Your period can leave you feeling less fresh throughout the day, especially on heavier days or when you're away from home and a shower isn't an option. If you've wondered whether using a bidet during your period is safe, the answer is yes, provided you use the correct technique.
Gentle pressure, the right angle and external rinsing from front to back are the keys to using a bidet hygienically during your period.
Here's what you need to know about staying fresh, using a bidet correctly and avoiding common mistakes.
Is It Safe to Use a Bidet During Your Period?
Yes, you can use a bidet during your period. Rinsing your external genital area with clean water can help remove menstrual blood and keep you feeling comfortable.
The CDC's menstrual hygiene guidance recommends keeping your genital area clean by washing the vulva and bottom, wiping from front to back, and using water to rinse the vulva.
The CDC also explains that the vagina is self-cleaning. Washing inside it or disrupting its natural balance can contribute to problems such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
This is why a bidet should be used for external cleansing only. You can rinse away menstrual blood from the vulva without directing water into the vagina.
Can Using a Bidet on Your Period Cause an Infection?
Using a bidet with the correct technique can support good intimate hygiene during your period. The main concerns are rinsing from back to front, which can transfer bacteria from the anal area towards the vaginal opening, and directing water into the vagina, which can disrupt its natural balance.
Both can be avoided with the right technique.
Why technique matters
Cleveland Clinic recommends directing bidet water from front to back, following the same principle as wiping, and avoiding internal washing (Cleveland Clinic).
Follow these three principles when rinsing during your period:
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Get the angle right. Aim at the outer vulva and let the water flow from front to back. Avoid directing water from the anal area towards the vaginal opening, as this can transfer bacteria.
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Keep the stream external. Never aim into the vaginal opening, insert the nozzle or use a bidet to flush out the vagina.
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Use gentle pressure. A strong stream isn't necessary to rinse away menstrual blood. Gentle pressure helps you clean the external area without unnecessary force or discomfort.
Following these simple steps helps you rinse comfortably and maintain good intimate hygiene throughout your period.
Why gentle pressure matters during your period
Your intimate skin may feel more sensitive during your period, particularly if you're experiencing irritation from menstrual products or frequent wiping.
A gentle rinse can help you wash away menstrual blood without rubbing the skin. That's why the aéneti bidet's first pressure setting is designed for a gentle external wash. It provides a softer stream for rinsing the vulva, without needing high pressure.
The goal isn't to wash inside the vagina or forcefully remove every trace of blood. It's simply to rinse the outside of your body with clean water.
How to Use a Bidet During Your Period
Follow these steps for a gentle, comfortable rinse.
1. Fill with clean water. Use fresh water at a comfortable temperature. With the aéneti bidet, you can also connect a water bottle for more water.
2. Remove your period product if needed. Remove your tampon, cup or disc if you're ready to change or empty it. Remove your pad or period underwear when you're ready to replace it.
3. Position the nozzle correctly. Aim at the outer vulva, not into the vaginal opening.
4. Start with gentle pressure. Use the aéneti bidet's first, gentle setting. You don't need high pressure to rinse away menstrual blood.
5. Rinse from front to back. Let the water flow over the external genital area towards the back, never from back to front.
6. Keep it brief and use plain water. A few seconds is generally enough. Skip soap, fragranced wipes, sprays and intimate washes, which can irritate sensitive skin. The Royal Women's Hospital also recommends gentle vulvar care and avoiding fragranced products.
7. Pat dry. Use clean toilet paper or a clean, soft cloth. Pat rather than rub, particularly if your skin feels sensitive.
8. Replace your period product. Insert a fresh tampon or reinsert your cup or disc according to its manufacturer's instructions, or put on a clean pad or period underwear.
9. Clean your bidet and wash your hands. Wipe the nozzle down with a sanitising wipe, avoiding harsh chemicals, and let the bidet dry fully before storing it away. Wash your hands after handling menstrual products.
Can You Use a Portable Bidet Away From Home?
Absolutely. A portable bidet can be useful when you're at work, travelling, exercising or spending a full day out during your period.
You don't always have access to a shower when you want to freshen up. Having clean water available for a quick external rinse can help you feel more comfortable between period product changes.
With the aéneti bidet, you can bring that option with you wherever the day takes you, whether you're using a public toilet or freshening up while travelling.
When Should You See a Doctor?
A mild metallic or musky smell during your period can be normal. However, an unusual or persistent odour, unusual discharge, itching, burning or ongoing irritation may indicate an issue that needs attention.
If you experience these symptoms, speak with your GP rather than relying on rinsing to resolve them. Healthdirect Australia provides further information about vaginal irritation and infection.
If rinsing causes discomfort or worsens irritation, stop and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Feel Fresher Throughout Your Period
Using a bidet during your period can be a simple addition to your hygiene routine. The important thing is knowing how to use it properly.
Keep the pressure gentle, direct the water from front to back, rinse externally and keep your bidet clean. With the right technique, you can rinse away menstrual blood and freshen up without relying on wiping alone.
Feeling fresh shouldn't depend on being at home with a shower around the corner. Discover the aéneti bidet.