Bidets - hygienic or hazardous?

[loungegirl]

We have just moved into our new house and every loo and bathroom has a bidet in it. So far I have not used one of them (not really sure how to!). We have talked about removing them - but the house is only 3 years old so the bathrooms and loos don't need refits (the owner and original designer was Italian - it must be an Italian thing). Most look unused apart from the one in the master en-suite which I think was used by the woman who lived there (when we viewed before buying it had a bar of soap and a flannel in it). I'm a bit wary of washing my bits in a bowl used by someone else for same purpose (must be psychological - no fear of using the bath). I have bleached it out but not plucked up courage to use it. I'm also wary of of visitors using them to wash their dirty bum before I might use them. What is the principle use of a bidet - is it only for after a number 2 (but using a flannel??) or is it to just keep your fanjo sweet? Do men use them? What is the risk of cross infection if someone has thrush or worse? Do you fill them and sit in a puddle or is the idea to squirt the water (ours has an adjustable spout that can point upwards with a mixer tap). Any advice for a novice. DH says they will make good ice buckets when we want drinks in the bath!

[rabbit123]

They're apparently much more hygienic than using loo roll. It's like a mini shower after using the toilet. I'm pretty sure you turn the tap on and let it spray your bits, rather than actually mounting that tap. You sit on it, like a toilet seat.
We used the one in our hotel room to wash our feet in after we'd been on the beach lol

[blueshoes]

I have a bidet in my bathroom. I still use loo roll like any one else but then use the bidet - if I have time or about to shag - to make my foof and bottom smell like roses. There is no risk of cross infection because you don't stick your bits anywhere near the spout. I don't angle the adjustable tap, even though that is an option, because there is a risk that water might accidentally spray on the floor.

I don't think dh uses it at all, though I cannot guarantee that without monitoring all his toilet habits.

There are cultures that consider using toilet roll, as opposed to washing, to be unhygienic.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

I love them!

[blueshoes]

They are also great for toddlers mini wet play area.

[Bobochic]

I confirm that Italians love bidets! My DP, who is French, also really likes them. I'm not interested myself.

[misscarlar]

They had them in the hospital after I had my son they were amazing

[ivykaty44]

Google how to use a bidet, seriously there are webpages with diagrams and instructions

Much more hygienic than dry loo paper

[dudsville]

I really want a bidet. In countries where they are used, are they in public toilets?

[loungegirl]

I can report that I have watched the recommended youtube references - interesting and I have used it!
I plucked up courage this morning and learnt a lot. Doing my rear end is easy (even with my tights and knickers round my ankles and work skirt rolled up) - but in the process I went my front parts so needed to rinse there...... so off with tight, knickers and skirt..... then blouse because I did not want that wet. Nearly as much work and time as having a shower! Now I know why Italian women go for bare legs and short skirts. I think it will be handy if you are already naked and not up for a shower (mornings and bed time - particularly if sex is planned). I also think it will be good after sex. Explains why our previous occupant only used the en-suite one. Stripping off in the downstairs loo will only happen in dire emergencies.

[blueshoes]

Lounge, you got it! Thanks for the update and enjoy.