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• Method 1 of 2: Take a sitz bath in a bathtub
• Method 2 of 2: Use a special set for taking a sitz bath

In a sitz bath, you sit in warm water to soothe pain and swelling in the anus or the opening of the vagina. Your doctor may recommend that you use sitz baths if you have hemorrhoids or anal fissures, or if you have recently given birth and have damaged tissue. No matter which area you want to treat, taking a sitz bath is a good and gentle method of soothing the pain and irritation caused by the injury. There are special aids you can use, but you can also just take a sitz bath in your own bathtub. This article will show you how to take a sitz bath in both ways.

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Method 1 of 2: Take a sitz bath in a bathtub

1. Clean the bathtub. You'll be amazed how dirty a bathtub can get for a place you use to get clean. Since you are taking a sitz bath to allow injured tissue to heal, it is very important to ensure that the bathtub is sterile.
   • Use a bleach-based cleaner to sterilize the bathtub before taking a sitz bath.
   • Scrub the bathtub thoroughly to remove any soap scum and other bath product residue that has accumulated on the surface.
   • Rinse the bathtub thoroughly to remove both the soap residue and the detergent you used.
2. Provide the correct water temperature. It is very important that the water you use for your sitz bath is warm but not boiling hot. Make sure the water is not so hot that it causes discomfort, irritation and inflammation. However, warm water ensures better blood circulation in the area with the injured tissue, promoting the healing process in that area.
   • Put your finger in the water or drip one or two drops onto the sensitive skin on your wrist to test the water temperature.
3. Fill the bathtub with about three to four inches of water. Make sure you have put the plug in the drain so that the water does not drain. Then run water into the bathtub until the water is deep enough to fully submerge the problem area.
4. If desired, add emollients to the bath water. There is no need to put anything in the bath water, because the warmth of the water already makes you feel better. However, there are many things you can put in the bath water to treat various problems. Ask your doctor which remedies he or she recommends.
   • Salt is generally a good additive to a sitz bath, whatever the reason for your sitz bath. Make sure the bath water is warmer than you like and add 75 grams of salt. Mix everything thoroughly so that the salt dissolves in the water. Then let the water cool down to a more pleasant temperature.
   • If you have a vaginal infection, add 1 cup (120 ml) of table vinegar to the water with the dissolved salt.
   • A herbal blend is great for treating hemorrhoids as well as tissue damage that occurs during childbirth. Add 150 grams of Epsom salt, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of witch hazel, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil, 8 drops of lavender oil and 8 drops of chamomile oil in the bath water.
5. Sit in the sitz bath. Make sure the problem area is completely covered with the warm bath water and soak in the bath for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
   • If necessary, run warm water into the bath to keep the bath water warm enough.
6. Pat yourself dry when you are done. After taking a sitz bath, make sure you handle the damaged tissue very carefully. So don't rub yourself dry as you normally would. Use a clean, soft towel and pat the area until it is completely dry.
   • Scrubbing and rubbing can cause irritation and more damage.

Method 2 of 2: Use a special set for taking a sitz bath

1. Buy a sitz bath kit. You can usually buy such a set at the pharmacy or at web shops for medical devices. If your pharmacy doesn't sell kits, do a search on the internet.
   • The set includes a tub or basin that fits over a toilet seat, a bag for the bath water, a plastic hose to squirt the water into the tub and a clamp for regulating the water flow through the hose.
2. Clean the tub. Even if you have bought a new set, it is important to make sure that the damaged tissue is not exposed to bacteria and dirt and becomes infected as a result. Clean the tub thoroughly with a bleach-based cleaner. Scrub the tub well and rinse it clean with water.
3. Prepare the sitz bath. When you have prepared the bath, you can just sit down while the bath is doing its job. However, you will have to prepare the bath first.
   • Insert the hose through the hole in the tub to allow the bath water to flow into the tub. If you cannot find the hole for the hose, read the instructions that came with the kit.
   • Slide the hose all the way to the center of the tub and attach it to the bottom of the tub. If necessary, refer to the instructions that came with the kit for an outline drawing.
   • Use the clamp to stop the water flow through the hose so that the water doesn't flow into the tub before you are ready.
   • Fill the bag with warm water or whatever mixture you want to use to treat the damaged tissue.
4. Put the tub in place and hang up the bag. Raise the toilet seat and place the tub over the edges of the toilet bowl. It is best to hang the bag on a hook. In any case, it is important that the bag is higher than the tub so that the liquid can flow down.
5. Sit on the tub. You will probably have to do a bit of searching to find a comfortable sitting position. You can change your position while taking the bath if necessary, so that you do not suffer from unnecessary discomfort.
6. Remove the clamp from the hose. Release the clamp that holds back the warm bath water in the bag. The water will spurt up from the opening at the bottom of the tub, so make the necessary adjustments to make sure the bath water gets onto the damaged tissue you want to treat. You may have to change your seat or change the position of the hose
   • If it is necessary to change the position of the hose, do not forget to put the clamp on the hose so that the bath water does not drain. Otherwise you will make a mess.
7. Relax. If the set is working properly, the bath water in the bag should flow slowly into the tub and not all at once. So you have a few minutes to relax while the water flows into the tub. After the bag has emptied and no more water spouts from the hose, you can simply soak the affected area in the water in the tub for as long as you want.
8. Pat yourself dry when you are done. After taking a sitz bath, make sure you handle the damaged tissue very carefully. So don't rub yourself dry as you normally would. Use a clean, soft towel and pat the area until it is completely dry.
   • Scrubbing and rubbing can cause irritation and more damage.