What Is a Hot Sitz Bath?

A sitz bath is a form of hydroptherapy. Taking one in hot water helps relieve conditions like uterine cramps, prostate infections, hemorrhoids and pain from herpes flareups. This bath poses little health risk to the patient.

Procedure

• The lower abdomen, buttocks and upper thighs only are immersed in a tub of hot water. The legs and upper torso are raised out of the tub.

Duration

• These baths can be taken for as long as 10 to 30 minutes.

Frequency

• How frequent you should take sitz baths depends on your doctor's recommendation.

Preparation

• Do not add anything to the water (bubble bath, essential oil) unless under your doctor's direction.

Results

• Sitz baths reduce swelling and discomfort and also promote healing.

Name

• The name of the bath comes from the German verb "sitzen." It means, "to sit."