Bidet and hemorrhoids: why water relieves (and paper aggravates)

When suffering from hemorrhoids, simply going to the toilet can become an ordeal. And the reflex to use toilet paper, far from providing relief, often perpetuates the problem. Conversely, washing with water — with a bidet or a Japanese toilet — is regularly recommended to gently soothe the area. Here's why water provides relief, how to use it, and the precautions to know.

Hemorrhoids: why toilet paper makes the situation worse

Hemorrhoids correspond to a dilation of the veins in the anal region, often accompanied by inflammation, itching, and pain. For such a sensitive area, toilet paper is particularly ill-suited: it rubs an already irritated mucous membrane, leaves residues, and can cause small lesions that perpetuate discomfort. Many affected people find that the more they wipe, the more it burns.

Dry paper therefore, at best, only postpones the problem — and, at worst, aggravates it. We detail its other limitations in our article on the true impact of toilet paper.

Why the water jet brings relief

Washing with water changes everything, for three reasons:

• No friction. The jet cleans by rinsing, without abrasive contact: the inflamed mucous membrane is no longer attacked.
• Thorough cleaning. Water removes residues better than paper, which reduces itching and the risk of irritation.
• Immediate soothing effect. Contact with water calms the burning sensation and provides rapid relief.

This is why washing with water is frequently recommended for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or after proctological surgery.

Cool or lukewarm water? The sitz bath principle

Water temperature is important and aligns with the well-known principle of the sitz bath:

• Cool water (around 15–20 °C): during an acute flare-up, cold constricts blood vessels and helps to calm inflammation and pain.
• Lukewarm water (around 35–40 °C): outside of flare-ups, lukewarm water relaxes tissues and provides a feeling of comfort and relief.

A bidet allows you to adjust this temperature. A model connected to hot water, like the Mizu Onzen, offers a lukewarm jet without electricity — particularly appreciated in a sensitive area.

How to use a bidet when you have hemorrhoids

• Set a gentle pressure: a jet that is too strong can irritate. Delicacy is key.
• A short wash is sufficient — a few seconds — to clean without macerating the skin.
• To dry, pat without rubbing, with soft toilet paper or a dedicated small towel.
• Avoid perfumed and aggressive soaps on the area: clear water is usually sufficient.

Hemorrhoids, fissures, pregnancy: situations where water helps

Beyond hemorrhoids, washing with water is often beneficial in cases of anal fissures, sensitive skin, or chronic irritations. It is also appreciated during pregnancy and postpartum, periods when hemorrhoids are common and the area is particularly delicate.

Which bidet for daily relief?

Two simple options, no renovation work needed:

Frequently asked questions

Does a bidet cure hemorrhoids?

No. A bidet is not a treatment: it relieves discomfort and prevents aggravating the area by rubbing with paper. It complements medical treatment very well but does not replace it. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Is cold water or lukewarm water better?

Both have their benefits. Cool water helps calm inflammation during a flare-up; lukewarm water relaxes and soothes daily. A gentle pressure jet is always preferable on a sensitive area.

Can the water jet cause more irritation?

Only if the pressure is too strong or the wash too long. Set a gentle jet, limit the duration to a few seconds, and pat dry. Used this way, the bidet soothes instead of irritating.

When it comes to hemorrhoids, every action counts — and replacing paper with water is one of the simplest to adopt. A gentle wash, at the right temperature, without friction: the area breathes, and daily life becomes more bearable.

Water doesn't cure, but it soothes. And sometimes, that's already a lot.