A bidet is a bathroom fixture, typically a low basin or a toilet attachment, designed to provide a stream of water for cleansing the external genitalia, perineum, and anal area following toilet use.[1][2] Originating in France around the early 18th century, the term “bidet” derives from the French word meaning “small horse” or “pony,” reflecting the straddling position adopted by users.[3] Early models were simple porcelain basins filled manually or fitted with basic faucets, initially associated with aristocratic hygiene practices amid limited full-body bathing.[3]

Bidets exist in several forms, including standalone units installed adjacent to toilets, non-electric attachments that retrofit existing toilet seats with spray nozzles, and integrated electronic models featuring heated water, air drying, and deodorization functions.[4][5] Standalone bidets, common in traditional European bathrooms, require separate plumbing connections, while attachments and seats offer easier retrofitting for households without dedicated fixtures.[6] In regions like Japan, advanced “washlet” systems—electronic bidet toilet seats pioneered by Toto in the 1980s—have achieved widespread adoption, with over 80% of households equipped for water-based cleansing.[7]