Empty your bladder before an enema to reduce the discomfort associated with adding fluid to the bowel. Obtain an enema bag or a Fleets enema bottle from a pharmacy. The first uses fluid prepared at home while the second is a self-contained unit. Place a waterproof pad under the area where you will lie down in case you inadvertently release the fluid before reaching the bathroom. [1] X Research source
In general, you use smaller amounts of fluid for retention enemas so the rectum is not overwhelmed with the amount of fluid and the individual can retain it without discomfort. Your doctor will instruct you on how full the bag should be. Never share an enema bag, even if it has been cleaned.
Lubricate the end of the tube with a lubricant product, like KY jelly, to make insertion more comfortable.
You could also have someone hold the bag for you if you don’t have anywhere to hang it.
While inserting the tube into the anus, bear down and push the anus out as if for a bowel movement. Never force the tube in! If you can’t get it in, do not continue trying. Call your physician to discuss what to do next.
If the enema was administered for retention and absorption, you may want to stay on your left side for 10 minutes, roll to your back for 10 minutes and then your right side for 10 minutes to help the fluid move through the large colon.
Using enemas too frequently can result in dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. Although your body can absorb liquid from the rectum, it can also lose electrolytes from the blood if the fluid in the rectum is hypotonic (or has less electrolytes than in the blood) or can irritate the colon to expel more waste material than intended. Dehydration can have serious side effects for both the heart and kidneys. Decreased urination, dry mouth, increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness, lightheadedness, or pale and wrinkled skin can all be symptoms of dehydration. An allergic reaction to any of the medications commonly used in enemas is rare. However, if you experience an allergic reaction, which involves symptoms such as a rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, call your physician immediately.
Gerson therapy also makes use of enemas. Gerson therapy is a therapeutic approach to cleansing the body of toxins which does not rest on solid scientific research. The basis of the approach involves treating cancer based on diet and nutritional intake, including the use of coffee enemas, which are an essential part of the regimen. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source Retention enemas are another form of enemas that have long been used to administer medications (including antibiotics and anti-seizure medications) and fluids to the body when oral administration was not possible. The rectum is a cavity in the body which is fully able to absorb nutrients and fluids. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Medications have been given through suppositories but fluids are more readily absorbed into the body than medications via oil-based suppositories. In cases where IV administration is not possible, retention enemas can be helpful in the treatment of dehydration triggered by vomiting. [13] X Research source Cleansing enemas are used to help the body rid the lower intestines of waste or to administer specific herbs which are expected to be absorbed into the body. Cleansing enemas can be either large- or small-volume enemas which are designed to irritate the colon to produce peristalsis and encourage evacuation of the rectum and large intestines. Always consult your doctor before performing any kind of enema.
Tap water enemas should always use small volumes because the fluid is hypotonic, meaning it will pull electrolytes out of your blood and into the enema, which you then expel. This increases the risk of an electrolyte imbalance. A soap-suds enema can be used but only when pure castile soap is used. Other, harsher soaps can be dangerous to instill in an enema. Oil retention enemas are given to help soften the stool in the rectum, making it easier to pass. Adults may use an enema up to 150 ml and children up to 75 ml. The enema should be retained for 30 to 60 minutes, giving the oil time to penetrate and coat the stool. Powdered milk and molasses is a comfortable enema to use and one of the best treatments for severe constipation. Ask your doctor if this might be helpful for you and to get specific instructions on how to do it. Coffee enemas are used to detoxify and cleanse the bowel. Coffee, when administered rectally, stimulates bile production to help eliminate toxins and improve liver activity. Use coffee that has been boiled for 10 minutes and then cooled to room temperature or grounds that have been soaked overnight. In both cases the water should be strained before the fluid is used. Try to use organically grown coffee to reduce your exposure to pesticides. Note that coffee enemas do not deliver the caffeine you receive when drinking the beverage orally. [14] X Research source
Do not use medicated enemas if you have severe kidney disease, congestive heart failure, obstruction in your stomach or intestines, paralytic ileus, megacolon or active inflammatory bowel disease. If you are dehydrated, you should also not use an enema. Women who are pregnant or nursing must talk with their doctor before taking any medication to determine if the medicine is safe for the baby.
