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As someone who has used a bidet for several years at this point, the question I receive most often since I shared all the research that went into purchasing one, is whether using a bidet can cause yeast infections. Yeast infections are not fun, and are a common problem for almost every person with female anatomy, at least once in their lifetime. I’ve only had to deal with a couple, and I know that I NEVER want to do with that again. Yeast infections in females are actually so common that medications are now provided over-the-counter, without the need for a doctor’s appointment. So it’s super important to know if using a bidet can cause a yeast infection, especially if you’re wanting to switch to one for environmental reasons (like we did!).
Anecdotally, I can tell you that I have not had a single yeast infection since we bought our bidet. Or, even a urinary tract infection (UTI) since we’ve installed our bidet in 2020. But, as with all human bodies and medical conditions, it’s not always so straightforward.
Bidets are a popular alternative to toilet paper in many parts of the world, and for good reason. When we bought our Tushy Spa, it was one of our first eco-friendly swaps. They are more sanitary, eco-friendly, and can help prevent irritation and discomfort in your most sensitive areas. However, some people have valid concerns about whether bidets can cause yeast infections. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, which can thrive in warm, moist environments. Since bidets use water to clean the genital area, some people worry that it could create the perfect environment for yeast to grow.
While there is no definitive answer to whether bidets can cause yeast infections, most sources agree that it is unlikely. In fact, bidets may actually help prevent yeast infections by keeping the genital area clean and reducing irritation. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and some people may be more susceptible to yeast infections than others. If you are concerned about using a bidet, talk to your doctor or gynecologist to get their professional opinion.
Table of Contents
What is a Bidet?
As someone who has worked in the medical field for her entire adult life (#notadoctor), our human bodies and how they work has always fascinated me. And how a bidet fits into all of that makes the list of one of my most researched topics. Seriously, I was like a squirrel and came up with every question in the book about bidets before we bought one.
A bidet is a bathroom fixture that is designed to help you clean your goods after using the toilet. It can be a low-mounted, bowl-shaped device that is situated next to the toilet, or it can be attached to your toilet, like our is. Some bidets are simple and straightforward, while others are more complex and feature-rich. The right bidet for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
Bidets are common in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. They are less common in North America, but bidets are becoming more popular for a multitude of reasons, some personal hygiene-related, and some environmental, and everywhere in between. I think popularity in the United States will continue to grow, especially after the toilet paper scarcity in 2020.
The basic idea behind a bidet is that it uses water to clean your nether regions instead of wiping with toilet paper. This can be more effective, hygienic, and less irritating than wiping. I don’t know who came up with the idea of toilet paper, but it actively disintegrates when wet. Soooooo, how is a girl supposed to “wipe” herself off after she pees without the toilet paper disintegrating??? Or am I the only one who’s experienced that extremely gross issue??
With a bidet, you can use water to clean yourself thoroughly (with no toilet paper bits left behind), which can help reduce the risk of contamination, infections, and other potential problems. You’re not smearing anything around in that area with a bidet; you’re just rinsing it away. When we got our bidet, I was still so concerned about getting an infection (I could find no concrete evidence in my research), I implemented a 3-step process to my bidet usage when doing both of my businesses. First rinse the front, then rinse the back, then rinse the front again. It’s kinda like that old rule: “wipe from front to back;” I was just making sure that my front was clean of any and all fecal bacteria after my bottom was cleaned.
Bidet and Yeast Infections
Vaginas are a crazy and beautiful thing, both a fun-zone and a business-zone. They are considered self-cleaning and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast all on their own, without any input from us. The normal bacteria and yeast are necessary for all of the various functions the vagina performs. If you think of the warm, humid environment of the inside of a vagina, you can probably imagine that a lot of fungi and bacteria would love to live in that beautiful dwelling. The “good” yeast that are normally present in a vagina are there serving as a defender to tackle any bad fungus that might make it’s way into the vagina. And the “good” normal bacteria in our vaginas keeps the “good” yeast from overgrowing, as well as serving as a defender against some types of bacteria that might enter the vagina. It’s like a beautiful balance of power.
What are Yeast Infections?
There are two main types of vaginitis, meaning inflammation of the vagina. They can be either fungal in nature, or bacterial.
Vaginal yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida in the vagina. Candida is commonly referred to as “yeast” in the medical community, and is naturally already present as part of your normal vaginal microflora. It is considered the “good” yeast in our vaginas, as long as it is kept in check.
