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A bidet shower (bidet spray, bidet sprayer, or health faucet, sometimes colloquially called a "Muslim shower" or "bum gun") is a hand-held triggered nozzle, similar to that on a kitchen sink sprayer, that delivers a spray of water to assist in anal cleansing and cleaning the genitals after defecation and urination.
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Description
The health faucet is a source of water for people who prefer using water rather than other methods of cleansing after defecation or urination. The bidet shower is a relatively modern replacement for the traditional sources of water for this action, such as the bidet, copper pot or bucket and mug, being more hygienic and compact. There is no contact between the spray of water and the used water drainage.
Usage
The user typically grasps the faucet in the right hand and uses the thumb or forefinger (depending on the trigger location) to aim a spray of water at the anus or genitals, sometimes using the left hand (never the right hand in many cultures) or toilet paper to assist cleansing. Use of the left hand only for cleansing, and considering it unclean in many circumstances in everyday life, is a custom among Muslims to cleanse themselves with water in order to be clean for daily prayers, in the Muslim world , and specially in Asia, where water is commonly used.
Prevalence
The bidet shower is common in all predominantly Islamic countries and in most parts of Asia where water is considered essential for anal cleansing. This includes Nepal, Pakistan, China, India, Bangladesh, Turkey, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia. In those countries it is commonly installed in Western-style (sitting) toilet installations. In Thailand, it is common in both Western-style toilets and squat toilet installations. The bidet shower is similar in intent (if not method of use) to the Japanese washlet-style toilet seats, or so-called "electronic bidets".
In Europe, it is used for example in Finland, while bidets are more common bathroom fixtures in many southern European countries. It is very common in Brazil, where traditional bidets are being replaced by it. It is most common in Muslim countries and all parts of the Arab world.