What The Perfect IBS-Friendly Bathroom Would Look Like

By HessP

3 min read

One thing I want to manifest in my future is building my dream home. And, when that happens (remember, I’m manifesting it), I’m without a doubt going to build the best IBS-friendly bathroom one will ever see and that best suits me. In fact, not only will I build my own personal IBS-friendly bathroom, but I will have multiple bathrooms in case I can’t make it in time to my own personal one. Yes, I do plan on having a big home one day. One can dream, right? Nonetheless, if I could build the most ideal IBS-friendly bathroom today, I’ll share some of the essentials I would include and why.

My wishlist includes a bidet

One of the biggest essentials in my dream IBS-friendly bathroom would be to have a bidet. In fact, I would have both a toilet and a separate bidet-toilet on the side, as many have in Europe, as opposed to a bidet-extension on a toilet. The reason for this is because it would give me peace of mind that I’m not accidentally dirtying the bidet that is connected to the toilet. I would feel much at ease if I had a separate appliance solely for cleaning my bum.

I’ll be honest, I’ve never used a bidet before. However, I’ve done my fair research and I’ve read great reviews. Thus, I considered that having a bidet is possibly one of the most effective ways to clean your bum after a bowel movement other than taking a bath or shower. It would also probably reduce the inflammation and ease the pain of hemorrhoids. Toilet paper alone just doesn’t cut it, in my opinion.

IBS essentials

Some other IBS essentials I would include in my dream IBS-friendly bathroom include:

A hidden drawer within arm’s reach of the toilet that is stocked with flushable wipes and toilet paper. I want to feel like I will never run out of necessities.
Heated floors so that my feet can stay warm while I sit on the toilet for an hour.
A shower, a very large bathtub, and a jacuzzi to have options that will help me get clean, but, most importantly, destress as well.
A closet full of clean clothes, pajamas, socks, underwear, and bathrobes in case I have an accident on my old clothes that I was wearing.
Of course, a cabinet full of hemorrhoid cream because I do suffer from hemorrhoids.
Obviously, a cabinet full of cleaning supplies to help maintain the cleanliness of my toilet and overall bathroom. No one wants a dirty bathroom, let alone toilet.
Scented toilet spray, air freshener, and candles to maintain a level fresh clean air.

If my budget were endless

Now, if the budget was endless (which it’s not, but I like to dream), I’d add even more luxurious items to enhance my experience in my dream bathroom. This includes a lower back massager attached to my toilet, anti-bacterial memory foam toilet seat cushion, a smart TV on the wall with Netflix and Amazon Prime to watch my shows, an adjustable height footstool with foot massagers, and a septic system that can handle more than just one flushable wipe at a time!

The list can go on and on, but I think you folks get the picture. My dream IBS-friendly bathroom does not have to be the coolest or most luxurious, although that would be nice. Instead, it should be the most conducive to my health and bring me the most comfort since I spend a lot of time in there.

What would your ideal IBS-friendly bathroom have and why? Thanks for reading and I look forward to your responses.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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oobadeedee Member
Sounds better than a spa loo. My dream bathroom would be very similar to yours only, I would like it attached and looking into a Terrarium/Greenhouse with beautiful blooms, small waterfalls, and butterflies fluttering about to lower my stress levels and be a wonderful distraction from my bathroom woes.
1. Amy Dodd Pilkington Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="2308484" username="oobadeedee"/> I love the idea of a terrium/greenhouse! With the added blooms, waterfalls, and butterflies, spending time in the bathroom doesn't sound so bad. Amy, Team member
JJPool Community Admin
I can picture this as a show on HGTV!
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
This sounds amazing! I'd make sure to add a sky light somewhere, along with windows. I love natural light in a bathroom. I can spend so much time in the bathroom that if it has no natural light, I feel like I'm in prison. I also would definitely splurge on the most ridiculous toilet that has all the gadgets but most importantly is comfortable. Love this post. So fun to dream, right? Elizabeth (team member)
1. therryns Member
 Oh my stars, I completely forgot that the bathroom in our old house in New Hampshire had a skylight. Thanks for the memories, Elizabeth!
mktggirl Member
We did build a modest house, and I insisted there be at least two bathrooms because there is no waiting when my IBS-D flares. One has a window and I love watching outside. My dream future bathrooms would also have heated floors and good exhaust fans so that no one has to smell the evidence of my rumbly tummy.
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 Ah, very smart indeed. Two bathrooms is such a must and a good exhaust fan is key! Especially a loud one so you don't have to feel self-conscious about any noises. Elizabeth (team member)
corgimom Member
My husband and I are older, and eventually we will be downsizing. I don't care about the kitchen, bedrooms, etc- but it has to have 2 toilets. That's a necessity. It can be a bathroom and powder room- but it has to have 2 toilets, so I have immediate access at all times.
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 Oh yes, I would agree with you 100%. Must have two toilets, always! Elizabeth (team member)
therryns Member
When lockdown started almost a year ago, toilet paper became a luxury it was impossible to source. YOu'[ve probably heard about the tiny rolls of Chinese toilet paper sold on Amazon. that was an unpleasant surprise. We decided one way to deal with the problem was to install a bidet in my bathroom. You may never have used a bidet, but let me tell you, once you have, you'll never go back! Our bidet, the brand name of which ha totally escaped my MS-addled brain, features a heated toilet seat, and a wall mounted control panel. I can gently wash my ureter and labia, and I can gently wash my anus and bum, particularly since feces never confine themselves to an easy exit. I can control the temperature, angle and duration of the spray, and there is absolutely nothing like it. I'm clean, I'm calm, and I'm happy as a clam. Now if I could only remember to mention my overactive bladder when I see my general Practitioner..... Oh, and I forgot to mention how I manage my IBS-C: between 500 and 750 units of Docusate sodium per day, along with 1000 units of Magnesium, both to manage my MS-related spasticity and the IBS-C. There's a reason they prescribe Milk of Magnesia for constipation! I still get constipated a lot, but exercise and yoga both help keep things moving along. But as God is my witness, I'm never going bidet-less again! (And of COURSE we have two bathrooms. What do you think we are, savages?)
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="2335697" username="therryns"/> , I agree 100%!!! Once I got a bidet, I can't go back and I cannot believe that I went so long without one! Granted I always used wipes but a bidet is on another level. Mine isn't as fancy and doesn't heat the toilet seat but it certainly makes going to the bathroom way more pleasant. Glad you enjoy your bidet! Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
Constarrhea Member
I really enjoyed reading about your dream IBS bathroom as I sit here on the toilet in tears. My hips and butt bones are killing me so i googled ‘ibs toilet seats’ and found your post. The lower back massager idea is brilliant! I want that! And I would love to have two toilets in our apartment and a bidet would just be heaven. You’ve helped take my mind off the agony for a few minutes so thank you very much and I really hope you get your dream bathroom someday! 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Constarrhea" user-id="9801107"/> I'm glad that this post helped you feel a little bit better! How are you now, did your symptoms subside in the past hours? Have you considered getting a bidet attachment if you don't have room for an actual one in your bathroom? Karina (team member)