There are various reasons why a person might need an enema. In addition, there are various solutions that can be used. You can buy ready-to-use enemas at the pharmacy or use an enema bag. Whichever you choose, the process of administering the enema remains the same; You must insert the solution to be used into the lower colon through the rectum. Talk to your doctor before you do an enema to see if this is a good option for you and decide which type of enema to use.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Performing the Enema
Step 1. Prepare the enema
Think about the right time. You have to do the enema at the right time. Whatever the purpose of the enema, the method of administration remains the same. However, if you are performing an enema for retention purposes, it is best if the enema is given after a normal bowel movement. For the purpose of treating constipation, enemas are given to help with bowel movements.
- Empty the bladder before performing the enema to reduce discomfort associated with increasing fluid in the intestines.
- Purchase an enema bag at the pharmacy or a Fleet enema bottle. For enema bags, you must fill them with a liquid prepared at home, while Fleet enema bottles are sold with the contents.
- Place a plastic mat in the area that will be used as a place to lie down to anticipate the possibility of liquid leaking out accidentally before you get to the bathroom.
Step 2. If you used an enema bag, now is the time to fill it
The bag should be cleaned with hot water and soap after each use. Never share enema bags even after they have been cleaned. Each family member should have their own pocket. Fill the bag with a doctor-recommended solution and warm water (see Section 2). Make sure the clamps are securely in place to hold the liquid. Once fully filled, hold the bag with the end of the tube facing down, and open the clamp briefly to allow the liquid to push air bubbles out of the tube so they don't enter the intestines and cause colic. After that, re-install the clamps.
- In general, you use less water for retention purposes so that the rectum is not too full and you can maintain it without causing discomfort. The doctor will tell you how much fluid you need.
- Make sure you have a device to hang the pouch on so you don't have to ask someone to hold it. Giving fluids through the enema bag utilizes gravity. The best strategy is to hang the bag near where you will be performing the enema. The position of the pouch should be high enough so that the fluid can drain easily, usually about 60 cm above the rectum, but not more than one meter.
Step 3. Prepare the enema tube
Measure and make a 10 cm mark on the tube to make sure you don't insert it more than 10 cm into the rectum.
Lubricate the end of the tube with vaseline or lubricating jelly so as not to cause discomfort when inserted
Step 4. Lie down
Lie on your left side, with your knees pulled toward your chest. This will change the position of the lower colon so that it can receive more fluid from the rectum. The anatomical position of the lower part of the colon and gravity will help the fluid to enter higher in the colon. Tilt your head and place your left hand under your head.
Step 5. Insert the enema tube into the rectum
Open the cleavage of the buttocks to find the anus or the outside of the rectum which will be the entrance for the tube. Gently push the end of the enema tube, or the end of the lubricated Fleet enema bottle into the rectum about 7.5 cm.
- When you push the tube into the anus, push as if you want to have a bowel movement.
- Do not force tube insertion. If you are unable to push the tube into the anus, stop. Call your doctor to discuss what to do.
Step 6. Allow the fluid to drain into the rectum
If you are using an enema bag, open the clamp and allow the fluid to drain into the colon. If you are using a Fleet enema bottle, press the bottle gently. Gently roll the bottle from the bottom up so that the liquid doesn't flow back into the bottle.
Step 7. Wait for all the fluid to enter the rectum
Breathe through your mouth if you feel heartburn (colic). Close the clamp for a moment until the heartburn subsides, then continue the enema procedure. Watch the bag until it is completely empty, then remove the tube. If you are using a Fleet enema bottle, keep scrolling the bottle and slowly remove the tube.
Step 8. Go to the bathroom and have a bowel movement
If you are constipated, try to lie down for at least a few minutes and at most an hour before going to the bathroom to have a bowel movement.
If you are performing the enema for retention and absorption purposes, it is best to stay on your left side for 10 minutes, then on your back for 10 minutes, and on your right side for 10 minutes to help fluid reach the large intestine
Step 9. Watch for side effects
As with any medical treatment, it is possible that you may experience some side effects after taking enemas. During the enema procedure, you may feel bloated and uncomfortable. Colic and gas may also continue for several hours after the enema. If these symptoms persist for more than a few hours after the enema, contact your doctor immediately.
