When you suffer from a pelvic floor disorder, your go-to treatment often attacks the problem internally; Kegel exercises, medication, surgery… But on your journey to finding that almighty cure, you may benefit from some external relief along the way.
For a lot of us, bathing is a relaxing experience. It provides us with a special bit of pampering and ‘me time’ that we don’t often get to have. But, did you know that you could offer your pelvic area a spot of luxury pampering too? Your pelvic area can be left feeling revitalised with the help of a sitz bath.
What is a Sitz Bath?
A sitz bath is a shallow, warm bath that cleanses your pelvic area. This includes the space between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum. It uses Epsom salts to help provide relief from pain and irritation in the pelvic area.
How Does a Sitz Bath Work?
When using a sitz bath, Epsom salts are added into the water. These are made from magnesium sulfate, which is an essential mineral for many bodily processes. Magnesium can help:
- Relieve pain
- Ease premenstrual syndrome symptoms
- Relax muscle spasms and tensions
- Treat constipation more effectively than laxatives
What are the Benefits of Using a Sitz Bath?
Soaking your body in Epsom salts is known to be an effective therapy for a variety of pelvic floor problems. These include:
- Pelvic Pain and Vulvodynia
- Pelvic Floor Weakness
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Constipation
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Urge Incontinence and Overflow Incontinence
- Recovery from Childbirth
Other than helping to treat pelvic floor problems, a sitz bath can also:
- Soothe irritation – Toilet paper can often irritate your pelvic area, swapping to a sitz bath eliminates that problem.
- Fit easily - It can be placed onto any standard toilet seat.
- Provide extra cleanliness – The Kegel8 Sitz Bath comes with a built-in soap holder to ensure you can be fully clean.
- Prevent accidents – The clever design of the Kegel8 Sitz Bath means that you can prevent accidental spills. The spout at the back of the bath allows overflowing water to be drained straight into the toilet.
- Save you money – Using a sitz bath can help you reduce your spending on toilet paper; plus, you’re saving the environment too. Win-win!
Kegel8 have recently launched their very own version of a Sitz Bath, so that you can soothe and relieve any pain and discomfort that you are experiencing in the pelvic area. At least this way, you can extend your 'me time' by an extra 20 minutes - bliss!
Sources
[1] Bhatia, T. (2015). Highly Acclaimed Doctor Suggests Magnesium Supplements and Epsom Salt Baths to Help Alleviate Common Women’s Health Conditions. [online]Epsom Salt Council, 2015 [viewed 02/07/18]. Available from: https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/health/highly-acclaimed-doctor-suggests-magnesium-supplements-and-epsom-salt-baths-to-help-alleviate-common-womens-health-conditions/
[2] DiNicolantonio, J. J. O’Keefe, J. H. Wilson, W. (2018). Open Heart. Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of cardiovascular disease and a public health crisis. [online] 5(1), e000668. [viewed 02/07/18]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5786912/
[3] Do, S. H. (2013). Korean Journal of Anesthesiology. Magnesium: a versatile drug for anesthesiologists. [online] 65(1), p4-8. [viewed 02/07/18]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3726845/
[4] Epsom Salt Council. (2015). Health uses of Epsom salt. [online] Epsom Salt Council, 2015 [viewed 02/07/18]. Available from: https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/uses-benefits/health/
[5] Mayo Clinic (2018) Hemorrhoids [online]. Mayo Clinic [viewed 25/09/18]. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280
[6] Waring, R. H. (2015). Report on Absorption of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) across the skin. [online] Epsom Salt Council, 2015 [viewed 02/07/18]. Available from: https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/report_on_absorption_of_magnesium_sulfate.pdf
