The History of the Bidet in the United States Troops would associate them with sex work because they were found in brothels that they would frequent. Also, troops considered everything European to be dirty and unsanitary, so this was the original catalyst for Americans' aversion to bidets.
Additionally, the nozzle surface and splay water of bidet toilets may be contaminated with fecal indicator bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, rendering them a potential vehicle for cross-infection.
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.
You see, bidets and hand sprayers can be extremely hygienic when installed correctly. But if installed incorrectly, by a handyman or anyone other than a non-licensed plumber, things can get dangerous. In fact, it's illegal to install a bidet without a plumbing license.
Primarily because a bidet is European in origin and the toilet manufacturers here refuse to accept anything not created here.
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.
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.
Bidets are usually denied because maintenance cannot work them and since they are added to a toilet owned by the apartment, there is the risk of damage.
In fact, using a bidet is more sanitary than using a traditional toilet and toilet paper. Bidets use water to cleanse and wash away any leftover urine or fecal matter – no wiping required. While some users dry themselves with toilet paper after rinsing with a bidet, the fecal matter has already been washed away.
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.
Since you're already clean from your bidet, you won't need much toilet paper to do so–just enough to remove any excess water. Use a gentle pat-dry motion instead of a wipe to avoid any irritation. That's all there is to it.
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.
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.
Up to 43% of female bidet-users had altered vaginal microflora, with an increased risk of bacterial vaginitis. It was found that users with genital or anal discomfort prefer to use a bidet and there is a correlation with subjects having urological infections, vulvar pruritus and also hemorrhoids.
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.
Cleaning the anus after defecation using a bidet contributes to hand hygiene and local comfort, and may be effective against constipation. However, excessive bidet use may cause rectal disorders, such as rectal mucosal prolapse syndrome and solitary rectal ulcers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you do need to dab yourself dry, gently wipe or blot any excess moisture from your backside. Since the area is already clean, you won't need to wipe or use a lot of toilet paper. While most bidet users dry off with a small amount of toilet paper, sustainability-focused bidet owners use a dedicated cloth or towel.
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 fact, a 2022 study found that the hands of people who use bidets have profoundly fewer microbes than those who wipe. Researchers asked 32 nursing students in Japan to wear clean medical gloves when they used the bathroom to poop and subsequently examined those gloves to see what bacteria grew.
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.