I thought the same thing Rebecca. I had a hand held sprayer soon after my take down and around 6 months ago got a bidet seat, after 3 years and wish I'd had it from the beginning!
It cleans better as the water is warm and there are different kinds of sprays to use. One which is like an enema. I think this has helped with my cuffitis as when it feels like I can't get my pouch to completely empty and I start going a lot I use this setting. It gets the last bit out, cuts down on the number of BM's and therefor the irritation internally and externally. I couldn't do that with my hand held sprayer.
It also has a dryer, which I didn't think I would use at all but I do. I still use TP but not as much. This helps cut down the butt burn too. I am getting more exercise as I go upstairs to use my bidet instead of using the half bathroom on the main floor to
All that needed to be done was install an electrical outlet where there wasn't one by the toilet. It was a bit difficult as the master bathroom is on the 2nd floor and the wiring had to go down through the dining room wall to the basement. It probably wouldn't have been so difficult if my husband, who is an engineer, didn't have to do everything like this himself
The water source is the same as the water that goes into the toilet's water tank. Mine was on sale at Coco bidet for $329 total, no shipping. This is around $150 less than they were selling for 3.5 years ago. There are other brands but this was the best deal he found at the time we were buying it.
I think you can't go wrong buying one. It makes me feel so much cleaner.