Reports have surfaced that bidet sales are skyrocketing in the United States. Japan has the highest penetration rate of bidets in the world. About half of all households in the country use bidets, but some people think they’re bad for anal health. Is this true?

The pandemic’s toilet paper shortage has led to the search for bidets
According to a report by CNN on the 24th (local time), the bidet industry in the United States has grown exponentially during the pandemic, with all bidets on BidetKing.com selling out. CNN estimated that the US bidet market grew two to three times in 2020. BidetKing.com said its sales have grown at least 20 percent annually since the pandemic. Tushy, a U.S. company that makes bidet aids, saw sales jump from $8 million in 2019, before the pandemic, to $40 million in 2020.

The surge in bidet sales can be attributed to toilet paper shortages in the U.S. during the pandemic. Americans tried to stock up on toilet paper, which, like masks, was a necessity at the time. As toilet paper became harder to come by, Americans turned to bidets as an alternative.

Bidets had a negative stigma in the United States. According to CNN, American soldiers deployed to Europe during World War II saw bidets in brothels, which led to them being viewed in the U.S. as something used to prevent STDs and as a tool for brothels.

“The 2020 toilet paper shortage made Americans realize that there were other ways to clean themselves,” CNN said, “and it also raised awareness of the environmental problems that toilet paper causes.”

Bidets are fine, as long as you dry them well
Japan has the highest penetration rate of bidets in the world. As of 2019, about 80% of households use a bidet. In South Korea, the penetration rate is around 50%. Cost, preference, and previous habits of using toilet paper seem to have played a role. However, some people are concerned that bidets may have a negative impact on anal health.

First of all, the theory that the water pressure of a bidet reduces the ability to have a bowel movement is not true. While it’s true that excessive water pressure can damage the sphincter, there’s no evidence or reports that it causes fecal incontinence or decreased bowel control. It’s also not true that using a bidet more than twice a day increases the risk of anal pruritus.

However, if you don’t dry your anus properly after using a bidet, it can become moist, which can lead to bacterial growth. This can cause inflammation or pus to appear in the anus. In particular, people with anal problems should pay extra attention to drying their anus after using a bidet, as their anus is sensitive. If you use a bidet that doesn’t have a drying function, or if you don’t have time to dry off, you should use a tissue to remove any remaining moisture from the anus.

On the other hand, due to their construction, it’s easy for debris to get stuck in the spout. The water filter can also cause bacteria to grow in the water if it’s not changed frequently. Depending on your usage and water quality, you should generally change your water filter every four to six months. When using a bidet, you should clean the nozzle periodically, not only for its appearance, but also by using the nozzle cleaning button on the button control panel.

Source: Korean Chosun Health article