An enema is a procedure during which water, medicinal or other substances are introduced into the body (into the rectum through the anus or into the large intestine using intestinal tubes or using an enema tip).
All enemas can be classified according to the purpose of use, the amount of liquid administered, the composition of the solutions and the temperature of the liquid. You can do an enema at home, but don't forget that an enema in a hospital is done by professionals, so it's much safer.
According to the purpose of use, cleansing, healing, nourishing, erotic, psychotropic and ritual enemas are distinguished.
Cleansing
A cleansing enema is usually performed to wash and cleanse the colon, eliminate feces and constipation, and treat intoxication or poisoning. It is used before various surgical operations and anal sex. The solution with such an enema is not absorbed, but erupted.
Medicated enema
The price of such an enema usually depends on the composition of the solution. By doing this procedure in a hospital, you will also pay for the services of doctors.
Medicated (or medicinal) enemas are usually micro-enemas, and the amount of fluid administered is notexceeds 100 ml. They are used to introduce medicinal substances (for example, decoctions of herbs, suspensions of biological or medicinal preparations) into the sigmoid and rectum and keep them inside for at least half an hour until completely absorbed. However, the solution should not always be absorbed, sometimes the enema ends with a bowel movement. Most often, therapeutic enemas are prescribed for the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum or sigmoid colon or intestinal dysbacteriosis. Rarely, they are used not for local treatment, but systemic, for example, with epileptic status or with hyperthermia. A side effect of therapeutic enemas is a violation of the intestinal microflora with frequent use.
Drip (nutritional) enema
Currently this species is not used at all. In medical practice, it was widely used in the 19th - early 20th centuries for feeding the seriously ill. The point was that a weak solution of glucose (5%) in a volume of up to one liter is slowly introduced into the patient's body through the anus using a dropper. Nowadays, this method has become obsolete, and intravenous and tube feeding have become its replacement.
Erotic
This type is used to obtain sexual or erotic pleasure from the situation associated with it (role games related to medicine, all kinds of BDSM situations, etc.) or from the enema itself. The Indians of Peru had a ritual in which an enema was given to a man during intercourse. It contributed to increased erection and stimulation of the prostate gland.
Psychotropic(or alcohol)
Most often it is a microclyster with a volume of 50-100 ml. With its help, various psychotropic substances are introduced into the body, mainly a 5-10% alcohol solution. The enema is quite popular among the "advanced" youth of today, since alcohol is absorbed very quickly in the rectum and does not pass through the liver (where it is usually destroyed by oral ingestion), having a strong effect on the brain, followed by intoxication and euphoria. In some Asian countries, young people practice enemas from a solution of opium. Even in ancient Greece, mandrake wine enemas were popular (mandrake root was placed in wine for several months).
However, this medal has a downside: there is a huge risk of overdose, chemical burns of the rectal mucosa and its subsequent chronic inflammation, or simply mechanical damage.
Ritual
Sometimes enemas are part of any rituals or rituals, customs. For example, the rite of purification.
These types of enemas are still common among some peoples, in particular, inhabiting Africa, the indigenous Indian tribes of South and North America, in some cults and religious sects. Moreover, only adults are not always involved in this, sometimes ritual enemas are also given to children.
Almost always, the enema solution contains psychotropic or narcotic substances, sometimes even aphrodisiacs. The following materials were used by Indians from America as a solution for enemas: spirit vine, dope, cayenne pepper, brugmansia, agave wine, coca leaves andothers.
In addition to those listed above, sometimes enemas serve other purposes. For example, sometimes in families that do not belong to religious or national minorities, children are given enemas for the purpose of punishment or to teach the child to defecate at the right time. At the same time, the enema is not necessarily given, sometimes the child is simply intimidated.
This procedure is also quite common among girls who are fond of diets, losing weight in general, fasting, some he alth or yoga practices.
According to the volume of fluid administered, enemas can be divided into small, medium and siphon.
Microclyster
A small enema is usually used to administer any drugs or psychotropic substances into the rectum. For setting, a small pear is used (a tool for the procedure). Enema volumes do not exceed 10-100 ml.
Average
Usually these are cleansing enemas, the volume of the solution does not exceed 2 liters. The administration of a cleansing enema is used for constipation or prior to rectal or colon diagnostics (X-ray or endoscopic examinations), in order to clean the colon.
Siphon
Synonymous with siphon enema - intestinal lavage. The meaning of the procedure is to introduce a liquid with a volume of about 20 liters by repeatedly pouring and removing 1-2 liters each. Usually used to remove toxic substances from the body or for deepcolon cleansing. Do not confuse this type of enemas with hydrocolonotherapy. A siphon enema is clearly not suitable for a baby.
According to the composition of the injected solution, water, medicinal, soapy, glycerin, hypertonic, oily, acidic, soda and other enemas are distinguished.
Water (simple enema)
This type of enema solution is simply water. It is usually used for constipation, to cleanse the intestines before operations, before childbirth.
