As diverse as my travels with a tent, car, or camper may be, so are the challenges of finding clean and hygienic toilet facilities. They can be scarce, and many don’t always have toilet paper or running water.

My first encounter with a bidet was during a trip to Italy, where bidets are a staple of every bathroom. I thought to myself that a portable version would be the perfect travel gadget—allowing me to maintain hygiene without relying on running water or toilet paper.

That’s when I discovered Bidetlity—the portable intimate shower that I can take anywhere. It folds flat for compact storage, making it ideal for travel with limited space.

But there’s more: according to the manufacturer, the cleaning process is gentler, softer, and more hygienic than toilet paper. It’s especially beneficial for people with irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, those menstruating, or women postpartum, as the water jet is designed to clean gently without irritating the skin.

To put these claims to the test, I embarked on a four-week self-test, which I’m sharing in this post.

Despite my initial excitement, switching from my usual toilet paper routine to water cleansing took some getting used to. The first few tries came with their fair share of challenges: How do I position the butt shower correctly? How do I avoid water splashing outside the toilet?

Through my research, I discovered that people have different preferences for using the device. Some position it in front, between their legs, while others go from behind. These choices depend on individual preferences and body shapes. Ultimately, both methods work equally well—it’s just a matter of making sure you aim the water stream carefully to avoid unnecessary mess.

After some practice and patience, I got the hang of the right angle. My intimate area felt noticeably fresher and cleaner. This "freshness boost" was unlike anything I’d experienced before—it felt like giving my body a quick shower.

Initially, I was skeptical about the water pressure. Built-in bidets in Italy often had a strong jet, and I wasn’t sure if the portable version would provide enough force to get everything clean. However, the bottle is flexible enough to let you control the pressure manually. For sensitive areas or minor injuries, applying gentle pressure offers a soothing and effective cleanse.

When tackling a major toilet session, I applied more pressure and sometimes even refilled the bottle to ensure a thorough clean. If your toilet doesn’t have a sink nearby, it’s a good idea to pre-fill the bidet or keep a small pitcher handy for refills during use.

Finally, there’s the drying step. After every session with Bidetlity, your intimate area will be wet. Initially, I used toilet paper for this, but since it’s not always available on the road - and to avoid leaving paper waste in nature - I switched to a small towel. I make sure to change it regularly for hygiene and, as a bonus, it further reduces my toilet paper consumption.

After two weeks of use, I began to notice even more benefits. During my period or on particularly hot days, I found the refreshing effect of the intimate shower invaluable. On colder days or in winter, switching to lukewarm water (as recommended by the manufacturer) became a cozy and comfortable alternative.

One question that came up during my testing phase was whether the intimate shower could be shared with someone else. Often, I travel with friends or my partner, and the idea of sharing the same device initially made me feel uneasy. To me, it felt akin to sharing a toothbrush—definitely not something I’d voluntarily do.

However, this discomfort turned out to be unnecessary. The intimate shower is designed in a way that prevents any direct contact with the skin, and the water flows straight into the toilet without backwash.

That said, for added peace of mind, you can purchase an extra set of nozzles to ensure everyone has their own attachment. It’s a simple solution that keeps things hygienic and comfortable for all users.

As a globetrotter, the intimate shower has been a game-changer, improving my hygiene both on the road and at home. It allows me to be less dependent on public restrooms and ensures I feel fresh—even during my period—without having to compromise on cleanliness while traveling.

One key tip: always have something to dry off with, as things can get a bit damp otherwise. Also, consider your personal needs—do you require warm water, or are you fine without it? With a little practice and preparation, Bidetlity becomes a comfortable and practical addition to your hygiene routine, wherever you are.