Sitz baths are a home treatment that can be performed to relieve symptoms of conditions like genital herpes, yeast infections, hemorrhoids or urinary tract infections. They can help to reduce burning, itching, pain, irritation and discharge, for example.

Sitz baths can help with symptoms because they help to clean the area, reduce infection and increase blood circulation to the area to promote healing.

Sitz baths can be prescribed to complement the other prescribed treatments. They can be done using essential oils, baking soda or vinegar, for example, depending on the purpose of the bath.

What is it used for?

A sitz bath can be done by men and women, and can help to treat conditions like:

Bacterial vaginosis
Urinary tract infections
Genital herpes
Yeast infections
Hemorrhoids

Sitz baths can also be prescribed to relieve symptoms caused by diarrhea, or following genital or perianal surgery.

How to prepare a sitz bath

See our step-by-step guide on how to take a sitz bath:

Wash the basin, bathtub, bidet or toilet seat thoroughly, removing any dirt or soap residue.
Heat 2 to 4 liters of water in a pot or kettle and, and when it is lukewarm, pour enough water into the basin, bidet or bathtub to cover the entire area of the skin to be treated.
Add the ingredients or medications to the water, which will depend on the condition to be treated. Be sure to stir well.
Cleanse the genitals, and then sit in the sitz bath, covering the entire area, for about 10 to 15 minutes;
When finished, carefully dry the genital or perianal area with a dry, clean towel;
Wash the basin, bathtub, bidet or toilet seat after use.

It is generally recommended to take a sitz baths1 to 3 times a day. However, the frequency can vary depending on the condition being treated, which is why you should follow your doctor's guidance.

It is important to remember that sitz baths do not replace the treatment prescribed by a doctor and that you should adhere to the treatment plan as prescribed by your doctor.

Types of sitz bath

Check out some types of sitz baths below:

1. Sitz bath for yeast infections

Melaleuca alternifolia essentual oil, also known as tea tree oil, can be very effective for treating yeast infections. It has antifungal action that can help to reduce the growth and spread of Candida sp. fungus causing the infection. Learn more about the health benefits of tea tree oil and how it can be used.

To prepare this sitz bath, simply mix 5 drops of tea tree essential oil in 1 liter of warm water in a basin. Cleanse the genital area and sit in the basin for about 15 minutes. It is recommended to take this sitz bath once a day.

This sitz bath helps to relieve symptoms like discharge, intense itching and burning. Check-out other sitz baths for yeast infections that you can prepare at home.

2. Sitz bath for UTI

Vinegar can be used to prepare to prepare a sitz bath for a UTI, as vinegar can alter the pH of the genital area and inhibit the adhesion of bacteria in the bladder.

To prepare this bath, pour 3 liters of warm water in a basin, add 4 tablespoons of vinegar, and stir well. After cleansing the genital area, sit in the basin for 15 minutes. Perform this sitz bath once a day.

3. Sitz bath for hemorrhoids

Chamomile has calming and healing properties and can be used in sitz baths to relieve the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids.

To make this sitz bath, simply heat 3 liters of water until lukewarm. Then, add 4 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Strain the infusion and pour into a basin. After cleansing the genital area, sit in the basin for 15 minutes. You can perform this sitz bath twice a day. See other sitz baths for hemorrhoids that you can prepare to reduce discomfort and speed-up healing.

4. Sitz bath for genital herpes

Baking soda can be used to prepare a sitz bath for genital herpes, as it can reduce discomfort and help heal lesions.

To prepare this sitz bath, dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in 3 liters of warm water in a basin. After cleansing the genital area, sit in the basin for 15 minutes. You can perform this sitz bath once a day.