Bidets can be a cleaner alternative to wiping, depending on how you use them. They offer a more thorough rinse and less irritation and can also save you money on toilet paper.
What Are Bidets?
A bidet is a plumbing fixture designed to clean you after you urinate or have a bowel movement. It works by spraying water onto your undercarriage, eliminating the need for toilet paper.
Bidets can be fixed to your toilet, either as a nozzle inside the bowl or a hose attached to the side of the bowl. They can also be standalone fixtures you straddle, resembling a low sink.
Bidets are common in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, South America, and parts of Africa. Due to their reported health advantages, bidets are now gaining popularity in the United States.
Is a Bidet More Sanitary Than Wiping?
With proper usage and care, bidets may be more sanitary that wiping with toilet paper.
Water can be more effective at removing trace amounts of fecal matter than TP, and it also eliminates the risk of contaminating your hands during wiping.
A small study published in December 2021 in the
Journal of Water and Health examined microbe contamination of the hands after defecation with and without the use of a bidet. Researchers found that use of a bidet toilet was effective at reducing the adherence of feces to the hands compared with toilet paper.
“A good quality bidet, when used and maintained properly, will deliver superior hygiene care,” says Christine Lee, MD, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. “Toilet paper hygiene can have consequences — from not wiping clean to overzealous wiping.” Wiping with sharp or broken fingernails can also cut the skin or cause stool to be trapped under nail surfaces, Dr. Lee explains.
Can Bidets Cause Infections?
Research is still unclear about whether bidets cause vaginal or
urinary tract infections (UTIs). Some studies suggest that rinsing with a bidet may spread fecal bacteria and disrupt the natural
microbiome of the vagina and urinary tract. This can make them more vulnerable to infection.
However, selecting the right bidet and using it correctly can help minimize the risks. Many bidets allow you to adjust the water pressure and angle of the stream. This is important to avoid forcing water into the vagina or urethra.
Benefits of Bidets
Along with a more thorough wash of your behind and cleaner hands, bidets offer a range of other benefits, including:
- Being Gentler Than Wiping TP can irritate your skin and cause tiny cuts and chafing. Rinsing may also be more comfortable if you have fissures or hemorrhoids.
- Saving You Money The average household in the United States spends hundreds of dollars on toilet paper each year. Investing in a bidet could save you money over time.
- Helping the Environment Manufacturing toilet paper requires cutting down trees and uses a lot of water and energy. Using a bidet reduces the need for those resources.
- Preventing Clogs Not flushing wads of toilet paper can lead to fewer clogs.
- An Easier Experience The function of a bidet can make for easier cleanup if you have trouble wiping or other mobility issues.
How to Use a Bidet Safely
A bidet can make for a cleaner bathroom experience with proper usage and maintenance. Here are some tips for using a bidet safely:
- Avoid touching the tip of the nozzle with your body.
- Sanitize the nozzle regularly.
- Follow the manual’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
- Adjust the pressure and temperature to avoid irritating your skin.
- Adjust the angle and pressure to keep water on the outside of your body.
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