An overgrowth of this normal yeast can lead to symptoms such as inflammation, intense itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge from the vagina, also known as a vaginal yeast infection. Yeast infections can occur due to many different factors, but we’ll just say they are caused by a change in the vaginal microbiome. For instance, if you’re taking a broad-spectrum antibiotic, that antibiotic is also killing the good bacteria in your vagina. When the good bacteria isn’t around to keep the normal amount of yeast in check, then you can get an overgrowth of that yeast….resulting in a vaginal yeast infection.
Another related problem that can occur due to changes in your vaginal microflora is bacterial vaginosis (BV). Much like yeast infections are overgrowths of yeast in the vagina, BV is an overgrowth of the bacteria in the vagina. With an overgrowth of bacteria, the balance of power is upset and no “good” yeast are able to survive. This can cause vaginal itching, burning during urination, and grey/green vaginal discharge.
We could dive so much further (like I said, I’m a nerd for this stuff!), but now that you know the types of vaginitis and the delicate balance of power in your vaginal microbiome, we can look at if using a bidet can help or hurt vaginal infections.
Do Bidets Cause Yeast Infections?
There is no clear evidence that bidets cause yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or even urinary tract infections; that’s why I couldn’t find any research on it. But I think that’s just because the focus on vaginal/gynecological health has become more normalized in the last decade or so (it’s true! When I was doing research on period products, I was shocked by how little advancement had been made in the last century, largely due to the fact that vaginal/gynecological health was a taboo topic).
The caveat is that some bidets use warm water, which may increase the risk of yeast infections in some individuals. Warm and moist environments are very favorable conditions for the overgrowth of yeast, and prolonged exposure to warm water may disrupt the natural balance of power between bacteria and yeast in your vagina.
In general, most bidet users (myself included) think that their bidet cleans their nether regions a LOT better than wiping with toilet paper would. And I don’t have to deal with toilet paper pieces all through my hoo-ha.
Factors that Increase the Risk of Yeast Infections
Several factors can increase the risk of getting a yeast infections, including:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria in the body, allowing yeast to overgrow.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can promote the growth of yeast.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of yeast infections.
- Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system can make it harder for the body to fight off infections, including those that original in your vagina.
- Tight, Unbreathable, or Synthetic Clothing: Clothing that does allow for moisture-wicking or that has any added chemicals/unnatural materials can create a warm and moist environment that is favorable for the growth of yeast.
So, can using a bidet cause infections? The short answer is NO. While bidets may not directly cause yeast (or other vaginal) infections, they may increase the risk of these infections in some individuals. It is important to practice good hygiene in order to maintain healthy vaginal microflora, and to consult a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of a yeast (or other) infection.
Bidet Hygiene and Maintenance
How to Use a Bidet Safely
As someone who has used a bidet attachment for years, I can use my bidet now without worrying, and can personally attest to the amazing benefits. You wouldn’t think water shooting at your ass was all that amazing, but trust me, it absolutely is. However, it’s important to use a bidet safely to avoid any potential hygiene issues. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use lukewarm water when using a bidet, if your bidet has a temperature setting, I normally end up using cold, because I’m too impatient for the water to heat up. I thought the water temperature would make a difference, but I can’t say that I think it does.
- If you’re at all worried, like I was, be cautious when using your bidet. Maybe only use it to when you pee for awhile until you feel comfortable to use with number two. Or you can employee my FRONT, BACK, FRONT method to make sure no bad bacteria make it’s way up to where it shouldn’t. Again, I know it’s purely anecdotal, but it worked for me when I was worried if bidets are safe for vulva-owners to use.
- Use a gentle patting motion to dry off after using the bidet, rather than rubbing or wiping.
How to Maintain a Bidet
Regular cleaning and maintenance of a bidet in your home is crucial to ensure its longevity and hygiene. Here are some tips to keep your bidet in top shape:
- Regular cleaning of your bidet is important. Our bidet has a self-cleaning option, meaning it will squirt water into the toilet bowl (you just twist the knob the other direction). And I use Blueland toilet tablets. I plop one of those into the toilet bowl on Saturday mornings, use our toilet brush to clean the nozzle on the bidet followed by the toilet bowl, and then I run the self-cleaning function of the nozzle, followed by a quick wipe with a cleaning rag.
- Even with the self-cleaning function, it’s still a good idea to wipe down the nozzle periodically.
- If your bidet has filter, be sure to check them regularly and replace them as needed. This will help ensure that the water is clean and free of impurities. Our bidet attachment does not have any filters. It attaches to your toilet seat, hooks up to your sink, and you are good to go!
