Bidet owners are often enthusiastic about their choice, and as a gastroenterologist, I am one of them. I think about bidets the way others think about retirement accounts or the rain forecast. I get worked up quickly and carry the conviction that everyone else is wrong.
Over the years, I have written about the joys and potential health benefits of a bidet. I have received many messages from people who have finally taken the plunge, but also many questions from those who are bidet-curious but not yet ready. Fear of an embarrassing Google search history has kept many from reaching a new level of freshness. So I am devoting this column to answering the thorniest bidet questions.
Will My Hands Get Dirty or Poopy?
No. This has been studied: your hands will have about 10-fold fewer microbes if you use a bidet compared with wiping with toilet paper.
Couldn't Dirty Water Splash Back at Me?
Absolutely not. This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Bidets do not spray water from the toilet bowl. They use a separate nozzle with clean water from the same supply as your sink. The nozzle is positioned upward and far from the murky depths, so there is no chance of backsplash. If this were possible, no one would use a bidet.
What Do I Need to Do to Get the Bidet Going? Am I Contorting My Body?
The beauty of the bidet is you do not need to do the work. You press a button or turn a knob, and the bidet sprays you in the right spot without any acrobatics. You will not be reaching inside the toilet.
But Won't Water Get Everywhere? How Do I Keep My Bathroom Dry?
Water will not go everywhere because you are the thing that blocks it. The nozzle is precise and gentle—think water fountain, not fire hose. It is easier to hit the target than you imagine.
If I Use a Nozzle Attachment, Do I Stand and Use It?
There are different types of bidets. In Europe, stand-alone fixtures separate from the toilet are common, but in the U.S., more common variations are a handheld nozzle attachment or a full bidet attachment within the toilet seat. You can also replace the entire seat with a built-in bidet with features like a heated seat or air dryer. For a handheld nozzle, yes, you stand and spray. For seat attachments, you stay seated.
How Would I Dry Off After?
With a towel, or with a built-in air dryer if you have a fancy bidet. Some people use toilet paper, but that is a personal choice.
Is It Cold and Shocking?
Many bidets have heated seats and heated water. While simple attachments use cold water from the toilet supply, the temperature is similar to water used to wash your hands.
Is It Better for the Environment?
Arguably, yes. A bidet uses about one-eighth of a gallon of water per use, but little or no toilet paper. Producing a single roll of toilet paper takes about 1.5 pounds of wood and more than six gallons of water.
Can I Install a Bidet on My Own?
Yes. You attach it to the water source near your toilet. There are many online tutorials, but if you feel overwhelmed, call a plumber.
Why Are You So Into Bidets?
As a gastroenterologist, I recommend them to people with hemorrhoids, chronic diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, women who just gave birth, people with Parkinson's disease, or those who have trouble reaching back. In short, everyone deserves a bidet. Even you.
