washlets abroad enjoy the experience of being freshly clean after each trip to the bathroom.
Excessive bidet use should be considered an etiologic factor in patients undergoing a medical examination for anal pruritus or AI. In the hospital setting, compromised patients should be cautious regarding the shared use of bidet toilets to prevent infection by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
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.
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.
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.
Our hands are at their germiest as they reach for toilet paper. The theory goes that if the toilet paper is in the “over” position, fingers only touch the toilet paper about to be used. If the toilet paper is in the “under” position, chances increase for fingers to touch the wall, leaving a trail germs in their wake.