For many people, the idea of using a bidet (handheld or built-in spray nozzle) might seem unusual or unnecessary. Yet research shows that this small bathroom fixture offers major health and hygiene benefits — and even helps reduce environmental waste.

Here are three powerful reasons why switching to a bidet could be one of the simplest, healthiest choices you can make for your body and the planet.

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1️⃣ Using a Bidet Helps Prevent the Spread of Bacteria and Infections

When it comes to hygiene, wiping alone just doesn’t do the job.
According to a study by the Department of Nursing at Ube Frontier University (Japan, 2022), bidets were found to significantly reduce bacterial residue after bowel movements compared to toilet paper.

“Fecal bacteria can spread easily through wiping, even with clean hands,” explains Dr. Maya Nakagawa, public health researcher at Ube Frontier University.
“Water cleaning provides a more thorough and hygienic result, helping lower infection risk.”

This is especially important in preventing hand contamination and cross-infection, which can lead to illnesses like gastroenteritis, hepatitis A, or even COVID-related fecal transmission.

However, experts caution that bidets themselves must be kept clean:

• Do not let the spray nozzle touch the skin directly.

• Clean the nozzle regularly with disinfectant.

• Ensure the water tank and filters are sanitized to avoid bacterial buildup.

🌍 Bonus Benefit: Eco-Friendly Hygiene

Traditional toilet paper contributes to deforestation and water waste.
Each year, Americans use enough toilet paper to fell 15 million trees, consuming over 1.6 trillion liters of water and 253,000 tons of bleach (Environmental Paper Network, 2023).

A bidet, by contrast, uses only about 1 liter of water per use, making it an environmentally sustainable choice.

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2️⃣ Bidets Can Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections affect more than half of all women at least once in their lifetime, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS, 2024).

While most doctors recommend wiping “front to back” to prevent bacterial transfer, gentle water cleaning from a bidet is even more effective.

“Using a bidet minimizes friction, removes bacteria more completely, and lowers the risk of infection,” notes Dr. Rachel Lee, OB-GYN, Johns Hopkins Medicine (2024).

Dry toilet paper can leave behind residue or microscopic tears in the delicate skin of the genital area, increasing vulnerability to bacteria such as E. coli — the most common cause of UTIs.

In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 8 million UTI cases annually, many linked to poor wiping hygiene (CDC, 2023).
A clean water rinse provides a gentler, more hygienic alternative — especially beneficial for:

• Women prone to recurrent UTIs

• Pregnant women

• Older adults with limited mobility

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3️⃣ Using a Bidet May Prevent or Relieve Hemorrhoids

If you’ve ever had hemorrhoids — swollen veins around the rectum — you know that wiping with dry paper can be painful and irritating.
A gentle rinse with warm water from a bidet helps soothe inflammation and reduce pressure in the anal area.

A 2011 clinical study on electronic bidets found that low- to medium-pressure warm water improved blood circulation in the anal region and provided significant comfort to participants with hemorrhoidal symptoms.

“Bidet use decreases anal pressure and helps keep the area clean without friction,” confirms Dr. Alan Chen, colorectal specialist at Mayo Clinic (2023).

Regular use may not only relieve discomfort but also help prevent hemorrhoids from forming by reducing the need for excessive wiping or straining.

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🌿 Healthier You, Healthier Planet

Beyond personal health, using a bidet is a quiet act of environmental care.

• One bidet session: ≈ 1 liter of water

• One toilet paper roll: ≈ 140 liters of water to produce

That’s a reduction of nearly 80% in paper use, saving trees and water while lowering your household waste.

“It’s rare for one small habit to benefit both your body and the Earth,” says Dr. Chen (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
“But the bidet does exactly that.”

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✅ Quick Tips for Safe and Effective Bidet Use

• Use clean, warm water at moderate pressure.

• Do not share detachable bidet heads between bathrooms.

• Wipe gently with a few squares of paper or a clean towel to dry.

• Clean the nozzle weekly with vinegar or mild disinfectant.

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💧 Final Thoughts

A bidet isn’t just a luxury — it’s a smarter, safer, and greener hygiene upgrade.
It can reduce infections, protect sensitive skin, prevent hemorrhoids, and save millions of trees each year.

Next time you’re in the bathroom, think of the bidet not just as a tool — but as a quiet revolution in self-care. 🌿

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