What is one of the best and least expensive purchases you can make that benefits your whole family? Better yet, this purchase will save you lots of money over time. Don’t laugh when I tell you to buy a bidet!

In America our awareness of bidets is limited to bad jokes and toilet humor, but millions of people all over the world take them very seriously as devices that will benefit every member of the family. In some countries like Argentina your house actually loses value if it doesn’t have a bidet! In Japan, over half the homes have high-tech bidets installed for the use of the whole family.

The term “bidet” refers to several different devices that use water to clean your perianal region (the area commonly called your “crotch”). While a bidet is best known for cleaning your derriere after defecation, some forms of bidet can also be used for “spot cleaning” of your body without requiring you to fully undress. Bidets have many medical benefits and are a godsend for people with limited physical mobility. They are also excellent aids for toilet training.

“ I chose marketing (the bidet) because I truly believe in it. I have three units in my home, two at my office, one in my motor home and on my boat. I potty trained my kids on it and they refuse to sit on a cold seat."” Keith Chamblin, Hygiene For Health (perhaps the most knowledgeable bidet marketer in the U.S.)

So how does the bidet benefit every member of the family?

Mother - women are susceptible to a number of diseases in their perianal region, such as vaginitis or cystitis, which the bidet significantly helps. Bidets have known benefits for pregnant women as well as their infants. Bidets also benefit bowel dysfunction and hemorrhoids. During the reproductive years it is normal for women to experience mucous secretion from their vagina, and at times this makes it difficult to achieve good menstrual cleanliness. Bidets are an excellent means of improving this condition.

Father - men also suffer diseases in their perianal region that bidets benefit. Men also suffer from bowl dysfunction and hemorrhoids, perhaps more so due to the stress of their lives. Bidets can also ease and improve the speed of defecation. Many European men use bidets for spot cleaning of their bodies when they do not have time to fully shower.

Mothers and Fathers both benefit from the improved physical intimacy that the bidet can give, both before and after intercourse.

Children - Infants and toddlers need a lot of bottom cleaning and some bidets are excellent aids in this task. There are specific types of bidets that have been developed just for this task that parents rave about. Children find toilet training easier and less traumatic when they have ready access to a bidet. Some forms of bidet are useful for cleaning soiled diapers or the soiled clothes of children in the process of toilet training.

Grandparents - At some point it becomes difficult to wipe after defecation, or some can’t comfortably reach the flush lever. There are bidets that automatically wash, wipe, and dry your behind thus relieving an embarassing or frustrating situation. Aged skin is much more susceptible to infection, and thus requires more cleanliness and more frequent washing. Care givers have access to a whole variety of devices that make their tasks easier and less demanding.

What do you spend on toilet paper in a year? Many bidets completely eliminate the need for toilet paper. It is not hard to see how a bidet can pay itself off and at some point be saving the family money.

This short article just touches on the many benefits the bidet offers modern families. Choosing the right bidet for your families needs at the best price can be a difficult task, despite a number of web merchants touting their own form of bidet, but almost any bidet can benefit your family and save you money over time.