- If you do enemas too often, you can become dehydrated and have electrolyte imbalances. Although the body can absorb fluids through the rectum, the body is also at risk of losing blood electrolytes if the fluid in the rectum is hypotonic (or contains less electrolytes than there is in the blood) or can irritate the colon and excrete more stools than it should.
- Dehydration can cause serious side effects for the heart and kidneys. Decreased frequency of urination, dry mouth, increased thirst, reduced tears, dizziness, lightheadedness, or pale, wrinkled skin can be symptoms of dehydration.
- Allergic reactions to the drugs used for enemas are rare. However, if this happens, for example you develop a rash, hives, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Method 2 of 2: Understanding the Enema
Step 1. Understand the purpose of the enema
Most people use enemas to treat constipation. If you can't have a bowel movement completely, an enema can stimulate the colon to contract and force stool out. Enemas can also help soften stools so they are easier to pass. However, constipation is not the only reason a person may need enemas and should not be considered a continuous method of dealing with this problem. Long-term use of enemas to relieve constipation can cause severe damage to the intestines as well as the ability to defecate naturally.
- Gerson therapy also uses enemas. Gerson therapy is a therapeutic approach to clearing toxins from the body that is not supported by solid scientific research. This method aims to treat cancer through diet and nutrition, and also includes the use of coffee enemas, which are a fundamental part of this therapy.
- Retention enemas are another type of enema that have long been used to deliver drugs (including antibiotics and anticonvulsant drugs) and fluids into the body when oral administration of drugs is not possible. The rectum is a cavity in the body that is able to absorb nutrients and fluids. Medicines can be given as suppositories, but the body absorbs fluids more easily than oil-based suppositories. If infusion is not possible, retention enema may be an option to treat dehydration caused by vomiting.
- Cleansing enemas are used to help the body get rid of waste in the lower intestine or to give certain herbal ingredients that the body can absorb. Cleansing enemas can use large amounts of water (large volumes) or small amounts (small volumes) and are designed to produce peristalsis and push stool out of the rectum and large intestine.
Step 2. Identify the various solutions used for enemas
You can prepare it yourself at home or buy it at a pharmacy. The liquid used can be medicated or plain water, depending on the purpose of the enema. Ask your doctor what is the best option for you. Here are some types of solutions that can be used for enemas:
- Enemas performed with tap water always use a small volume because the fluid is hypotonic, meaning it extracts electrolytes from the blood before removing them with the enema fluid. This condition increases the risk of electrolyte imbalance.
- Soapy water enemas can be used, but must be made with pure Castilian soap. Other harsher soaps can be harmful if used for enemas.
- An oil retention enema is performed to soften the stool in the rectum so that it is easier to pass. Adults can use enema volumes up to 150 ml and children up to 75 ml. The enema should be held for 30-60 minutes to allow the oil to penetrate and coat the stool.
- Powdered milk and molasses syrup are used for more convenient enemas and are one of the best treatments for severe constipation. This enema can be done up to 4 times a day. Add 85 grams of powdered milk to 180 ml of hot water and stir until well blended. Then add 130 ml of molasses syrup and stir until the color is evenly distributed.
- Coffee enemas are used to detoxify and cleanse the intestines. Coffee given rectally can stimulate the production of bile (bile) and liver activity. Use coffee that has been boiled for 10 minutes, then cool to room temperature or use coffee grounds that have been steeped overnight. Before using coffee water must be filtered first. Try to use organic coffee to reduce pesticide exposure. Please note that coffee enemas do not cause the body to receive caffeine as if you drink coffee orally.
Step 3. Beware of contradictions
It is important to know the contradictions of the use of enemas, i.e. conditions or factors that make enema treatment inappropriate or harmful to the body. In general, enemas are harmless. However, there is a group of individuals who should not use enemas, especially with liquids that contain the drug.
- Do not use medicated enemas if you have serious kidney disease, congestive heart failure, stomach or intestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus, megacolon or active inflammatory bowel disease. If you are dehydrated, it is best not to use enemas.
- Pregnant or nursing women should consult a doctor before using medicated enemas to make sure they are safe for the baby.
