Do Sitz Baths Relieve Hemorrhoid Pain?
Yes, sitz baths relieve hemorrhoid pain, but the relief is only temporary. That’s because sitz baths relieve hemorrhoids, but they don’t cure them. Let’s look more closely at what a sitz bath is and the benefits it provides for hemorrhoid treatment. What Is A Sitz Bath? A sitz bath is a form of hydrotherapy, or water therapy, in which you immerse your buttocks in water and relax. Because people often also immerse their hips, it’s sometimes called a “hip bath.” Many doctors, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, recommend sitz baths as an effective treatment for soothing and relieving hemorrhoids. The term sitz derives from the German word sitzen, which means “to sit.” You can take a sitz bath in two ways: • Sit in a bathtub with your knees to your chest to keep your bottom immersed underwater • Sit in a sitz basin that is placed on top of your toilet seat To treat hemorrhoids, sit in about 6 inches of warm water (not hot water) for 15 to 25 minutes. Doctors generally recommend
