A bidet is a plumbing fixture that is used to cleanse your intimate areas after using the toilet. While bidets are very common in many parts of the world, they have only recently started gaining popularity in North America. If you are considering getting a bidet for your home, here are some of the top reasons why you should definitely make the investment:
Improved Hygiene
One of the biggest reasons to get a bidet is for better hygiene. Using just toilet paper to clean yourself simply cannot compare to washing with water. The stream of water from a bidet provides a much more thorough cleaning of your private parts. This helps prevent issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections in women. For men, the improved cleansing may help reduce odor and skin irritation. Overall, you will feel fresher and cleaner if you incorporate a bidet into your bathroom routine.
Reduced Toilet Paper Use
With the high cost of toilet paper these days, a bidet can help save you money in the long run. Since you won’t need to use as much toilet paper after doing your business, you’ll go through TP rolls slower. Some bidet owners find they barely need any TP at all except just to pat themselves dry after using the bidet. This is especially eco-friendly, reducing waste and deforestation associated with TP manufacturing. So using a bidet is good for both your wallet and the environment.
Comfort and Convenience
Let’s face it, wiping with dry toilet paper over and over can be irritating and even painful at times. The soothing water spray from a bidet provides a much gentler cleaning experience. You’ll feel an instant feeling of relief and freshness that toilet paper simply can’t provide. Plus, with features like heated water and air drying, using a modern bidet is quick and comfortable. No more running back and forth to the shower if you feel like you didn’t quite get clean enough after the bathroom.
May Reduce Hemorrhoids and Other Issues
The improved hygiene and reduced wiping provided by a bidet can help prevent or alleviate certain health issues. Hemorrhoids are one of the most common problems that can be improved with bidet use. The gentler water stream and less irritating wiping is beneficial for inflamed hemorrhoids. Bidets may also help with other anal conditions, like fissures or fistulas. For women, the improved cleansing around the vulva can prevent bacterial overgrowth that contributes to infections.
Useful for Mobility Limitations
As we age, mobility and flexibility decrease for many people. This can make bathroom hygiene routines more difficult and tedious. For those with physical limitations, a bidet with features like a heated seat and adjustable controls can assist in self-cleaning after using the toilet. The water stream does most of the work, and less bending or twisting is required. Hand-held bidet sprayers are also great for cleaning without having to get up and down.
May Assist with Certain Health Conditions
While studies are still limited, some research indicates bidets may help improve certain medical conditions. For example, using a bidet regularly may assist with urinary or fecal incontinence. The water stream can help stimulate the muscles involved in continence. One study also showed that bidet use accelerated postoperative recovery of bowel and urinary functions in people who underwent anorectal surgery. More research is still needed, but some medical professionals already suggest bidets to help manage problematic bladder or bowel issues.
Easier Cleaning After Sex or Periods
For women especially, a bidet makes cleaning up after sex or menstrual periods much faster and simpler. Rather than having to fully bathe or shower, you can simply use the bidet’s focused water stream. The pressure and aim can be adjusted for optimal cleansing in the vulva and labial areas when needed. It’s a discrete and effective way to rinse away blood, semen or other bodily fluids and feel refreshed in just seconds.
Model Options for Any Bathroom
With so many different types of bidets available today, you can surely find one to suit your bathroom layout and decor tastes. Basic non-electric bidets simply attach to an existing toilet, while others require additional plumbing. High-tech models offer features like warm water, adjustable pressure, woman cleaning modes, air drying, touch screen controls, and more. You can opt for a space-saving corner unit, wall-hung style, or freestanding design. There are bidets made to flawlessly fit any bathroom motif and budget.
Easy Self-Installation
Installing a bidet has gotten much simpler than in the past. Hand-held bidet sprayers and other attachments require no tools at all. They easily connect to the toilet’s water supply line. Other bidets like swiveling seat types only take about 10-15 minutes for most DIYers to self-install. As long as you have basic plumbing skills and can follow instructions, you’ll find putting in a bidet much simpler than remodeling a whole bathroom. Some companies even include free installation with higher-end bidet purchases.
They Can Pay for Themselves Over Time
While bidets may require an upfront investment, the amount of money you’ll save on TP over time can make up for the initial costs. For example, if you spend $25 or more per month on toilet paper for your household and install a basic bidet for $150, it would pay for itself within a year through TP savings. Higher-end models with extra capabilities may take longer to break even, but you also get more features and benefits. When you amortize the price over the lifetime of a bidet, it is very economical.
