Anenemais a liquid inserted through theanusinto the large intestine.
It may be given to help you pass stool as a treatment forconstipation.
Some practitioners offer enemas using liquids (like coffee) that healthcare providers do not recommend.
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This article explains how enemas work, their benefits, and what to expect when using one.
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images
What Is an Enema?
An enema purchased from a pharmacy has a nozzle on the end of a small bag or bottle.
This container is filled with liquidsometimes salt and water, sometimes mineral oilinjected into the body.
The liquid is usually held in the rectum for the time specified in the product instructions.
It could be held until the urge to move the bowels comes on.
Tips for Safe Use
How Do Enemas Work?
Enemas work to clear fecal matter from the bowels in several ways.
First, the water often softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.
The liquid itself also makes the rectum feel fuller, which triggers a reflex to have a bowel movement.
When Are Enemas Used?
There are a few scenarios that call for the use of an enema.
Some enemas contain a laxative.The bang out of liquid may vary, depending on why the enema is used.
The volume of liquid used in an enema is classified into high-volume and low-volume.
Low-volume enemas use 500 mL or less, while high-volume enemas use 500-1,000 mL.
High-volume enemas can reach higher into the colon, which could be better for pre-procedural enemas.
However, low-volume enemas might be sufficient to help relieve constipation.
Asacol and Rowasa (mesalamine) are used to treatulcerative colitisin this way.
This treatment usually addresses inflammation in the last section of the colon, where the enema liquid will reach.
It’s often recommended that these enemas be used at night to give the medication time to work.
The idea is to remove toxins from the body and fortify the liver and gallbladder.
People with IBD should be especially wary of these types of enemas.
How to Use an Enema
In most cases, using an enema is straightforward.
People typically give enemas to themselves, although some may need help if they have mobility or cognition issues.
Remember that an enema takes time to work and keeps you in the bathroom for a bit.
You’ll want to ensure you’ve set enough time aside for your enema.
Preparation
First, be sure that you have the right enema product and understand the instructions.
Administration
The instructions for most anal enema products include the same series of steps.
You’ll also take the cap off of the enema nozzle.
You don’t want to insert the enema nozzle too far up into your anus, causing pain.
It’s also important to use exactly the amount of fluid called for in the instructions.
Complications with enemas are rare, but they can be severe.
Benefits of Enemas
Enemas help relieve discomfort and improve your ability to pass stool (poop).
They’re safe for occasional use when treating constipation, IBD or when you’re preparing for a procedure.
People with certain health conditions should speak to their healthcare providers before using an enema product.
This is true of people with IBD but also those with heart, kidney, and other health conditions.
Among them iscolorectal cancer, which often causes constipation and other bowel habit changes.
Prognosis
There are few side effects from the enema procedure itself.
These symptoms may be more of a concern in children who need enemas for treatment or before a colonoscopy.
How long it takes to work will depend on what bang out of enema product you use.
Some enemas will promote a bowel movement in just 15 minutes or less.
The specific instructions will give you an idea of what to expect.
Summary
An enema delivers liquid through a nozzle and into the anus and rectum.
You must only use enema products recommended by a professional and avoid other uses without proven benefits.
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