How to Use a Sitz Bath

A sitz bath is also known as a hip bath. In a sitz bath, only the hips and buttocks are submerged in water or saline solutions. Sitz baths are plastic tubs that fit over toilets so the patient can sit with only the hips, buttocks, pelvis, and lower abdomen receiving the benefits the bath. A sitz bath is a common treatment for people that have had rectal surgery, hemorrhoid and ovaries pain as well as bladder, prostrate and vagina infections.

Things You'll Need

• Sitz Bath
• Cold compress
• Toilet
• Warm or ice Water
• Saline solution
• Towels

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Instructions

• 1

  Prepare for the sitz bath by having the items you will use in the bathroom you are going to place the sitz bath. This includes towels, ice, water, cold compresses and saline solution if applicable.

• 2

  Place the sitz bath onto the toilet. Make sure that the sitz bath fits onto the toilet. It should not shift and have a tight fit.

• 3

  Fill the sitz bath with water. You want to fill it so that it covers the hips and reaches the middle of the abdomen, usually about 6-8 inches.

• 4

  Adjust the water to the illness you are treating. Some treatments require hot sitz baths while others require cold sitz baths. Hot sitz baths should not be any hotter than 90°F to 110° F. Cold sitz baths should be filled with ice water.

• 5

  Stay in a warm or hot sitz bath for 20 or 40 minutes. Give the sitz bath enough time to sooth the area. Since some people experience dizziness sitting in warm water, use a cold compresses to cool other parts of your body while in the sitz bath.

• 6

  Dunk yourself into cold sitz baths but don't plan on staying and relaxing there. Only stay in cold water for 30 to 60 seconds. Consider it more of a dunk than sitting.

• 7

  Use alternating hot and cold baths by filling both simultaneously. Stay in the warm water for 3 to 4 minutes and then dunk yourself into the cold sitz bath for 30 seconds. Repeat this process 2 or 3 times.

• 8

  Towel dry yourself or the patient.