Bidets are a healthier, cleaner, and environmentally friendly alternative to toilet paper. We use water to clean our hands; why aren’t we using a bidet to clean our intimate area as well? Think about the number of trips to the bathroom we take every day. Now think about the amount of toilet paper we use that may spread particles and fluid around. That does not sound very clean. The bidet is becoming more mainstream for this reason.
Continue reading to learn some conventional- and not so conventional- ways to use a bidet.
Menstruation
A bidet is very beneficial during your menstrual cycle. A bidet is gentler on the skin than toilet paper and gets you cleaner. Think of the portable bidet as a mini shower every time you use it. Rather than using sheets of toilet paper, a portable bidet takes care of the mess at the push of a button. During our menstrual cycle, we might not feel as fresh in and around the perineal area. Some of us may want to reach for feminine wipes to help regain that feeling. However, feminine wipes are not the best option.
Most feminine wipes on the market contain chemicals that may be harmful and may irritate the vulvar skin. Many feminine wipes are also scented, meaning these fragrances may cause allergic reactions and disrupt the delicate pH balance of the vagina. Reaching for a portable bidet instead helps “rinse” the vagina leaving you feeling fresher.
Sexual arousal and care
Yes, the bidet’s main function is to get us clean. But they can also help us to feel sexy. Aquaphilia is the sexual arousal from water and/or watery environments and bidetonism is the use of water spray from a bidet as a genital sexual stimulant.1 With a typical bidet, you are bound to a toilet if you want to indulge in self-pleasure; however, a portable bidet takes the play anywhere you wish.
When using a portable bidet, you have the freedom to experiment with stimulation. A portable bidet also gives you the freedom to control the pressure and water temperature. Temperature play is an erotic form of sensation play that uses various degrees of hot and cold temperature to heighten the senses. The skin is full of temperature receptors so use this to your advantage! Remember, to always test the water on the back of your hand before you tease your intimate area.
A bidet is also great for after sex care. The golden rule after sexual intercourse is to urinate immediately to decrease the chances of developing a UTI. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urinating after sex helps to flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse away from your urethra. A bidet may help to further ensure any bacteria that might have been introduced has been removed.
Post-partum care
Wiping can be downright uncomfortable if you’re healing from a vaginal birth… Especially if you needed stitches after giving birth. Wiping often irritates this already sensitive area and can pull out a stitch. Here is where the portable bidet may help. Using the bidet on a low pressure helps to thoroughly clean the area and around perineal region. The bidet also acts as a soothing touch to the area outside the vagina. If you have had vaginal tearing or vaginal surgery, it is a good idea to check with your OB/GYN before using the bidet.
Daily cleaning
Of course, the bidet works great for daily cleaning. The bidet offers a more targeted clean that toilet paper cannot accomplish. Bidets are also less abrasive than toilet paper so there is less irritation happening after each time you go. If you really want, you can always gently pat dry and follow up with an intimate skin moisturizer to create a protective barrier. Aside from saving all those rolls of toilet paper, water promotes greater personal hygiene care than toilet paper which smears fecal matter without really removing it. Be a champion for the environment and for your intimate area and switch to a bidet.
FemmePharma has been helping women navigate menopause for over two decades. No matter where you are in your journey, you deserve to have knowledgeable, intimate healthcare partners to help you feel your best. Explore our other articles, podcast episodes with women’s health experts, and products to ease your transition into menopause.