What is an enema?

by Abbas Jahangir · June 22, 2024

Constipation; It is a common condition that can occur as a result of various reasons such as diet, some diseases and medication use. Although the use of some medications is beneficial in the treatment of constipation, enema is one of the frequently used treatment methods.

What is an enema?

The rectum is the last part of the large intestine where it connects to the anus. Enema is the process of placing liquid into the large intestine to speed up the functioning of the intestines by placing it into the rectum. Frequently asked “What does enema mean?” The question can be answered this way. In the treatment of constipation, laxatives, that is, drugs that accelerate bowel movements, are generally preferred in cases where other options such as changing diet and exercising do not help. In cases where these treatments do not work, enemas can be used.

What is the use of enema?

Constipation, a common complaint, occurs when the feces in the large intestine cannot be expelled through the rectum. In patients suffering from constipation, the intestines work slower than normal and three or fewer bowel movements occur in a seven-day period. Mild constipation usually occurs because individuals do not consume fibrous foods regularly or do not drink enough water. Lack of daily sports activities is another factor that causes constipation. Enema is used to cleanse the large intestine in patients with constipation problems.

Enema is used not only in cases of constipation, but also before x-ray or colonoscopy (examination of the large intestine with a camera), which will allow visualization of the large intestine. Thanks to its cleansing of the intestines, it helps to visualize polyps that may be found in the large intestine more clearly.

How to Perform an Enema?

Before the enema, physicians may ask the patient to switch to some special diet. This diet generally includes foods that contain high fiber and speed up the functioning of the intestines. However, these recommendations may vary depending on why the patient needs an enema. Enema can be applied at home or in hospitals.

Enema solution can come ready-made or can be obtained by mixing some ingredients. Therefore, care must be taken while preparing the aqueous enema solution. In order to reduce the pressure on the large intestine, it is beneficial to empty the bladder (urinary bladder) by urinating. It can be applied alone or by the patient’s relative. Since enema may cause an urgent need to go to the toilet, it is recommended to do it in a place close to the toilet. During the application, the legs should be pulled towards the abdomen so that the enema can pass into the intestines more easily. For easy placement of the enema tube, lubricating gel can be applied to the tip of the tube. Measurements should be made before the procedure and the tip of the enema tube should not be advanced more than ten centimeters into the rectum. After the enema tube is inserted into the rectum, it should be squeezed until the solution in the tube is empty. During this process, deep breathing will relax the patient. After the procedure is completed, the tip of the tube is slowly removed from the rectum. When the tube is removed, patients immediately feel the need to go to the toilet. If the purpose of using the enema is to cleanse the intestines, some amount of the solution must remain in the intestines. Generally, keeping the enema in the intestines for about 5 minutes is sufficient. If the enema is used to expand the large intestine, it should be applied as recommended by the doctor. The enema procedure can also be performed in hospitals if patients have not performed the procedure before or need assistance.

In some cases, enema is required for children or babies. Before using enemas on children or babies, it is important to contact a pediatrician and apply enemas in accordance with their recommendations.

Enema Types

There are several commonly used types of enemas. Emptying enemas are used to clean the feces in the large intestine. It is usually applied before a colonoscopy or other medical examination is required. Complaints such as constipation, fatigue, headache and backache can be relieved by evacuating enema. Urinary enema solutions contain minerals necessary to soften the stool and accelerate bowel movements. As a result of the application of a voiding enema, the intestines are stimulated and the waste is removed along with the solution.

Therapeutic enema types are solutions containing medications necessary for the treatment of intestinal-related infectious diseases. These enemas are performed in a hospital environment under the supervision of a doctor. They are not delivered quickly to the large intestine as in evacuatory enemas, but are administered more slowly to avoid stimulating the rectum. In this way, the need to go to the toilet is reduced and the medicine remains in the intestines for a longer time. They are generally used in cases of infection caused by intestinal parasites and contribute to the treatment.

Enema Benefits

Enemas, which are used to treat constipation and cleanse the intestines, are also used because they have other benefits. Some studies have shown that enemas, which are stated to help remove harmful toxins and heavy metals from the body, also improve the skin, immunity, blood pressure and energy level. However, since the number of studies indicating these benefits is limited, they are generally used to treat constipation and cleanse the intestines.

Why is enema done?

Enema; It is used to treat constipation caused by reasons such as not drinking enough water, not consuming fibrous foods regularly, and not doing enough exercise.
If large intestine examination methods such as colonoscopy and anoscopy (examination of the anal canal with a camera) will be used by doctors, it is used to prepare before the procedure and to clean the large intestines. In this way, it contributes to the easier viewing of polyps, bleeding and other abnormalities that may be located in the walls of the large intestine.
If a surgical procedure will be performed on the intestines, it is applied before the surgery. In this way, feces can be prevented from creating a dirty environment and causing infection during the operation.
Barium-containing enemas are used in X-ray imaging of the lower intestinal tract and thus help visualize bowel movements.
They are used for treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Enema Side Effects

Although enema has important medical effects in cleansing the intestines and treating constipation, it also brings with it many risks as a result of misuse, especially at home.

Since it can also affect the beneficial bacteria in the intestines, it can disrupt the electrolyte (salt and mineral) balance in the body. Salt enemas, especially those containing sodium phosphate, disrupt the electrolyte balance in the body and cause changes in magnesium and sodium levels.
After the enema, cramp-like pain and gas may occur in the abdomen.
If diarrhea occurs as a result of enema use, problems such as water depletion and electrolyte imbalance may occur in the body. As a result, serious effects may occur on the kidneys and heart. If conditions such as dry mouth, increased thirst, fatigue/weakness, pale skin color occur, the physician should be informed.
If serious side effects such as change in the amount of urine, abdominal pain, bloody stools, bleeding, confusion, or swelling in the ankles or legs are observed, the nearest health institution should be consulted.
Although rare, serious side effects such as heart rhythm irregularity and seizures may occur.
It is generally rare for an allergy to occur after an enema, however, it is necessary to seek medical attention in case of complaints such as rash, itching, swelling (especially on the face, tongue and throat), severe dizziness, difficulty in breathing.

How Long Does the Effect of Enema Last?

If the enema is performed at home, this process should not be rushed. Nothing should be eaten for at least 30 minutes before starting the procedure. Enemas usually show their effectiveness within an hour after administration. If you are unable to go to the toilet after an enema, medical help should be sought. Unless otherwise stated, a physician should be consulted before using an enema for the second time.