People in the world have different ways of wiping their butts. Some people get used to using toilet paper while some people get used to using a bidet. The question "bidet vs toilet paper" is often asked in our daily life. Many people recommend using bidet instead of toilet paper. They think using bidet is more hygienic. So which is better exactly? What's the pros and cons of bidet and toilet paper? Now, let's explore it.
Bidet vs toilet paper
Here are the table content about bidet vs toilet paper pros and cons.
What is a bidet?
A bidet is a bowl or receptacle designed to be sat upon in order to wash one's genitalia, perineum, inner buttocks, and anus. It can come with 3 types, bidet shower, standalone bidet and add-on bidet. A bidet shower is a hand-held triggered nozzle. It delivers a spray of water to clean. A standalone bidet is a plumbing fixture that is installed as a separate unit in the bathroom besides toilet, shower and sink, which users have to straddle. The add-on bidet is attachable to toilet bowls, saving space and obviating additional plumbing. To learn more, click bidet in wikipedia.
The standalone bidet is quite common in France. In ancient France, there was a pool for washing butts. After using the toilet, the water in the pool was used to clean the butts. Because of this that, this washing pool in France has continued to this day and is known as the "bidet".
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidet
What is a toilet paper?
Toilet paper roll is a common but important product used in our daily life. Toilet paper (sometimes called toilet tissue or bathroom tissue) is a tissue paper product primarily used to clean the anus and surrounding region of feces (after defecation), and to clean the external genitalia and perineal area of urine (after urination). There are two main types of raw materials used in the production of toilet paper: virgin pulp and recycled paper. The virgin pulp includes virgin wood pulp, bamboo pulp, sugarcane pulp and more. Among them, the wood pulp is the most commonly used raw material.
Which is cheaper?
Obviously, toilet paper is more cheaper than using bidet. Freestanding bidets that are a separate fixture in the bathroom are too expensive and impractical. After using the bidet, you also need to dry it with toilet paper. So what's the point.
Which is more hygienic?
Bidet is more hygienic as it can wash away these bacteria before they cause infection. But there is one thing to note, at least one study in Japan has found that using bidet can alter the vaginal microbiota, leading to bacterial vaginitis, so the results are a bit complicated.
Which is cleaner?
Generally speaking, using bidet will be more cleaner than just wiping with toilet paper. If the bidet is used properly, it will be an excellent product that can be evaluated in terms of hygiene.
However, like anything else, it is important to use it correctly. If you use too much warm water to clean, it will remove excess sebum from the skin around the anus. As a result, the barrier function of the skin is reduced, and symptoms such as rash and itching may occur. In addition, if the water pressure is too high, it can damage the skin. If each cleaning lasts for more than 10 seconds, even the sebum on the skin around the anus will be removed.
Secondly, if you are a person with rich body hair, a bidet can't effectively clean it.
Which is healthier?
Toilet paper is more healthier than using bidet.
Due to the fact that excrement is washed away with water, some people are concerned about the risk of infection through it. If you have diarrhea due to gastroenteritis, your diarrhea stool may contain viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, as well as bacteria and more. Even without backflow from the nozzle, if cleaned with strong water pressure, these pathogens may be more widely dispersed and adhere to the toilet than usual.
If your bidet gets contaminated, those germs can find a way into the urinary tract, vagina or cracks in your skin. Keeping the bidet clean and properly maintained is key.
Which is easier to use?
Toilet paper is more easier and safer to use than bidet. You can bring toilet paper wherever you go outside. Obviously, taking bidet outside is unrealistic.
The installation process on a bidet is a bit trickier. You may run into a number of hurdles while getting it connected to the water supply. And if the water heater malfunctions, the water could deliver scalding hot or shockingly cold water.
Which is better for the environment?
Bidet is more better for the environment. It's true that using a bidet requires a bit more water than wiping with toilet paper alone. But toilet paper manufacturing requires trees, and more water than bidet.
But if you're stuck with water restrictions, it's probably wiser to stick to toilet paper.
Conclusion
Both bidet and toilet paper have their own pros and cons. It does not necessarily have to involve buttocks health issues. Perhaps you just enjoy the feeling of having a clean toilet paper, or you are troubled by the idea that your toilet paper cannot remove all fecal bacteria.
FAQ
Are bidets sanitary for females?
As bidets use a stream of water to clean, they are generally considered to be more hygienic for women. And you can also use a wet wipes for women.
What's the bidet disadvantages?
Is there a downside to using a bidet? The answer is yes. Bidets can be more difficult to install and may mess with the health ecosystem of bacteria called Lactobacillus microflora in your vagina.
Do bidets get all the poop off?
It depends on the individual's preparation and usage technique. Generally, it does a better job of removing work.
Why does America not use bidets?
Due to historical and societal factors. And bidets are considered less convenient than the toilet paper.
Is it better to use a bidet or toilet paper?
Both bidets and toilet paper have their own pros and cons. If you have sensitive skin or medical conditions, bidet is better. But toilet paper is more safer and easy to use and is available in public place. So it's up to you.
