The challenges of finding hygienic toilet facilities are just as diverse as my travels by tent, car or camper. These are sometimes rare and the facilities do not always have toilet paper or running water.

I first came into contact with a bidet during a trip to Italy, as bidets are part of the standard repertoire of every toilet here. I thought to myself that this would be the ideal gadget for traveling in mobile form - independent of running water or toilet paper and without having to compromise on hygiene.

That's how I came across Bidetlity - the mobile intimate shower that I can take anywhere. It can also be folded so that it can be stored as flat and space-saving as possible, which is a big plus when you're traveling and space is at a premium.

And it promises even more: according to the manufacturer, cleaning is gentler, softer and more hygienic than toilet paper and is particularly good for people with irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhoids, menstruating women and women who have given birth, as the water jet is said to cleanse gently without irritating the skin.

To put these aspects through their paces, I started a four-week self-test, which I share in this article.

Despite my euphoria, the first few uses were a real change. Away from the usual routine with toilet paper and towards cleaning with water. It started with a few small hurdles: How do I position the butt shower correctly? How do I avoid splashing outside the toilet?

During my research, I learned that some people position the douche in front between the legs to clean themselves, while others position it behind the body on the bottom. The reasons for this vary from individual preference to body shape. Ultimately, it makes no difference when it comes to cleaning, just make sure you keep an eye on the water jet to make sure the bathroom stays dry.

With a little practice and patience, I eventually got a feel for which angle worked well. My intimate area felt fresher and cleaner. This kick of freshness was new - as if I had treated my body to a quick shower.

I was a little skeptical about the jet at first, as the built-in bidets in Italy had a strong pressure and I wasn't sure whether I could exert enough pressure with the mobile intimate shower to remove all traces. The bottle is quite soft, which makes it easy to regulate the pressure with your own strength. For wounds or a sensitive intimate area, it is pleasant to apply little pressure and cleanse gently.

When I went to the toilet, I applied a lot of pressure and sometimes refilled the bottle to make sure I was really completely clean. If you don't have a washbasin next to the toilet, you should definitely make sure that the douche is filled beforehand or that you have a small jug ready to refill if you need more water during your visit to the toilet.

But there is still the drying, because after every shower with bidetlity, the intimate area is wet. At first I used toilet paper for this. However, as this is not always available, especially when traveling, or I don't want to use toilet paper in nature, I switched to a small towel. I change it regularly to keep it hygienic and also reduce the amount of toilet paper I use.

After 2 weeks I noticed further benefits: I particularly appreciate the refreshing effect of the intimate douche during menstruation or on hot days. On cold days or in winter, on the other hand, you can use lukewarm water. This is also recommended by the manufacturers. 

I also asked myself whether I could share the intimate shower with another person, as I am often out and about with friends or my partner.

At first, the idea of using the same intimate shower made me feel uncomfortable. For me, the thought of it was like using the same toothbrush. However, this assumption is basically unfounded, as the intimate douche is designed in such a way that it never touches the skin and the water flows directly into the toilet when you squirt.

However, it is still possible to buy an additional package with extra shower heads to be on the safe side.

As a globetrotter, the intimate shower helps to improve my hygiene on the road and at home. It gives me the opportunity to be less dependent on public toilets. I also feel fresh during my period and don't have to sacrifice my hygiene while traveling.

It is important that you have something to dry yourself off with, otherwise it will be a wet affair. You should also know your needs: Do you need hot water or can you manage without? With a little practice and preparation, Bidetlity is a convenient addition to your bathroom hygiene.