Why You Should Buy a Bidet
There are so many great reasons to get a bidet for your home bathroom. The only challenge is choosing the right model for your needs and toilet setup. Take some time to research the different bidet options available. Focus first on finding ones that will physically fit your existing bathroom layout. Then look at must-have features versus optional add-ons so you get the most value for your budget. Take advantage of bidet trial periods and satisfaction guarantees many retailers offer. With some smart shopping, you’ll soon be enjoying all the benefits that come with owning this handy plumbing fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bidets
Before taking the plunge and buying a bidet, it’s normal to have lots of questions about what to expect. Here are answers to some of the most common bidet FAQs:
How difficult is it to install a bidet?
Most bidets designed for home use are made for easy self-installation. Hand-held sprayers, basic add-on seats, and attachable lids simply require connecting to the existing toilet’s water supply line – no plumber needed. More advanced bidets with electrical parts may require basic electrical skills to hook up the power source. But detailed instructions with pictures walk you through every installation step. Patience and some basic DIY abilities are all you really need.
Do you still need to use toilet paper with a bidet?
Yes, toilet paper is still recommended even when using a bidet. However, you’ll need far less TP. The bidet’s water stream does most of the cleansing work. Toilet paper acts more as a drying mechanism after using the bidet. You may also want a small amount of TP for any final spot cleaning. Much less sandpaper-like wiping is needed, so you save money on toilet paper while still keeping the drying benefits.
Is it messy to use a bidet?
When used properly, bidets are not messy at all. The water stream is focused on your intimate area, and any backsplash is contained within the toilet bowl. Some bidets have adjustable settings for water pressure and position that let you customize the stream for optimal cleaning. New users may need some practice to find their ideal settings. As long as you position yourself properly on the toilet, you should not have water spraying wildly all over the place. Any minor splashing is easily cleaned up with a towel or TP.
Which type of bidet is best?
There are several types of bidets to choose from:
- Hand-held sprayers attach to your toilet’s water line and are moveable for targeted cleaning control.
- Attachable seats have jets built into the seat itself. These require replacing your existing toilet seat.
- Integrated fixtures have both toilet and bidet functions combined. Some are all-in-one while others are two separate bowls side-by-side.
- Electronic bidets have features like warm water, air drying, remote controls, woman settings, etc.
The best type comes down to your budget, needs, bathroom space and decor. Consider how much cleansing control you want, your tech preferences, and if electricity is nearby.
Do bidets work for women and men?
Yes, both women and men can use bidets. Some advanced models even have settings specifically designed for female or male anatomies. However, basic bidets work fine for both sexes. Adjustable pressure, aim of the water stream, and positioning allows customization for optimal cleansing of the vulva, labia, penis and scrotum areas. The gentler water stream may be less irritating than dry wiping with TP for women who are prone to yeast infections.
Are bidets safe for children and seniors?
Bidets are generally safe bathroom additions for most age groups. Always supervise children under 10 closely when first introducing them to a bidet to ensure proper use. Help older adults with limited mobility get in optimal positions to use the bidet and bathroom safely. Make sure seniors can comfortably reach hand-held sprayers. Some bidets have safety features like pressure limiters, gentle streams, and adjustable temperature control that make them well-suited for children and the elderly.
Can bidets spread disease?
There is little evidence showing bidets directly spread infectious diseases. Modern bidets with fresh water rinses are very hygienic. Proper bathroom cleaning protocols should still be followed as with any bathroom fixture. Avoiding sharing bidets with anyone who has a contagious illness is also wise. Using good judgment and hygiene practices, bidets present a minimal risk of transmitting most diseases – and may even lower infection risk by improving cleansing.
Conclusion
After learning about all the great benefits that bidets offer for comfort, hygiene, health, and savings, the choice seems clear. Why keep up with the endless waste, expense, and irritation of toilet paper when there’s a better cleansing solution for your bathroom? By investing in a bidet, you can enjoy fresher, cleaner intimate hygiene and reduce waste for less than the ongoing cost of TP. Join the growing numbers of Americans discovering just how life-changing this bathroom addition can be. Give yourself the gift of optimized cleansing after using the toilet. Your body and wallet will thank you!
I hope this long, detailed article gives you lots of helpful information about why bidets are worth purchasing. Please let me know if you would like me to expand or clarify any part of the content. I aimed to provide an informative overview of the many benefits of bidets compared to relying solely on toilet paper for bathroom hygiene. The article covers topics such as improved cleanliness, cost savings over time, health perks, ease of installation, product options, and common faqs. Please provide any feedback to help improve the quality and usefulness of this article. I’m happy to make revisions to ensure it covers this topic thoroughly in order to potentially outrank similar content on Google.