Medicinal
The properties of a therapeutic enema have already been described above. We only add that due to the high rate of absorption of medicinal substances by the intestinal mucosa, this type of enemas is much more effective than oral administration of drugs. The solution for enemas is decoctions of herbs (for example, chamomile, nettle, etc.) or drugs.
A cleansing enema is usually required before medicated enemas.
Soap and glycerine
Soap enemas are most often used for constipation, their purpose is to stimulate colon peristalsis. Soap is often combined with glycerin, which is also a strong peristalsis stimulant.
Glycerin enemas - consisting of pure glycerin or a solution of glycerin. In its pure form, they are used very rarely.
Hypertonic enema
These are enemas, the solution of which is a solution of table s alt or magnesium sulfate. They are mainly used for constipation or if the patient has contraindications to simple enemas (this happens whenwater load is not desirable for the body, for example, with high blood pressure, intracranial, edema or water retention).
Oil enema
These types contain vegetable or vaseline (mineral) oil. An oil enema is most often used for constipation, and often precedes a glycerin or soap enema (then it serves as a protection of the mucous membrane from irritation).
Sour
Nothing more than an enema with the addition of vinegar or lemon juice. Contrary to the well-known stereotypes that acid corrodes the mucous membrane, on the contrary, this type of enemas does not cause irritation and is much more useful than soap or glycerin types. Acid enema enhances peristalsis of the colon, is used most often for constipation. Rarely may be used in putrefactive dyspepsia to relieve pain.
Soda water
Add some potassium bicarbonate (baking soda) to these enemas. The alkaline pH, normal for the intestines, helps to reduce spasms and reduce irritation. Just like an acid enema, it is used to reduce irritation and pain during dyspepsia (only fermentation, in which the acidity of the feces is increased).
Hydrogen peroxide enema
Hydrogen peroxide in the solution should be no more than 1%, otherwise there is a risk of burns of the intestinal mucosa.
Hydrogen peroxide reacts with organic matter in the colon and releases oxygen, which causes bloating. This enema is strictly contraindicated even ifslight suspicion of low strength of the walls of the colon, otherwise it will lead to its rupture.
Usually used to stimulate peristalsis.
Ogneva Enema
This type is used when a peroxide enema is contraindicated. It was invented by the Russian surgeon Ognev, from which it has such a name. It irritates the intestines quite strongly, so you should not get carried away with it. Ognev's enema solution consists of 20 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide, soap solution and pure glycerin.
Used only for colonic paresis or complete atony.
Oxygen
Instead of a solution with such an enema, oxygen is injected into the large intestine in small portions (about 100 ml). All this happens with the help of a special device.
Used for the treatment of helminths, as they cannot tolerate high oxygen content.
Tobacco enema
No longer applicable. It was widespread in the XVIII-XIX centuries. Tobacco smoke was injected into the rectum. Most often used for resuscitation of the drowned. It was believed that heating with tobacco smoke could restore breath.
According to the temperature of the injected liquid, all types of enemas can be divided into cold, cool, warm and hot.
Cold
The temperature of the solution with such an enema varies from 0 to room temperature (but always below room temperature). It is a strong stimulant of colonic peristalsis, perfectly reduces body temperature.
Recommended for use in paresis of the colon, atony, atonic constipation, and also in the event thatsolution absorption should be minimized. It is used for fecal intoxication, with fecal blockages, in cases where a warm enema is contraindicated and can dissolve feces. It can also be used to quickly reduce fever in hyperthermia, especially in infectious diseases or heat stroke.
Highly not recommended for normal constipation, spasms.
Cool
The solution for this enema is at room temperature. And although such a temperature for the intestines is still too low, a cool enema is better tolerated by the body and less spasmodic. Indications for use and contraindications are the same as for cold enemas.
Warm
This is an anal enema with a liquid that is at body temperature or a couple of degrees warmer. The body perceives it as warm. It has a laxative and antispasmodic effect on the colon, but cold or cool types of enemas are more suitable for stimulating intestinal motility.
Dissolves feces well, well absorbed by the body. It does not affect body temperature in any way. Recommended for spasms, statistical constipation, and when cold or cool enemas are contraindicated.
As a solution for a warm enema, it is recommended to use herbal decoctions or medicines, as they are much better absorbed.
Hot
The temperature of the enema solution varies between 40-45 degrees. But in no case above 45 degrees, since such a temperature will provoke a burn of the intestinal mucosa! Such an organismenema feels hot but not scalding.
Most commonly used to warm the prostate in men.
Setting technique and recommended volumes
Setting technique and necessary devices vary depending on the type of enema and the place of its application. An enema at the doctor will obviously be different from what you did at home. Please be careful when giving enemas at home. An enema in a hospital, under the supervision of specialists, is much safer. Now let's move on to the staging process.
Cleansing enemas are characterized by a large volume of solution. For them you will need:
- Esmarch's mug (a vessel containing up to two liters of liquid), usually it is already equipped with a rubber tube;
- special tip.
