The sitz bath is used to treat a variety of ailments but for the purposes of
this article, I want to focus on it’s use and effectiveness in the treatment of
hemorrhoids. Now I would never go so far as to say that sitz baths are not
effective as a treatment, because anyone who has used one knows that it brings
much needed relief, but it certainly is no cure.

First let me explain what a sitz bath is. The term refers to both the
physical tub and the act of taking the bath itself. The sitz tub is a small
bath just big enough for you to sit in.

Typically it is filled with very warm
water,the hotter the better as long as you’re not scalding yourself and then
you simply sit in the tub and soak your pelvic area for 20 minutes or so a
couple times a day.

A sitz bath can be used to treat a variety of problems such
as helping to heal episiotomies and other female problems but is most known for
treating hemorrhoids.

Trying to cure hemorrhoids through the use of a sitz bath is like trying to
cure a bad back with pain killers. The symptoms may lessen but the underlying
cause does not change.

In the case of hemorrhoids, there can be numerous
factors contributing to the problem and they must each be dealt with in their
own way. If you want to soak your bottom to relieve the inflammation along the
way go right ahead; but do not think it will cure your ailment unless your
hemorrhoids are caused by a one time event, in which case they might clear up
on their own.

For the rest of you who suffer from the agony and embarrassment of chronic
hemorrhoids, it may be time to look at some other options. Unlike most chronic
diseases hemorrhoids are more than likely a long term condition that has come
about from your own actions.

That’s good news because that means that you can
make changes that will reverse the condition. Many have permanently rid them
selves of the problem already.

So what kind of changes might one expect to have to make? Some can be quite
simple, like stopping straining during physical activity and bowel movements.
Others like dietary changes can be a bit more complex. But you need to do
something more than a sitz bath if you hope to cure this permanently. Treating
the symptoms only, will not be a cure.

Most people can cure hemorrhoids themselves through natural methods that
alleviate hard stools, constipation and difficult bowel movements. Methods that
include things like a high fiber diet but don’t include more ointments and
stool softeners. Nobody wants any more of that. Just like no one wants to spend
the rest of their life sitting in warm water every day.