by Athena Garner

Created on: September 21, 2008

Many people are unsure of how to use a bidet. The bidet is commonly seen outside the US and is gaining in popularity here, especially in nice hotels and private homes. A bidet resembles a toilet but is equipped with warm-water jets that are used to maintain hygiene after a visit to the toilet. Don't let the bidet intimidate you. Once you become accustomed to using one, the mystery will be gone.

Other reasons to use a bidet include cleansing before or after sex and during menstruation. For people with hemorrhoids bidets reduce the amount of irritating wiping that needs to be done. Elderly or disabled people can use them to stay clean and reduce the number of showers they take, thereby reducing the risk of a fall on a slippery surface.

The bidets you encounter will either be attached to a regular toilet or be freestanding devices, usually next to the toilet. For a freestanding model, wipe with slightly toilet paper and place the paper in the toilet. This prevents clogging the bidet which is not meant to handle toilet paper of anything else that can easily be flushed down a toilet. Most bidets don't have seats in the same way toilets do, instead you sit on the rim. Once you are seated on the bidet turn the water on. The jets can usually be adjusted to your desired strength of flow and temperature. Generally, the direction of the stream can be adjusted as well. Allow the water to cleanse the desired area. Turn the water off and dry yourself. Some bidets have a feature to air dry you. If your bidet is not equipped with this then dry off with toilet paper as you would after using the toilet or a cloth towel as you would after a bath. Once again, place any toilet paper in the toilet.

Some bidets don't have jets. Instead there is a faucet from which you fill the basin and a stopper to keep the water in, just like a sink. Once the basin is full you wash using your hands. You may use soap if desired. If there is a towel on a ring next to the bidet this is generally for drying hands only.

If you placed and toilet paper in the toilet, flush it now. A freestanding bidet should be rinsed after use by running the water at low pressure for a few seconds. And of course, wash your hands afterwards.

If you are using a bidet attachment on a toilet there are a few things to do differently. Some attachments replace the entire seat and some fit between the seat and the rim. The only real difference between a toilet-bidet combination and a regular bidet is that you don't have to move after using the toilet, simply turn on the jet when you are ready. You may then dry with toilet paper and flush as you normally would.

The use of a bidet if good for people with hemorrhoids because it reduces the need for irritating wiping. It is beneficial for women as well because it can reduce the occurrence of yeast infections.

Keep in mind: be careful when turning on the bidet since many produce a high jet of water with a slight turn of the knob. And don't be embarrassed by the thought of using one. A bidet is a refreshing way to cleanse after every trip to the toilet or just for occasional use.

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