Bidets VS Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)- Does using a bidet cause UTIs or prevent them?
There is some evidence to suggest that bidets can cause Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). A study found that, women who used a bidet had a significantly higher rate of UTIs than those who did not use.
The mechanism by which bidets may cause UTIs is not fully understood. Still, it is thought that the water from the bidet can introduce bacteria into the urethra.
But on the other hand a study in 2005 revealed that, Researchers studied two groups of 75-year-old women living in a nursing home facility: one group used bidet toilet seats, while the comparison group did not. The study found that bidet toilet seats “had a positive effect on toileting for a majority of participants.” Additionally, the study found that “the bacterial content of urine decreased when using a bidet toilet seat, but increased when using a standard toilet.”
A bidet is a plumbing fixture or small sink intended to wash the genitalia and anus. Bidets are typically used in addition to a toilet and are often placed next to the bowl. While bidets have been traditionally used in many cultures for personal hygiene, their use has become more common in recent years in the Western world.
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What is Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply. UTIs are common, affecting women more often than men.
The symptoms of a UTI can vary, but most people will experience pain or burning during urination and an intense urge to urinate even when their bladder is empty. Cloudy or bloody urine and pelvic pain in women.
Since women’s urethras are shorter than men’s, they are more susceptible to UTIs. Bacteria can travel more easily from the rectum or vagina to the bladder. UTIs are also more common in people who have a history of UTIs.
Symptoms of a UTI may include:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urination
- Strong urge to urinate
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen
The most common UTI treatment is antibiotics, but you can minimize the risk of getting an UTI by doing a few simple things. First, drink plenty of fluids to keep your urinary tract flushed. Second, wipe from front to back after using the restroom to avoid spreading bacteria. Finally, urinate after sex to flush any bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse.
Do bidet Cause Urinary Tract Infection?
Yes, a bidet can cause UTI, but if it is used without proper care and guidelines. The chances of UTI increase if you use public restrooms without preventive measures.
Although some study shows that women using bidet cause different types of infections. A study in 2017 in University Hospital Japan revealed that 254 out of 292 bidet toilets were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., or other organisms.
Another study found that 42.86% of bidet toilet users were without normal microflora (Lactobacillus species), compared to 8.77% of non-users. Other pathogens were four to six times more likely to be present in bidet users than in non-users. In addition to it, fecal bacteria were found in 50 out of 268 cases, and among them, 46 cases in bidet users and only 4 cases in non-users. Furthermore, Contamination by other pathogens was 4 to 6 times higher in users than in non-users.
Does bidet prevent Urinary Tract Infection?
Yes, definitely bidets prevent UTIs if used correctly. In fact, bidets can actually help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. This is because bidets keep the area clean and free of bacteria. When you use a bidet to clean yourself after going to the bathroom, you are less likely to spread bacteria to your urethra.
If you’re going to the public restroom, you should clean the bidet nozzle to remove bacteria. Moreover, It is important to check the nozzle spray position to judge where the nozzle jet is sprinkling and then adjust at recommended settings.
You should set the nozzle from front to back. In your home, you can select the bidet at a standard-setting according to instructions on using a bidet safely.
If you are concerned about the possibility of bidets causing UTIs, you can do a few things to reduce your risk. Use a bidet with a freshwater supply, and avoid using a bidet after intercourse.
If you use a bidet, be sure to cleanse the area thoroughly afterward with soap and water. You may also consider using a bidet seat cover to create a barrier between your body and the bidet.
Bidets can also help reduce the risk of other infections, such as yeast infections. Bidets can help keep the vaginal area clean and free of bacteria.
How to Use a bidet safely to prevent UTIs?
Here are some guidelines to avoid the danger of getting an infection from a bidet. It is important to make sure that the bidet is set on the correct water temperature. The water should be warm, but not hot.
Secondly, always use clean toilet paper when using a bidet. Be sure to wipe from front to back after using the bidet, as this will help to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra. Finally, it is important to clean the bidet after each use.
By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent a UTI with a bidet.
Wash front to Back
As discussed, 92% of bidets users have found fecal bacteria left on their bodies. Therefore, there the chances of entering those bacteria into the urethra increased.
For that, one of the most important things you can do to prevent a UTI with a bidet is to always wash from front to back. This helps to keep bacteria from entering the urethra.
Use Clean Toilet Paper
No matter whether you are using a bidet or not, the toilet papers are always stuffed with your toilet. Even the use of bidet minimizes the use of toilet paper, but anyhow toilet papers are used to dry after a bidet wash. To prevent UTIs, use clean toilet paper to wipe from front to back.
Clean the Bidet After Each Use
As studies show that people using bidets have the most chances of getting infections from the bidet. It is important to clean the bidet after each use. This helps to remove any bacteria that may be on the bidet. You can clean the bidet with mild soap and water.
Use Feminine Wash Attachment
It is admitted fact that females have more chances of getting UTIs from the bidet. So, for a woman using bidets, the feminine bidets are highly recommended for them to prevent from getting infected.
This helps to keep the bidet clean and prevents bacteria from spreading. There are varieties of bidets available with feminine wash. The feminine bidet’s specific feature is a dual nozzle wash or multiple wash option in a single nozzle.
Change the Water Temperature
It is important to make sure that the bidet is set to the correct water temperature. The water should be warm, but not hot.
Wash Bidet nozzle before each use.
By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent a UTI with a bidet. If you have any concerns about using a bidet or preventing a UTI, talk to your doctor. They can help you to understand the best way to use a bidet and how to prevent a UTI.
It is recommended that you wipe the inside of the nozzle once a month while the nozzle is on this setting. Changing your bidet’s filter semi-annually will extend its life and keep you and anyone using your bidet safe from Contamination.
Avoid the use of Towels in public restrooms.
Usually, in public restrooms, there are towels hanging nearby the bidet to wipe off after the use of the bidet. But that towels are not for wiping your backside because those towels are for wiping hands after the use of the bidet.
As many people already use those towels for wiping, so don’t use those towels as they could be contaminated with other people’s bacteria.
Follow the bidet manufacturer’s guidelines.
Every bidet comes with its guidelines that include the bidet installation and use. So If you have a bidet in your home, do you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the how-to-use bidet safely? How and when to clean your bidet?
The Bottom Line
Research has shown that regular use of a bidet could be linked to an increased risk of contracting a variety of pathogens. In settings where there are lots of people sharing the same bidet, this may be more likely to happen.
It is important to use a bidet properly if you have a bidet at home. Make sure you clean and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations so that it remains safe to use (and clean).
