Different perineal cleaning techniques were used following bowel movements by a female test subject. Following the personal hygiene technique, the perineal area was then rinsed using a squirt bottle filled with a sterile solution containing nutrients to support the growth of bacteria (TSB). This "post hygiene" wash liquid was allowed to fall into a sterilized basin and was subsequently transferred to a sterile Erlenmeyer flask, removed to a laboratory, and evaluated for the presence of micro-organisms. The number of bacteria in the post-hygiene TSB wash signifies the efficacy of the personal hygiene step; that is, the lower the bacteria numbers in the post-hygiene wash liquid, the more effective the person hygiene technique. Read the entire study.

Toilet Paper Only 0.1 ml perineal rinse liquid number of bacteria : TNTC ( estimated total bacteria 30,000,000 )	Toilet Paper and Peri-Bottle 0.1 ml perineal rinse liquid Number of Bacteria : TNTC ( estimated total bacteria 10,000,000 )
Bag-Type Sitz Bath Water Sample 0.1 ml perineal rinse liquid number of bacteria : TNTC ( estimated total bacteria 1,000,000 )	Toilet Paper and Personal Hygiene Wipe 0.1 ml perineal rinse liquid Number of Bacteria : TNTC ( estimated total bacteria 24,000,000 )
Hygenique only no Toilet Paper 0.1 ml perineal rinse liquid number of bacteria : 112 ( estimated total bacteria 112,000 )	Hygenique Sitz bath Water Sample Number of Bacteria : 0 ( estimated total bacteria 0 )

Removes Surface Contaminants
• Glycerin cartridge and warm water cleansing therapy gently debride loosely attached revitalized tissues.
• Provides a surfactant and emollient to maintain proper pH level for skin.
• Reduces risk of infection, urinary-tract infections, potential for skin breakdown.
• Hygenique's sitz bath allows residual blood, urine, and fecal matter to flow directly into toilet through patented open / close door feature; patient soaks in clean water.

Reduces Perineal Pain
• Decreases pain by providing a gentle, therapeutic cleansing and soaking.
• Provides local hyperthermia to the perineal wound, relaxes the internal anal sphincter muscle.
• Prescribed for episiotomies, hemorrhoids, itching, burning, chronic diarrhea, incisions, perineal trauma and puritius ani.

Promotes Wound Healing
• Continuous warm water therapy concentrates heat, stimulates blood flow to perineal wound.
• Local hyperthermia increases subcutaneous perineal tissue temperature and oxygen tension to promote healing.
• Cold therapy option to reduce swelling from incision / laceration.
• Promotes healing for episiotomies, vaginectomies, fissures, fistulas, perineal abscesses, hemorrhoidectomies, anal lesions, vaginal tears.

Stimulates Voiding
• Continous hydrotherapy stimulates voiding, serves as alternative to catheter use, thus reduces risk of infection.

Reduces Potential for Nosocomial / Cross Contamination
• Individualized sitz bath / bidet system for personal use by each patient reduces risk of nosocomial infections.