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Sitz Baths for Hemorrhoids Treatment

Overview

While the prevalence of hemorrhoids has given rise to a great variety of hemorrhoids treatments, including hemroids medications, there are many people who prefer not to use medications to treat their condition.  Some do not like the risk of side effects that is present in conventional medications that contain chemicals and additives.  Others may find the costs of these hemorrhoids medications prohibitive.  Still others, may find it difficult to talk about their condition to a doctor or pharmacist, and may prefer to treat their hemroids at home.

Sitz Baths to Relieve Hemorrhoids Symptoms

For those sufferers who do not wish to use medications on their hemorrhoids, Sitz baths, sometimes referred to as hydrotherapy, are a relatively cheap and easy alternative for treating your hemorrhoids symptoms.  Many hemroids patients find that soaking their lower body region in Sitz baths helps  relieve pain and inflammation in the anal area.

Sitz baths have been used as a home remedy to treat a variety of ailments for many years.  In addition to being an effective hemorrhoids treatment, Sitz baths can be used for other ailments in the anal area.  Women who undergo episiotomies during childbirth, a procedure where an incision is made to enlarge the vaginal opening and ease childbirth, often find relief in Sitz baths after the procedure.

To be effective, Sitz baths should be used for at least 10 or 15 minutes at a time, at least 2 to 4 times a day.  An ordinary basin may be used, or a basin which fits over the toilet bowl that is specifically made for Sitz baths can be purchased at most pharmacies or medical supply stores.  Basins that are designed for Sitz baths have drainage holes that make it easy to release the liquid into the toilet when you are through with your Sitz bath.

Some people prefer cold Sitz baths to treat their hemroids, as the cold can help relieve swelling and pain.  Others prefer to use warm water in their sitz baths to improve blood flow and relax the anal area.  Still others may use alternating baths of hot and cold water to ease their hemorrhoids symptoms.  Salt may also be added to the water, but caution needs to be taken if you have hemroids that are lacerated or bleeding, as using salt may actually end up causing you more irritation.

Many people put a footstool in front of the toilet and rest their feet there while they are taking a Sitz bath.  This is to relieve the pressure that is put on the legs, especially if you are shorter and your legs do not easily reach the floor.

If you are suffering from hemorrhoids, Sitz baths can be a quick and easy hemorrhoid treatment that you can perform in the privacy of your own home.  Sitz baths are an effective way to relieve uncomfortable hemroids symptoms like swelling, inflammation and irritation, and they do not cost a lot of money, like some other hemroids treatment methods.  As with any treatment alternative, you should always consult with your doctor before trying a new remedy to make sure that it is appropriate for your particular case of hemroids.