If you've used toilet paper your entire life, you understand it's kind of a pain in the rear. You have to wipe properly so you’re not only clean, but also to avoid infections and skin chafing.
Naturally, we've become so accustomed to using toilet paper that we don't even think about how much better bidets are for us. Women especially need to understand the superiority of bidets, because they offer a level of hygiene and comfort that toilet paper can't match.
In this article, we will go over how women can properly use bidets, the underlying benefits, and some of the most frequently asked questions.
How do women use a bidet toilet seat?
If you have never tried a bidet toilet seat before, let me tell you, it is the holy grail of feminine cleaning and freshness. Anything that requires toilet paper can be done, albeit much better, with the touch of a button on a bidet. Not to mention, all of this is done completely hands-free.
Read the manual first before using
It is important to read the manual before using our bidet toilet seat. You can clear up some doubts you may have about the buttons on the control panel and their different configurations. Normally in the manual, you will find:
How to attach the bidet to your current toilet, how to direct the water flow from the spout into different positions, the recommended way for washing your genital area and anus, how to adjust the water pressure, temperature, and air drying settings, and much more.
Sit on the toilet seat just as you normally would
Once you've done your business you can sit back, relax, and let the bidet do all the heavy lifting. You can control all the functions (temperature, water pressure, or air drying) of the bidet toilet seat with its side control panel or remote control.
Front Wash or Posterior Wash?
Depending on where you need to clean, you can choose to use the front wash or posterior wash feature. The front wash effortlessly cleanses the front areas, and the posterior wash cleans your rear. After choosing one of these 2 options, you can follow through with all the other features of the bidet.
Adjust water pressure and temperature
The bidet toilet seat has the function of controlling the water pressure and the hot and cold temperature. Having control of the temperature is a great advantage for sensitive skin and the private areas. Simply set the water pressure and temperature to the perfect settings for maximum comfort.
Air Dry or Pat Dry
How do you dry yourself off after using a bidet? Fortunately, you have options to choose from.
Bidet toilet seats, like the Barumi BM-EF-4000, come equipped with a warm air dryer with adjustable heat and fan speed. This is the recommended way to dry because it is more hygienic and hands-free than wiping with toilet paper, however, it can take a bit longer than other methods.
If you're a busy woman and want to dry quicker, you have two options. After the bidet wash, you can use a few squares of toilet paper to dab it dry, or some people simply have a dedicated towel for bidets.
How do women use a traditional bidet?
If you have ever traveled through Europe, you've probably run across a bunch of standalone bidets. For those who haven't, a traditional, standalone bidet is not like a bidet toilet seat. Standalone bidets don't have electronic functions, which means you need to clean yourself and control the water pressure and temperature with your hands.
Straddle the Standalone Bidet
The bidet is a separate bathroom fixture usually placed next to the toilet. You may either sit or straddle the bidet facing the faucet or away, depending on if you need to clean the vaginal or anal regions.
Depending on the configuration of the standalone bidet, you may want to remove your pants to make it easier to straddle, and less likely to get wet.
Adjust Water Strength and Temperature for Comfort
Similar to the bidet toilet seat, you'll be able to adjust the pressure and temperature for maximum comfort. Turn the knobs to start the water. Be sure to start with cold water and gradually increase it until you find what's most comfortable.
Position yourself
Depending on the bidet, the water may come out of a faucet or may shoot up vertically from the bowl. Once you are ready, position yourself into the stream of water.
Clean Rear and/or Genitals
Once you've received your desired amount of water pressure, you'll want to clean yourself. You can clean yourself with your hands, as if you were in the shower. After about 30 seconds of continuous washing, you're done.
Dry Your Skin
Use a clean towel or toilet paper to pat your skin dry after using the bidet. Like we mentioned earlier, some people like to have a dedicated towel to use after washing with the bidet.
Rinse the Bidet Basin
You'll need to rinse out the bidet basin after using it. You can do this by flushing water through the bidet until all the dirty water is gone.
Wash Your Hands
Once you're done, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Leaving the bathroom with dirty hands is not a good idea.
Are Bidets Safe for Women to Use?
Bidets are completely safe for women to use. They use a dedicated line to the water supply so you are using the same water that you would normally shower or brush your teeth with.
Are Bidets Sanitary
Bidets are considered much more sanitary than toilet paper because they cleanse the entire area instead of just scraping it. This is why bidets are often recommended for people who have hemorrhoids, eczema, and other skin conditions.
Can a Bidet Cause a UTI?
Bidets don't change any vaginal microflora or cause urinary tract infections. They actually help to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. Bidets provide a more complete cleanse than toilet paper, which means that fewer bacteria will be left behind to cause an infection.
Benefits of Bidet Use for Women
Hemorrhoid Relief During Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that can be extremely painful, particularly during pregnancy when the added pressure of the baby's weight can aggravate them. Bidets thoroughly clean the rectum with a gentle stream of warm water, which alleviates the discomfort of hemorrhoids, and can help to prevent them from occurring.
Postpartum Cleanliness
After giving birth, women need a sanitary and simple way to keep clean. When you’re at the hospital you don’t have to worry but when you get home, you’ll be on your own. A bidet provides a gentle stream of water that cleans away any dirty areas, without aggravating your still-healing body. This can be much more effective than using toilet paper alone, which can often leave residue behind to exacerbate wounds or cause infections.
You can find more information on bidets for pregnancy and postpartum here.
Stay Fresh During That Time of the Month
One of the biggest benefits of using a bidet for women is it helps to keep them feeling fresh during their menstrual cycle. Traditional toilet paper can be harsh, irritating, and gross but bidets provide a gentle cleanse that keeps them feeling comfortable.
Constipation Relief
The bidet is a great way to relieve constipation. The bidet's powerful sprays, when properly used, work better than enemas and laxatives in relieving constipation. Furthermore, the bidet has no harmful effects on the body whereas enemas and laxatives do have side effects such as electrolyte imbalance or dehydration.