Sitz Baths: Relief for Hemorrhoids, Tears & Postpartum Recovery

Sitz baths may provide relief to tender areas and relieve pain associated with hemorrhoids, vaginal tears and episiotomy incisions. A sitz bath kit can be obtained from a local pharmacy or medical supply store if the hospital or your physician does not provide you with one. Some sitz bath kits come with a solution bag and tube that provides a continuous flow of water into the tub. If you do not have access to a kit, you can create your own sitz bath at home.

Things You'll Need

• Sitz bath pan or sitz tub kit
• Salt, baking soda or povidone-iodine liquid
• Towels

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Place the plastic sitz bath over the toilet securely so it sits firmly in the toilet. If you do not have a sitz bath kit, fill the bathtub with warm water about 2 to 3 inches high.

• 2

  Fill the sitz bath with warm water, unless your particular bath came with a solution bag. If it has a solution bag, follow the specific directions provided with the bag on how to set it up so that the solution flows into the sitz bath.

• 3

  Add salt or baking soda to the water if recommended by your physician. Consult your physician for how much of either to add. Some physicians may recommend a povidone-iodine liquid, which is available at some drug stores.

• 4

  Sit in the plastic sitz bath, or in the bathtub if you do not have a kit, for 10 to 20 minutes, unless a physician has recommended otherwise.

• 5

  Pat the area dry gently with a towel afterward, being careful not to cause further irritation.

• 6

  Wash and dry the sitz bath kit thoroughly after use.