A sitz bath involves sitting in warm water to cleanse and relieve symptoms in the pelvic and rectal area. It can aid healing after surgery or childbirth and reduce pain, swelling and inflammation from hemorrhoids, painful urination or menstrual cramps. The proper procedure involves filling a tub with 105-110°F water, assisting the patient to sit for 15-30 minutes, then drying the area. Sitz baths promote relaxation, circulation and pain relief in various pelvic conditions.

1. SITZ BATH
Saheli C
Lecturer
IACN

2. SITZ BATH
• The term “sitz bath” comes from the German word for
“seat.”
• A sitz bath is also known as hip bath.
• A sitz bath is a method of applying warm bath to the
pelvic or rectal area by sitting in a tub.
• Cleanses the perineum, the spaces between the rectum
and the vulva in female and scrotum in male.
• It can also provide relief from pain or itching in the genital
area.

3. SITZ BATH

4. DEFINITION
• Sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath in which there is a
local application of moist heat to the pelvic organ.
• Temperature of the water should be 105°-110°F or
we can use lukewarm water as comfortable to
patient if bath thermometer is not available.
• Duration of the bath is 15-30 minutes or as tolerated
by patient.

5. Purpose of Sitz Bath
1. To aid healing process of perineal wounds by
cleaning it and to wipe off discharges and debris.
2. To reduce the pain and discomfort.
3. To relieve pain, congestion and inflammation in
cases of:
a. Hemorrhoid : are swollen veins in your lower
rectum.
b. Tenesmus : A sensation of incomplete
evacuation.
c. After proctoscopic or cycloscopic examination.

6. PROCTOSCOPE

7. 4. To reduce the pain and discomfort during
menstrual period.
5. To reduce swelling and irritation.
6. To increase circulation by vasodilatation.
7. To promote relaxation.
8. To relieve pain in retention and painful
urination.

8. INDICATIONS
• Swollen painful hemorrhoids
• Following surgery in the ano-rectal region.
• Episiotomy
• Uterine Cramps

9. CONTRAINDICATIONS
• Diabetes, peripheral vascular diseases.
• Impaired peripheral sensory function.
• Immediate post hemorrhoidectomy.
• Menstruating or pregnant women.

10. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
• Maintain the privacy of the patient.
• Ensure appropriate level of water and its
temperature before allowing patient to sit.
• Size of the tub should be appropriate.
• Wash hands before and after procedure.
• After finishing sitz bath , dry the perineal area.

11. EQUIPMENT
• Sitz tub or sitz bath basin.
• Low stool / potty chair/ toilet bowl.
• Warm water in jugs. (temperature 105-110°F/
40-43°C) or lukewarm water as comfortable for
patient.
• Medication if ordered.
• Clean gloves , if needed
• Towel
• Cotton pad for drying.
• Kidney tray for waste.

13. STEPS OF PROCEDURE
Pre procedural steps:
• Check the physician order and nursing care plan
• Identify the patient.
• Assess the patients condition, pain level, and
ability to ambulate to the bathroom.
• Wash hands.

14. INTRA PROCEDURAL STEPS:
• Add required quantity of
ordered medication (eg.
Betadine) into sitz bath basin,
potassium permanganate etc.
• Fill the basin with warm water
at temperature of (105-110°F/
40-43°C) or lukewarm water as
comfortable for patient.
• Keep basin on a low stool/ toilet
bowl/ potty chair with toilet
seat up

15. • Assist patient with removal of any dressing and
position and assist to sit in sitz bath basin.
• Place the towel on patients thigh and cover the
shoulders with sheet to protect from chills and
exposure.
• Do not leave the patient unattended during the
procedure.
• Instruct the patient to contract and ralax the
sphincter while taking sitz bath.

16. • Allow the patient to sit for 20 minute, then assist
with drying and applying dressing or peripad as
required.
• Discontinue the procedure if any adverse affects
like dizziness, weakness, accelerated pulse rate
or pallor occurs.
• Help the patient out of the tub when the bath is
completed.

17. • Assist patient back to bed, and instruct to stay in
bed for 20 minutes hip elevated.
• Clean and replace all the reusable articles.
• If the basin is to be autoclaved, arrange for it.
• Wash hands.
POST- PROCEDURAL STEPS:
Document tolerance of procedure, pain and
appearances of perineal area/ wound area.

18. WASTE MANAGEMENT
• Soiled water should be drained in toilet
• Peripad and tissue used for wiping off perineal
should be discarded in yellow bag as it will be
contaminated.