Patient Education
It is a form of hydrotherapy, which increases the blood flow to the pelvis and abdominal regions. Sitz baths can be given with hot or cold water alone or alternate hot/cold water. A hot sitz bath is useful for disorders like hemorrhoids, uterine cramps, and painful ovaries and testicles. A cold sitz bath is useful for constipation, inflammation, and vaginal discharge. An alternating hot and cold sitz bath is useful for a 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 a 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 a 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 a hot sitz bath first for 3-4 minutes and then shift to a cold sitz bath for 30-60 seconds, repeat this 3-4 times.
BEFORE USING ANY TYPE OF SITZ BATH, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!