So, the patient must be placed on the left (or right, no difference) side, after which he must tuck his legs under him. The tip must be lubricated with Vaseline. After filling Esmarch's mug with liquid, carefully insert the tip into the patient's anus. Wait until all the liquid enters the intestines, then carefully remove the tip. Now the patient must keep the liquid inside for at least half an hour, and then empty himself. The procedure is over. It must be understood that a cleansing enema is not suitable for babies, since the maximum volume of fluid they inject should not exceed 15-30 ml.
Hypertonic, oil and other types of microclysters are placed without the help of Esmarch's mug. A small pear-shaped balloon with a tip or Janet's syringe will suffice. With their help, the solutiongently inserted inside.
If you haven't yet figured out how an enema is made, the photos below will show exactly what you need.
All of the above types of enemas can be done at home.
Now let's find out what a siphon enema is. The price for it varies between 650 - 1000 rubles, depending on the clinic in which you perform this procedure. At home, such an enema is not only not recommended, but simply impossible. It could be dangerous!
For this procedure you need:
- small basin of water;
- pitcher;
- thick gastric tube;
- funnel.
Carefully grease the end of the gastric tube with Vaseline for about five centimeters and insert into the anus about 30-40 cm. Carefully fill the funnel with water, while holding it at the level of the body. Then lift it up. The funnel should be completely filled with water mixed with intestinal contents. Pour it into a basin and refill with clean water. So you should continue until you see more or less pure water in the funnel.
Now let's talk about the volume of enemas. Usually the volume of an enema does not exceed one liter, with the exception of a siphon enema. As you already understood, an unlimited amount of water is used with a siphon enema, usually 2-3 liters, but it can be more. It all depends on the degree of slagging of the intestines.
Medicinal and cleansing enemas contain approximately 1 liter of liquid, oil, hypertonic, soda and others - no more than 500ml.
We have described the process of giving enemas to adults. What about the kids?
Enemas for kids
The big problem with this procedure for a child is that it's just very hard to persuade him. Try to explain to him that it is necessary and that it is for his own good.
If we are talking about babies, then there are more difficulties.
Firstly, the usual amount of enema will not work for him. Accordingly, you can put Esmarch's mug into the far corner. For infants, the volume of the enema should not exceed 30 ml. A child of two years old can do enemas with 100 ml of solution.
Second, let's talk about the solution. It doesn't have to be strong drugs. Ideally, if it is ordinary water. However, if the child has severe bowel problems, then sodium chloride solution will do. Sometimes you can give an oil enema using vaseline, sunflower or olive oil. You can also use a little glycerin solution. One way or another, any liquid must be heated to 37 degrees. Do not give a child a cold or hot enema.
Before administering enemas, a baby should definitely consult a doctor!
Types of enemas: table
Based on all of the above, you can make a small table.
| View | Indications for use | Contraindications | Recommended enema volumes and temperatures |
| Cleansing | With constipation, intoxication, poisoning; before operations, analsex. | Bleeding in the digestive tract, inflammatory process in the colon, malignant tumors of the rectum. | 1-2 liters; usually cool or cold. |
| Therapeutic | Used as a topical or systemic treatment for various diseases. | The same. | No more than 100 ml; warm or hot. |
| Erotic | Used for sexual pleasure. | The same. | Various volumes and temperatures. |
| Psychotropic | No medicinal properties. | Some psychotropic substances are illegal. | 50 to 100 ml; most often cold. |
| Soapy or glycerine | To stimulate peristalsis. | Sometimes causes severe irritation. In general, the contraindications are the same as for cleansing enemas. | Up to 500 ml; cold or cool. |
| Hypertensive | Mainly used for constipation. | Do not use with high blood pressure, swelling. | From 100 to 300 ml; warm. |
| Oiled | For constipation or as a mucosal protection before glycerin enemas. | Contraindications are the same asat purifiers. | Usually a micro enema; cold or cool. |
| Sour | Used for constipation; enhances peristalsis. | Irritation of the colon, damage to it. | No more than 1 liter; cold or cool. |
| Soda water | Helps reduce spasms, improves peristalsis. | Same as the Purifier. | No more than 1 liter; cold or cool. |
| Hydrogen peroxide enema | To stimulate peristalsis. | Strictly contraindicated in low intestinal wall strength. | 500 - 1000 ml; cold or cool. |
| Ogneva Enema | Used when peroxide enema is contraindicated. | Very dangerous, rarely used. Contraindications are the same as for medicinal enema. | 60 ml; cold or cool. |
| Oxygen | For the treatment of helminths. | Same as the Purifier. | Introduced in small portions, no more than 500 ml. |
Do not forget that any anal enema can harm a person. It is not recommended to abuse them. Also, do not put enemas unnecessarily. Some girls who dream of losing weight often resort to thismethod, although in fact enemas do not produce any weight loss effect. If you decide to lose weight and want to do it with enemas, it is better to do hydrocolonotherapy. This procedure is aimed at the complete cleansing of the intestines, and the enema - only a small part of it.
In any case, do not give enemas too often. If the problem is not solved after 2-3 procedures, consult a doctor. It is impossible to continue treatment with enemas on your own, and this will not give you absolutely anything. Watch your he alth and do not abuse unnecessary procedures!
