Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoid Relief

Are you having problems with hemorrhoids? Don't panic, there is a simple method to relieve them: the sitz bath.

This technique derived from hydrotherapy (healing through water) is an ancestral and popular way to soothe the symptoms and pain associated with hemorrhoids.

In this article, you will find all the useful information to understand and manage your hemorrhoid problems, as well as a detailed explanation of how to use a sitz bath.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are dilated veins located inside or around the anus and rectum. They can cause discomfort and pain, but are generally benign. There are several types of hemorrhoids: internal, external, and mixed.

Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum. They generally do not cause pain because this region does not contain sensory nerves.

External hemorrhoids form under the skin near the opening of the anus. They can cause pain, itching, and bleeding, and make bowel movements uncomfortable.

Mixed hemorrhoids are a combination of the two previous types.

Causes of hemorrhoids

The exact causes of hemorrhoids are not clearly determined, but several risk factors increase the chances of developing them.

These factors include constipation, a low-fiber diet, pregnancy, childbirth, lifting heavy loads, long periods of sitting, or being overweight.

Hemorrhoids are more common in people aged 45 to 65, but they can occur at any age. It is estimated that more than 50% of the population suffers or has suffered from them.

Certain medications can increase risks or worsen existing symptoms. People taking anticoagulants, laxatives, steroids, or painkillers should be particularly vigilant and consult a doctor if symptoms appear. People suffering from chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may also be at higher risk.

Recognizing hemorrhoids

Symptoms include inflammation, pain, mild bleeding, discomfort, and itching. External hemorrhoids are usually more painful than internal ones. It is important to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or in case of significant bleeding. Also, seek medical attention immediately in case of severe abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, or fever: this could indicate a more serious complication.

How to prevent and relieve hemorrhoids?

Several simple measures help to prevent or soothe symptoms.

Prevent constipation: increase fiber and fluid intake with foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, coffee, and tobacco, as well as spicy foods.

It is also important to avoid straining during bowel movements. A physiological toilet stool makes this easy by raising your knees.

To limit irritation, maintain good anal hygiene with mild cleansing products. When using the toilet, prefer cleaning with water rather than toilet paper: treat yourself to a portable bidet for just a few euros.

It is also important to wear comfortable clothing and avoid tight clothes that cause friction and irritation. Prefer cotton underwear, which keeps the area dry, unlike synthetic materials.

Finally, it is recommended to maintain a stable weight and practice regular physical activity.

How to do a sitz bath for hemorrhoids?

A sitz bath is simply a matter of soaking your buttocks in cold water, while keeping the rest of the body warm and dry. Cold is the traditional reflex in these moments of discomfort: it is associated with the retraction of dilated vessels and provides an immediate soothing sensation.

How to perform a sitz bath

• Fill a sitz bath basin with cold water
• Place the basin on the toilet seat
• Sit on it while keeping the rest of your body covered
• Keep your knees slightly raised using a physiological stool, to maintain a comfortable position for as long as possible

Duration and frequency of the sitz bath

In case of a hemorrhoidal crisis:

• 2 to 3 sitz baths per day, up to 4 if the discomfort is marked;
• 10 to 15 minutes per bath, without ever exceeding 20 minutes;
• outside of meal times, so as not to disrupt digestion.

Avoid exceeding 4 baths per day, at the risk of causing additional skin irritation.

Sitz bath temperature

During a crisis, a sitz bath is primarily a cold water bath, between 10 and 20°C. As mentioned above, cold causes vasoconstriction, i.e., a retraction of blood vessels, with a soothing effect sought after in cases of hemorrhoids.

Conversely, heat causes vasodilation, i.e., an increase in vessel diameter, which can accentuate discomfort during the acute phase.

A lukewarm sitz bath, around 37-38°C, also has its uses, especially with herbal infusions, but rather outside of the crisis. During a flare-up, we recommend maceration (cold infusion): boil water, infuse the plant of your choice, then wait for it to cool before using it.

You can use baking soda and many other ingredients. To learn everything about this topic, read our article Sitz bath: which natural ingredients to use?

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids are dilated veins located around the anus and rectum, which can cause discomfort and pain. The sitz bath is one of the simplest measures to implement to soothe the area. However, do not neglect adjustments to your lifestyle, particularly regarding your diet.

It is important to consult a doctor if symptoms appear or worsen, in order to rule out any complications. There are first-line treatments, such as creams, as well as medical and surgical management for severe cases.

The sitz bath is a comfort treatment. It does not replace medical advice or treatment.