The early 1700s witnessed the emergence of the first bidets in France, although the precise origin and inventor of this revolutionary fixture remain unknown.
Notably, in the United States, bidets tend to be pricier, averaging around $400, compared to countries where they are more prevalent. This higher cost may be a contributing factor to their relative scarcity in the US.
Bidets, despite being misunderstood in regions where they are less prevalent, are not intended as substitutes for toilets. Their purpose is to cleanse the anus, inner buttocks, and genitalia, typically after the user has relieved themselves in a nearby toilet.
Bidets, similar to toilets, are usually crafted from porcelain and feature a spacious rim encompassing a deep recess. They release a gentle stream of fresh water through a nozzle positioned either beneath the rear of the rim or within the fixture cavity. Individuals have the option to sit on the rim (or seat, if available) or straddle the fixture, facing any direction they prefer. They can make this decision depending on the water jet settings and the specific area of their body that requires cleansing.
Certain bidets are equipped with integrated air dryers, allowing users to conveniently dry wet areas. In the absence of a dryer, toilet paper can serve the same purpose. To maintain cleanliness, it is advisable to rinse the bidet after each use.
Benefits of Bidets
Individuals afflicted with hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or those who have recently undergone rectal surgery can discover solace from the discomfort caused by traditional paper wiping through the utilization of a bidet's soothing water flow.
Due to its reduced reliance on operator mobility, bidets offer enhanced usability for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or obese.
The use of bidets is widely regarded as a more hygienic and efficient alternative to toilet paper by many.
While the validity of this claim may vary, individuals have the freedom to choose between both methods according to their preference.
An additional advantage of bidets is that they eliminate the need for toilet paper, resulting in cost savings.
Precautions Of Bidets
It is advisable for users to become acquainted with the rate at which temperature and pressure change when adjusting the controls. Insufficient caution may result in burns to sensitive areas, while excessive water pressure can lead to irritation.
Bidets possess the potential to facilitate the transmission of contagious diseases, with a higher level of concern arising in public restrooms rather than residential settings.
Prior knowledge of the water arc's direction is essential for users to position themselves appropriately. The force of the spray is capable of hitting someone squarely in the face.
Bidets function and resemble drinking fountains in certain aspects, but it is crucial to distinguish between the two. It is important to note that the bidet's water jet has the potential to come into contact with unclean surfaces, leading to potential contamination.
To sum up, bidets are not merely an intriguing European novelty. Despite their higher cost in the United States and Canada, they are gaining popularity in these areas, and for valid reasons. Many people firmly believe that bidets offer superior hygiene, comfort, and effectiveness compared to toilet paper.