Contrary to the impression one gets from the messages above, bidets are not designed solely for cleaning or douching the female genitalia. I am both male and a user of bidets. Explicitly, after using toilet paper in the traditional way, I typically will position myself so that the water from the bidet washes over the affected area. This assures thorough cleaning and is soothing to an otherwise sensitive area. If you have traveled in western Turkey, then your are aware that virtually every western-style toilet in that country has an arrangement to accomplish this function (I call it a "Turkish anus washer"). Ostensibly, this is to minimize the use of paper, which tends to clog small diameter sewer pipes; but it also is more hygenic than the typical paper-only cleaning.

My sister and I tried using one many years ago and for some reason couldn't get the water to go high enough to reach anything! Haven't tried one since then, but I must say I wouldn't use it for washing socks or storing ice <BR>considering what its real use is!!

To Wes Fowler: Your imagination is quite unique. The ping pong ball scenario has merit. I will pack an extra ball on my next trip to Europe.....Paul J

The comments on small bore sewage pipes are true - in some places you will find that the paper is not supposed to be flushed away at all, but put into a little receptacle beside the toilet.(eg parts of Spain)A bidet is therefore useful for minimising on paper. <BR>Recently in a hotel room in Tarifa (nearest point to Africa in Spain) I was amused to find tell-tale high heel marks on the toilet seat, left by ladies more used to the old "squatter" model. <BR>They doubtless regard our method as unthinkable.

You mean it's not a drinking fountain?

I'm sitting here, chuckling to myself, at Joanna's comments; and the difference between a bidet and a bathtub would be...? Same body parts, getting washed - one in standing water, the other via moving water - in a porcelain appliance, yet we have no trouble washing out socks or storing ice/beer in a bathtub...but balk at using the other the same way? <BR> <BR>Ah, perception....

I first saw one in Paris at ten years old. Momy what's this for???????????? <BR>My mother, who on the subject of where babies came from maintained that she had 5 imaculate conceptions turned all sorts of nice colours.

No, I've never stored ice in the bath, nor have I washed socks in it! I use the sink for the socks. I think the only thing I've ever washed in a bath (besides myself) is a pair of jeans that was ready to walk all the way back to Sydney from Paris.