The growing use of bidets after defecation may produce hygienic side effects depending on how they are used, medical experts warn. As bidet adoption spreads rapidly, the impact of improper usage habits on health also needs to be examined.
According to the medical community on the 28th, Dr. Lee Dong-hwan, a family medicine specialist, said in a recent appearance on a YouTube channel, "A bidet used for hygiene can actually raise the risk of bacterial infection if used incorrectly." He added, "For women, it can develop into inflammatory diseases, and excessive water pressure can also damage mucous membranes."
The key variable is the direction of the water stream. Water sprayed strongly in a single direction can transfer surrounding contaminants to other areas. Women are known to be more vulnerable to infection than men due to their anatomical structure.
Kim Hyung-seok, a bidet developer and researcher at Kyowon Wells, explained, "Single-direction spraying can spread contaminants, so it must be considered at the water stream design stage to reduce bacterial transfer."
Similar concerns have emerged within the medical community. A joint investigation by the Korea Toilet Association and Seoul National University's Microbiology Research Institute on toilet seats in public restrooms across Seoul detected 17 strains of E. coli, 9 strains of salmonella, and 5 strains of staphylococcus, with an average of 71 bacteria per seat and 3,800 bacteria per 10 square centimeters. Professor Lee Jung-jae of the obstetrics and gynecology department at Soonchunhyang University Hospital said, "Using an unsanitary bidet can allow harmful bacteria to penetrate, which can cause inflammatory diseases or urinary tract infections."
Water pressure is another point to check. Mucous membrane areas are thin and rich in blood vessels, making them sensitive to stimulation. Repeated strong water pressure can cause cumulative micro-damage to the surface and weaken the skin barrier. Prolonged spraying on a single area also keeps the sphincter in an open state. Dr. Lee said, "After defecation, the sphincter should normally close, but continued stimulation can create a feeling of residual stool or gas leakage." He added, "Women who have given birth and the elderly should be especially careful."
The habit of using a water stream to stimulate the intestines to relieve constipation is also not recommended. The rectum sends its own defecation signal when filled with stool, but reliance on external stimulation can dull this response. Dr. Lee said, "A bidet is a cleansing tool, not a defecation tool," adding, "Repeated use can lead to a state where defecation becomes difficult without stimulation."
For safe use, gently cleansing a wide area rather than strongly stimulating a narrow spot is more advantageous in reducing the burden on mucous membranes. The water temperature should be lukewarm, similar to body temperature, as excessively cold or hot water irritates the mucous membranes and sphincter.
Nozzle management is also an important factor. Lingering moisture creates an environment for bacterial growth. After use, cleaning and drying functions should be utilized, and the nozzle and area around the toilet should be cleaned regularly.
