We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Show An enema involves inserting liquid or gas into the rectum, which is the lower part of the large intestine. The aim is to empty the bowels, allow for an examination, or administer medication. An enema can be effective in treating certain medical conditions, but regular enema use can cause serious health problems. Because of the risks involved, a person should only use an enema for medical reasons. In this article, we find out more about enemas and how to use them safely.
A medical professional may give an enema, or a person can use one at home. Many pharmacies sell enema kits, and these are also available online. Choose one that a healthcare provider has recommended. A kit usually includes a bag or another type of container attached to a tube or nozzle. This container holds a liquid, which may contain an oil or laxative. Anyone with sufficient flexibility in their arms and shoulders to reach behind them should be able to use an enema at home. There are some risks when using an enema:
Use the recommended amount of room temperature liquid, and do not use an enema too frequently. Things to rememberEach enema kit is slightly different and should come with clear instructions. Reading these instructions carefully can help make sure enema use is safe and effective. Make sure to plan enough time for the enema to work and to take a rest afterward, if needed. Doctors generally recommend having access to a bathroom for 1 hour after using an enema. An enema can be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If there is a pain, stop and seek medical advice. Using petroleum jelly can ease discomfort during insertion. Enema instructionsInstructions for every enema kit are different, but most follow these general steps:
An enema is an invasive procedure, and a person should only use one for medical reasons. Buy an enema kit from a reputable pharmacy — avoid homemade kits. Using an enema as a regular treatment for constipation can cause health problems. The body can become reliant on enemas to pass stool, and the muscles in the gut may weaken over time. It may become difficult to pass stool naturally, and in some cases, enema overuse could cause incontinence. Frequent constipation can indicate a medical condition. If a person has concerns about constipation, a doctor can advise about possible causes and recommend diet and lifestyle changes. Anyone with a compromised immune system — because of a disease such as leukemia, for example — should not use an enema, because of the risk that bacteria may enter the body. A person with a weakened immune system may not be fully able to fight an infection. Anyone with rectal prolapse, in which the very end of the lower intestine comes out of the body, should avoid using an enema. If a person has hemorrhoids, they should take extra care to avoid further discomfort. If a person has had a bowel obstruction or colon surgery, they have an increased risk of bowel perforation and should avoid using an enema. The use of an enema before giving birth is no longer the standard recommendation. The procedure is invasive and does not benefit a woman in labor. Share on PinterestCoffee enemas are popular but potentially dangerous. Enemas can help treat some medical conditions. They can also prepare a person for certain medical procedures. There is no scientific evidence that an enema benefits general health, and using an enema to detox can be harmful. Inserting substances such as coffee or oil into the body can also introduce harmful bacteria. Some common uses of an enema include: Preparation for surgeryIt is usually necessary to have an empty bowel before surgery on the rectum, colon, or gut. A person may need to use an enema at home before surgery, or a medical professional may give an enema in the hospital. ColonoscopyA colonoscopy is the use of a small camera to check the health of the rectum or bowel. The bowel will need to be empty before this procedure. A person may need to limit their diet for a few days before the procedure. The doctor may also prescribe an enema to ensure that the bowel is empty. Cancer screeningA barium enema can help check for bowel or colon cancer. One enema empties the bowel, and another puts liquid barium into the rectum. This shows up on an X-ray to give clear images of the bowels. After the procedure, the barium passes from the body in a bowel movement. ConstipationAn enema can help treat severe constipation. There are two main types of enema for constipation. The first lubricates the bowels to help stool pass quickly. The second is a retention enema, which stays in the body for longer. A retention enema is usually oil-based, and it soaks the stool to ease its passage from the body. Regular use of enemas to treat constipation can cause health problems. A more lasting way to resolve constipation is with diet and lifestyle changes. Drinking enough water and including plenty of fiber in the diet can keep bowel movements healthy and regular. MedicationPeople can administer medication using an enema. This can especially help with treating health problems affecting the colon, such as inflammatory bowel disease. In some cases, an enema can deliver other types of medication. This is because the network of blood vessels in the rectum can transport medicine quickly to other parts of the body. An enema can help treat certain health issues and they are a necessary step for some medical procedures. However, regular use can cause long-term problems, and a person should always follow professional advice when using an enema. The bowel is delicate, and a person should take care when using an enema. Bacteria can upset the balance of the gut and cause infection, and it is possible to injure the rectum. Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure to be gentle.
Enemas are sometimes used for constipation when other measures like laxatives or dietary measures aren't working. They are also used to clear out the colon before a colonoscopy or other test. Enemas work by getting fluid into your large intestine so it can soften up your stool and help it pass. While they can be safe and effective, enemas do have risks when performed at home, or if they're used too frequently. Sometimes, they can cause serious, even life-threatening complications. This article will explain when enemas are used, as well as the risks and possible complications of using them. It will also offer alternative ways to reduce constipation. Verywell / Nusha AshjaeeAn enema is the introduction of a fluid into the rectum and large intestine through the anus. Enemas are used for a variety of reasons:
If your healthcare provider recommends an at-home enema, you can buy an over-the-counter enema kit. Most of them contain water and salt, mineral oil, or a mild laxative. Get the kind your healthcare provider recommends. Don't add anything to it and make sure you follow the directions carefully. Don't try to put together a "DIY" enema using your own supplies or liquids. Using an enema at home always comes with certain risks. Risks of a single enema include:
An enema-related perforation can result in sepsis (blood poisoning), which one study found is fatal about 4% of the time. The repeated use of enemas can, over time, cause serious problems, such as:
One type of enema sometimes used in alternative medicine is called a high colonic or colon hydrotherapy. These are invasive and can be harmful if you use them to clear out stool on a regular basis. If you have hemorrhoids, enemas may cause extra pain. If you have a rectal prolapse (in which the end of the lower intestine protrudes from the rectum), you should avoid using an enema. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against the repeated use of enemas containing sodium phosphate. These are found in some store brands, including the Fleet Enema. The sodium phosphate enema is especially dangerous for elderly people. It can lead to hyperphosphatemia—an electrolyte disorder that involves high phosphate levels and low calcium levels in the blood. This can lead to pain, rash, muscle cramps, intermittent spasms, kidney and liver damage, and (rarely) death. A lot of people tout at-home enemas, often with "special" ingredients, for cleansing your bowel, improving digestive health, or other supposed benefits. These types of enemas are not recommended by the medical community. Fad enemas may contain coffee, herbs, minerals such as Epsom salts, soap suds, acidic solutions, and more. In addition to the regular risks of enemas, these fad enemas can cause:
Never use ingredients that have not been approved by your healthcare provider to give yourself an enema. Again, an enema should be a last resort for treating constipation. In most cases, constipation can be relieved with lifestyle changes, such as:
Over-the-counter laxatives may be an option for you, but they also come with risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about them, especially if you have regular constipation. Enemas work by releasing liquid into the colon and large intestine via a tube inserted into the anus. Enemas are used before tests, such as a colonoscopy, which requires a clear view of the colon. They are also used to relieve constipation sometimes when other measures have not been successful. Enemas can be dangerous when performed at home or repeatedly. They must be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider to avoid complications. If treatments such as dietary measures or laxatives have not relieved your constipation, you might want to consider using an enema. Always talk to your healthcare provider before attempting to give yourself an enema at home. They can help you choose the right one and give you advice on how to use it properly and safely. Keep in mind that in some cases constipation can be a sign of a serious condition, such as neurological problems or colon cancer. If you have repeated bouts of constipation that are hard to relieve, especially if it is followed by diarrhea, talk to your healthcare provider.
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