Bidet basics, explained: who are bidets for?

Bidets are more than just a bathroom upgrade—they're a transformative solution for personal hygiene that can benefit everyone, regardless of gender. Yes, bidets provide a cleaner, more effective alternative to traditional toilet paper. But they are also designed to support diverse hygiene needs: from gender-specific needs like postpartum care and prostate wellness to those that arise as a result of gastrointestinal health conditions. Whether you’re looking for comfort, sustainability, or support for specific symptoms, a bidet can offer a solution.

Maintaining good personal hygiene isn’t just a self-care trend—it’s essential for overall health and well-being. Better bathroom hygiene can help prevent infections and irritation, reduce the spread of bacteria, and promote comfort and confidence. Unfortunately, toilet paper isn’t designed to meaningfully address these problems. Though convenient, toilet paper can be ineffective at removing bacteria and residue, which can lead to discomfort and potential hygiene issues. It can also exacerbate existing conditions for men and women alike.

From luxury electronic bidets and smart toilets to affordable bidet attachments, modern bidets are designed with inclusivity in mind. Most offer a range of features that cater to diverse hygiene needs, including water temperature and pressure control, customizable spray patterns, and nozzle positioning. This helps ensure that anyone can benefit from a bidet wash, despite differences in body size, personal anatomy, or mobility limitations. Some users may prefer a traditional rear wash, while others may want the spray positioned more forward. By adjusting the nozzle positioning (using the remote control or side arm panel on electronic bidets, and by manually positioning the nozzle on bidet attachments) users can ensure a targeted wash—along with better hygiene.

Why do men use bidets?

Let’s face it: after using the toilet, you’ve got to get cleaned up. A gentle spray of water can help remove bacteria and particles much more effectively than toilet paper, leaving you fresh, clean, and confident. Bidets can also be helpful when struggling with gastrointestinal symptoms related to Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and the like. Instead of further irritating sensitive areas by repeatedly wiping with dry, irritating toilet paper, warm and soothing water allows for a gentle and effective clean without friction.

Other health issues can lead to discomfort below the belt. Bacterial prostatitis—an infection of the prostate gland—along with anal fissures and hemorrhoids can lead to pain and difficulty during bowel movements. While it’s imperative to see your doctor for new or concerning symptoms, bidets can play a supportive role in managing these issues, helping to prevent further irritation. When it comes to how a bidet works for a man, there’s nothing different to note—simply sit and adjust settings to deliver your preferred wash. The pre-programmed “rear” spray is usually a good starting point, but fine-tuning (either by adjusting the nozzle position or shifting slightly on the seat) can help hit the intended target with precision.

Why do women use bidets?

Women can experience a range of symptoms that stem from gastrointestinal conditions. But bidets can also provide specific benefits for everyday care through many life stages—including menstrual and postpartum support. Bidet use may also help prevent conditions that are more likely to impact a woman's health: Studies show that women are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) than men. There are many reasons that a person can get a UTI, but personal hygiene can play a part, especially in recurring infections. Ensuring that the urethra and vulva are kept free from lingering bacteria is part of essential hygiene. Wiping from front to back is an important measure—but a bidet helps take this step further, cleansing the area completely with water.

For new mothers recovering from childbirth, bidets can take the place of messy and inconvenient peri bottles, providing soothing support to the vulva and perineum. More than 85% those who have given vaginal birth report at least some perineal trauma. Keeping this area clean is key to promoting healing while reducing the risk of infection, and warm water can help soothe tender skin. Bonus points: a bidet seat or bidet attachment allows for hands-free personal hygiene—a perfect solution for new moms.

Here’s another reason why women use bidets—they can help users stay cleaner and fresher during periods and after intercourse. Studies show that vaginal douches and other over-the-counter vaginal washes can disrupt the delicate vaginal microbiome, leading to yeast infection, vaginitis, and other negative outcomes, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and cervical cancer. The market is full of hygiene products aimed at reducing unwanted odor and balancing pH, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends staying away from vaginal sprays and deodorants. Cleaning with water can remove bacteria, endometrial fluid (period blood), and other odor-causing substances from the vulva without the same threat of disruption to the vaginal microbiome.

Bodies aren't one size fits all—and a bidet wash shouldn't be, either. Anyone can benefit from the customizable aspect of modern bidets, especially users looking for both a front and rear wash. Many modern bidets offer pre-programmed front and rear washes, but higher-end models will let users further fine-tune nozzle positioning. Experiment with water pressure and spray patterns to see what works best for your varying hygiene needs.

Better hygiene—for all bodies.

Whether you’re looking for comfort, improved self care, or targeted support for specific symptoms, bidets and smart toilets offer a simple yet powerful way to elevate your personal care routine. Many models include additional features that anyone will love, regardless of gender: heated seats, warm air dryers, hands-free functionalities, and so much more. Toilet paper simply can’t compete—switch to a bidet and experience a game-changing hygiene upgrade you’ll literally feel good about.