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Enemas are used to cleanse the intestines and colon of fecal matter. They can be done at home and may include introducing substances into the bloodstream. Enemas may be required for medical tests, but laxatives are a less uncomfortable option for bowel cleansing. Some people believe enemas promote greater health, but there is little evidence to support this.
An enema is a procedure used to rid the intestines and colon of fecal matter. This procedure introduces liquid, usually water, and sodium bicarbonate or sodium phosphate, via a bulb or bag, into the anus and then into the intestines and colon. This tends to stimulate the intestines to release fecal matter.
The procedure may also include introducing any substance into the bloodstream through the anus. People with severe nausea are sometimes given an enema containing antinausea drugs. Instead of the liquid form of the detergent variety, this type of substance injection is usually in the form of a suppository. People with high fever and nausea may benefit from suppositories containing acetaminophen which can bring down a fever quickly because it reaches the bloodstream more quickly. Suppository medications are commonly used in the UK, but are not as popular in the US.
This procedure can be done at home. People with intestinal obstruction or severe constipation may be told to use one. They are often available for purchase at local drug stores. Most people, unless the constipation is exceptionally severe, prefer instead to benefit from the use of laxatives, which also result in bowel and colon cleansing through a much less uncomfortable procedure.
Some enemas still contain mineral oil, but this is not preferred by most people. Mineral oil can cause bowel leakage, which can’t be controlled, up to a day after the procedure. The water-based enema is considered to be just as effective and it is easier to control bowel movements afterwards.
Some medical tests may require the use of an enema. It may be standard procedure before a colonoscopy, as fecal matter can obscure the test. Also, some tests are done using a barium enema. Barium is a radioactive substance and can help visualize the gastrointestinal tract and any possible problems. Barium is usually given just before x-rays of the intestine are taken.
It was quite common for pregnant women who went into labor or were past their due date to have an enema. This was thought to cause more labor pains and speed labor. It was also thought to be more hygienic, as fecal matter would not pass during strong contractions. This is rarely performed now and has been a source of discomfort for many women for numerous years. If fecal matter is passed during labor and delivery, it simply gets cleaned up quickly.
Some people believe that the occasional bowel cleansing in this way promotes greater health, although there is little evidence that it is necessary as part of an overall health regimen. This belief became popular in the coming of the 20th century and some still adhere to it. People may perform enemas as an alternative medicine procedure, in the belief that it will purge the body of toxins and strengthen the muscles in the colon.
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