It is a form of hydrotherapy, which increases the blood flow to the pelvis and abdominal regions. Sitz bath can be given with hot or cold water alone or alternate hot/cold water. Hot sitz bath is useful for disorders like hemorrhoids, uterine cramps and painful ovaries and testicles. Cold sitz path is useful for constipation, inflammation and vaginal discharge. Alternating hot and cold sitz path is useful for foot infection and ankle edema.

Procedure - Fill a tub with water so that it covers the hip and reaches up to mid-abdomen. If possible, immerse the pelvic and abdominal regions in the sitz bath water with your feet immersed in another basin with water, which is a few degrees warmer.

When using hot sitz bath, the tub should be filled with water about 110o F. Stay in the bath for twenty to forty minutes and then take a quick cold shower or bath.

For cold sitz bath, fill the tub with ice water and stay in the cold bath for 30-60 seconds. Then towel yourself dry.

For alternating hot and cold baths, fill one tub with hot water (about 110o F) and a second with ice water. Stay in hot sitz bath first for 3-4 minutes and then shift to cold sitz bath for 30-60 seconds, repeat this 3-4 times.

BEFORE USING ANY TYPE OF SITZ BATH, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!

Last created on 08-12-2000
Last updated on 01-07-2006