Is a Bidet More Sanitary Than Wiping?
With proper usage and care, bidets may be more sanitary that wiping with toilet paper.
Water can be more effective at removing trace amounts of fecal matter than TP, and it also eliminates the risk of contaminating your hands during wiping.
A small study published in December 2021 in the Journal of Water and Health examined microbe contamination of the hands after defecation with and without the use of a bidet. Researchers found that use of a bidet toilet was effective at reducing the adherence of feces to the hands compared with toilet paper.
“A good quality bidet, when used and maintained properly, will deliver superior hygiene care,” says Christine Lee, MD, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. “Toilet paper hygiene can have consequences — from not wiping clean to overzealous wiping.” Wiping with sharp or broken fingernails can also cut the skin or cause stool to be trapped under nail surfaces, Dr. Lee explains.
Can Bidets Cause Infections?
Research is still unclear about whether bidets cause vaginal or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Some studies suggest that rinsing with a bidet may spread fecal bacteria and disrupt the natural microbiome of the vagina and urinary tract. This can make them more vulnerable to infection.
However, selecting the right bidet and using it correctly can help minimize the risks. Many bidets allow you to adjust the water pressure and angle of the stream. This is important to avoid forcing water into the vagina or urethra.