For the relief of pain and discomfort a sitz bath for hemorrhoids is a great option that is often recommended by healthcare professionals.  It is important to know that if your doctor has suggested taking sitz baths for hemorrhoids, you should follow his or her instructions on water temperature and on any ingredients he may have prescribed for you to add to the sitz bath. A sitz bath can be a great source of natural pain relief.

While most physicians recommend taking a sitz bath for hemorrhoids at least three times per day, it is often prescribed up to several times daily. The need for several soakings is to help keep the area clean and to promote healing. Healing is accelerated when the mind can stop thinking about the pain and can concentrate on helping the body to heal itself. Also, the heat from the sitz bath will cause the blood cells to rush to that area and thus expedite the healing.

While it is of course possible to take your sitz bath for hemorrhoids in the bathtub, it can be quite a chore and can also use a lot of unnecessary water. Sitz baths should be filled at least 2 to 3 inches high so that the rectal area is covered enough and the water is getting into the area it needs to be.  There is an easier, more efficient, quicker and easier to clean up way to take a sitz bath and that is by using a portable sitz bath.

Portable sitz baths are plastic or inflatable small vessels that can be placed directly under the lid of the toilet or under the seat area of the toilet. Some are vented to allow water to flow through and include a bag and tube attachment for adding a sitz bath mixture that will run through the sitz bath tub.

If you are self treating your hemorrhoids because you’re sure that’s the problem you’re experiencing and are looking for guidance on sitz baths for hemorrhoids, it is often recommended that sea salt or Epsom salt be added to the sitz bath. If you’re under a doctor’s care, then he or she may have prescribed an herbal or salt sitz bath to aid in quicker healing and to alleviate discomfort. These herbal mixtures can be made at home or can be purchased pre-made from drug stores and health food stores.

Taking a sitz bath for hemorrhoids at least three to four times a day will help healing and also relieve discomfort, but it is important to know that if there is rectal bleeding present it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Therefore, please check with your doctor to be sure that the blood is a result of hemorrhoids. Also, once the hemorrhoids are gone, it’s necessary to make the proper changes to your diet and your lifestyle to help prevent a future hemorrhoid reoccurrence.