Patient education: How to give an enema (The Basics)

What is an enema? — An enema is a liquid that is given into the rectum. The rectum is the lower part of the large intestine (figure 1). Enemas can be just water, or they can contain medicine to help with problems like constipation.

Some enema liquids are absorbed by the rectum for the body to use. For others, the liquid will help with having a bowel movement.

Some enemas come in a prefilled plastic container and are ready to use. For other enemas, you mix the solution at home and use an enema bag and tubing to give them.

How do I give an enema? — Make sure that you have all of the items you need. Place them on a clean surface nearby. This includes:

●Enema solution

●Enema bag and tubing (if the enema is not in a prefilled container)

●Water-based lubricant (sample brand name: K-Y Jelly)

●A tissue or cloth

Check to make sure that you have the correct amount of solution or medicine. This might be based on your age or condition. If using a prefilled enema, check the expiration date. Do not use it if it is expired.

To give an enema:

●Wash your hands with soap and water. Some people use gloves to protect their hands.

●Remove the protective cap if there is one. Coat the tip of the bottle or end of the tubing with the lubricant.

●Have the person lie down on their side. If you are giving yourself an enema and are right-handed, you might want to lie on your left side. If you are left-handed, you might want to lie on your right side.

●Gently insert the tip of the bottle or end of tubing into the rectum.

•For children, insert the tip about 1/2 to 2 inches (3.75 to 5 cm).

•For adults, insert the tip about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm).

●Empty the contents into the rectum. The enema fluid should flow into the rectum slowly, over 5 to 10 minutes if possible. If you feel resistance or the fluid won't flow because there is a mass of stool, remove the tip and reinsert around the stool.

•For prefilled enema bottles, gently squeeze the content of the bottle into the rectum.

•For enema bags, open the clamp and let the fluid flow by gravity into the rectum. Keep the bag 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters) above the hips. If this causes stomach cramps, lower the bag a little.

●Remove the tubing or enema bottle.

●Try to hold the liquid inside the body for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Try to wait to have a bowel movement until there is a strong urge to go.

●If the enema bottle is disposable, throw it away. If it is reusable, wash it with hot soapy water.

●Wash your hands with soap and water.

What else should I know?

●Some enemas need to be shaken before use.

●Talk to the doctor before using an enema if there are hemorrhoids, sores, or a tear in the anus.

●You can place a pad under the hips when giving an enema. This will help protect against leaks.

●You can also place a pad inside the underwear in case the stool or enema solution leaks.

●Holding the enema bag too high will cause the liquid to flow into the rectum too fast. This can cause cramps.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if the person getting the enema:

●Has more than a few drops of blood from the rectum

●Has new belly pain

More on this topic

Patient education: Constipation in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Constipation in children (The Basics)
Patient education: High-fiber diet (The Basics)

Patient education: Constipation in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Constipation in infants and children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High-fiber diet (Beyond the Basics)