- If you’re not using the bidet for an extended period of time, make sure to turn off the water supply and drain any remaining water from the system to prevent mold or bacteria growth.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your bidet is clean, hygienic, and safe for regular use.
Bidets in Public Settings
Bidets in public settings are a bit of a mixed bag. In some countries, such as Japan and Italy, bidets are commonly found in public restrooms and are considered a basic amenity. In other countries, such as the United States, bidets in public restrooms are much less common and are often only found in high-end establishments. However, there is a growing trend towards more environmentally sustainable public restrooms that include bidets as a way to reduce the amount of toilet paper waste.
My current personal take on a public bidet is…probably not. I don’t even like using public restrooms, and even then only if I’m able to squat/hover over the toilet seat and NOT sit on it. I’m not sure how I would feel about a public bidet. Don’t get me wrong, I would absolutely LOVE to have access to bidet when I travel for work (yes, it is that amazing), but public restrooms just aren’t sanitary enough for me to want to share my bidet. Eventually I’ll probably break down and get a travel bidet–or stop travelling so much for work, whichever comes first.
Benefits of Using a Bidet
As someone who uses a bidet regularly (the TUSHY SPA), I can attest to the numerous benefits they offer. We made the switch to a bidet from toilet paper mainly because the Boyfriend really wanted one (he was forever talking about his bidet use in China when he went there in college), and the environmental sustainability factor when compared to the amount of toilet paper we would use in our lifetime. Here are some of the reasons why I think everyone should consider using a bidet:
Improved Hygiene
One of the most significant benefits of using a bidet is improved hygiene. Bidets use a stream of water to clean your private parts, which is much more effective than using toilet paper alone. This helps to remove any bacteria or fecal matter that may be left behind after using the bathroom, reducing the risk of infections. It also gets rid of those nasty toilet paper pieces that ended up stuck where they shouldn’t have been.
The gentle spray of water from a bidet can also sooth a lot of issues that go on down there, from hemorrhoids to Bartholin’s cysts, and they make cleaning up after sex a breeze.
Reduced Irritation
Toilet paper can be rough on delicate skin, causing irritation and even small tears. Not to mention that the production of toilet paper often involves the use of bleaching chemical that none of us want near our sensitive bits. Bidets are much gentler and can help to reduce irritation and discomfort. This is especially true for people with sensitive skin.
Environmental Benefits
Using a bidet can also be more environmentally friendly than using toilet paper. The production and disposal of toilet paper require significant amounts of energy, chemicals, and water. Bidets, on the other hand, use a small amount of water and don’t create any waste that needs to break down in septic tanks or sewer facilities.
Cost Savings
While the initial cost of installing a bidet may be higher than that of buying toilet paper, bidets can save you money in the long run. You won’t need to buy as much toilet paper, and bidets have a longer lifespan than most toilet paper rolls. Our bidet cost something like $130 USD, took about 10-15 minutes to install, and we haven’t had to buy toilet paper in over three years. That’s comes out to less than $45 USD/ year that we didn’t have to spend on toilet paper. And it will keep getting cheaper every year.
I’m pretty sure our bidet has paid for itself at least once by now, especially since nothing goes into our septic tank except our waste. So we no additional maintenance, like having our septic tank pumped, is needed.
Improved Comfort
Using a bidet can be more comfortable than using toilet paper, especially for people with mobility issues, injuries, or those recovering from surgery. Bidets can also be helpful for pregnant women or people with certain medical conditions that make wiping difficult.
Habitual use of a bidet offers numerous benefits, including improved hygiene, reduced irritation, environmental benefits, cost savings, and improved comfort. If you’re considering making the switch to a bidet, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Conclusion
After conducting extensive research on the topic, and then using our bidet for over three years, I can say that bidets are safe to use and do not directly cause yeast infections. However, poor hygiene practices while using bidets can definitely increase the risk of developing a yeast infection.
It is important to maintain good hygiene habits while using bidets to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi. It is important to pat the area completely dry after washing, as yeast thrives in moist environments.
In addition to good hygiene practices, it is also important to consider the type of water used in bidets. Hard water, or even hot water, can cause skin irritation and dryness, which can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection. Using soft water on a lukewarm or cold setting can help prevent skin irritation.
Overall, bidets can be a great addition to personal hygiene routines, but it is important to use them properly and maintain good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi. If you experience symptoms of a yeast (or other) infection, it is important to seek medical attention.
