An enema is commonly used to cleanse the bowels and relieve constipation. Some women also choose to use an enema before giving birth. This involves using an enema or an irrigator to introduce a warm liquid into the bowel through the anus. Still water is best, which can possibly be supplemented with additives such as chamomile. Learn more about enema here and find out how to make an enema yourself.
Treat constipation
Enemas are usually given to treat constipation and to cleanse the bowels before examinations or surgery. The fluid that is passed into the intestines can flush out debris in the rectum. For acute constipation, an enema is a particularly fast-acting and easy-to-perform method. If you suffer from constipation, little fluid will probably fit into your bowel at first. In such a case, wait for the stool to empty after the first enema and then perform a second enema. As a general rule, between 500 and 2,000 milliliters of fluid can be pumped into the bowel per pass.
Different devices
Different devices can be used for an enema, depending on the goal of the treatment. If only a small amount of fluid is to be introduced into the intestine, disposable enemas from the pharmacy can be used. These usually contain between 100 and 200 milliliters of fluid. If the bowel is to be thoroughly flushed, you can use an enema syringe or an irrigator. An enema syringe consists of a rubber ball into which an enema tube is inserted. An irrigator, on the other hand, is composed of a cup or bag and a tube connected to the cup. An enema tube is located at the end of the tube away from the cup. An irrigator offers the advantage that less air usually enters the bowel during the enema than with an enema syringe.
Possible additives
Usually, an enema is performed using only still, warm water. The water should be about body temperature, otherwise you may feel cold during the enema. However, if you wish, you can mix additives into the water. Suitable additives include:
- Chamomile tea
- Herbal tea
- Table salt
- Base powder
If you want to use supplements, please inform yourself beforehand about possible side effects. Also, be sure to avoid overdosing, otherwise the intestinal mucosa can be irritated.
Do enema yourself: Preparation
To perform an enema yourself, you should first gather all the items needed for it:
- Towel or protective sheet
- Bowl
- Disposable gloves
- Irrigator (alternatively: enema syringe)
- Vaseline / fat cream
Now prepare the rinsing liquid: For this, put body-warm water in the bowl and add additives such as table salt or chamomile if necessary. If you are performing an enema for the first time, you should use about 500 milliliters of liquid. If your bowel absorbs significantly less fluid on the first pass, you can try a second time after emptying it. Fill the irrigation fluid into the irrigator. Then hang the device at least at door handle height – the higher it hangs, the greater the enema speed later. Open the small tap and drain off as much water as necessary until there are no more air bubbles in the tube. Then grease the intestinal tube and the anus with some cream. Now kneel either in a quadruped position on a towel or lie flat on your left side and slightly tighten your knees.
Doing an enema yourself: Execution
Put on the disposable gloves and insert the enema tube about two to three inches deep into the anus by making a slight twisting motion. You should not feel any pain while doing this. Now slowly pump the liquid into the bowel; if you feel a strong urge to empty, you should not add any more liquid. When you are finished, carefully pull the enema tube back out of the anus. You will probably feel a strong urge to defecate due to the large amount of water in the bowel. If possible, do not go directly to the toilet, but wait a few minutes. Between five and 15 minutes is ideal.You can then empty your bowel contents in the toilet at your leisure.
Enema before birth
Whether or not to perform an enema before giving birth is usually up to the pregnant woman to decide. Some women feel more relaxed if you know before birth that their bowels are completely empty. This is because then no feces can be pushed out of the bowel during birth, despite the pressure of the baby. Other women, on the other hand, do not want to undergo the stress of an enema before giving birth. This is because an enema can be unpleasant during labor. However, it is always useful if the bowel is very full or blocked. Because when the bowel is empty, the baby has more space in the abdomen.
Fasting and enema
In alternative medicine, enemas are categorized as purgative procedures. This includes treatments that are intended to help detoxify the body. Enemas are therefore often performed in conjunction with a fasting cure. Often, laxatives are also used instead of an enema – however, an enema is much gentler on the stomach.
