Sitz bath with bicarbonate: what it is for and how to do it

A sitz bath with baking soda is a home and natural remedy indicated to soothe the skin in the genital region and reduce itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva, caused by infections, such as candidiasis.

Sodium bicarbonate helps to have an antifungal and anti-inflammatory action as it helps to alkalize the vaginal pH, leaving the genital region less acidic, which means that the fungus that causes candidiasis does not have the conditions for its growth, helping to alleviate the symptoms.

A sitz bath with baking soda can be a natural option to complement the treatment recommended by your doctor, so if a woman experiences itching, irritation or discharge, she should consult her gynecologist for appropriate treatment.

What is it for

The sitz bath with sodium bicarbonate is mainly indicated to help treat:

• Candidiasis;
• Urinary infections;
• Cytolytic vaginosis.

It is important to highlight that the sitz bath with bicarbonate, as well as other sitz baths, can be done to complement the treatment recommended by the gynecologist. See other types and benefits of sitz baths.

If you want an evaluation by a gynecologist, make an appointment in the nearest region:

Does a sitz bath with baking soda cure vaginal infections?

The sitz bath with bicarbonate does not cure vaginal infections, but helps relieve symptoms in the genital regionsuch as vulva irritation, swelling, redness, itching and a stinging or burning sensation.

How it works

Sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline substance that has anti-inflammatory and antifungal action, as it can help regulate vaginal pH, especially in the case of candidiasis and cytolytic vaginosis.

Furthermore, the sitz bath with sodium bicarbonate leaves the genital region less acidic, which makes it difficult for the bacteria to proliferate. Candida albicanswhich is the main fungus that causes candidiasis, in addition to reducing the amount of Lactobacillus which can cause cytolytic vaginosis. Understand what cytolytic vaginosis is.

How to make

The sitz bath with baking soda can be done in a bathtub or bidet or using a basin, properly sanitized.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate;
• 1 liter of warm water, previously boiled.

Preparation mode

Mix the ingredients, wait for it to cool and take a sitz bath by placing this solution in a bidet or basin and remaining seated in contact with this water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

In the case of candidiasis, this sitz bath can be used up to twice a day, as long as symptoms persist. See other sitz bath options for candidiasis.

For cytolytic vaginosis, it is recommended to take a sitz bath twice a week, every 2 weeks, or as advised by your gynecologist.

Care when taking a sitz bath

Some precautions are important when taking a sitz bath with bicarbonate, such as:

• Clean and sanitize the basin, bidet or bathtub, before and after taking a sitz bath;
• Perform intimate hygiene before starting the sitz bath;
• Dry the intimate area with a clean, dry towel after taking a sitz bath;
• Do not use very hot water, but only warm water, to avoid burns or discomfort in the genital area;
• Do not take excessive sitz baths, as this may increase the risk of side effects;
• Follow the treatment recommended by the gynecologist according to the type of vaginal infection.

Furthermore, before taking a sitz bath with bicarbonate, you should check if you are allergic to this substance and, therefore, it is recommended to make a bicarbonate paste by mixing 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate and the same amount of water. .

Apply a little of this paste to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours. If allergy symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling or the formation of small blisters appear, you should wash your skin and not take a sitz bath.

Possible side effects

The side effects of a sitz bath with baking soda are vaginal dryness or irritation when done more often than recommended.

Furthermore, as it increases the vaginal pH, when done in excess it can deregulate the pH of the genital region, increasing the risk of infections.

Therefore, the sitz bath with bicarbonate should be done under the guidance of a gynecologist.

Who shouldn’t do

The sitz bath with bicarbonate should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who are allergic to bicarbonate.

Furthermore, this sitz bath should not be used by people with diabetes, heart disease, or serious wounds or infections in the genital region.

The sitz bath with bicarbonate should also not be used by people who are prone to dizziness or fainting, as the bath can cause the body to relax and cause dizziness when standing up.