Bidets, Enemas, and You: Safety Tips and Health Benefits

Enemas are a safe, non-pharmacological treatment for functional and chronic constipation. Using a bidet as an enema is an accessible and healthy way to relieve constipation naturally. Find out how enemas work, how long medical professionals have used them, and how to use the enema function on your Bio Bidet (or any bidet!)

What Is an Enema?

Enemas use fluid to stimulate bowel movements or to clean the bowels before a medical procedure. Enemas are one of the most common treatments for constipation, which causes abdominal discomfort due to hard-to-pass stool.

How Does an Enema Work?

Depending on the type of enema, the procedure promotes bowel movement in one of three primary ways.

• Stool softening. Enema solutions are primarily saline, water, or another liquid substance that draws water into the colon. Stool absorbs the water and becomes soft, making it easier to pass.
• Stimulation. Fluid enemas cause the muscles surrounding the colon to contract, which usually stimulates bowel movements.
• Lubrication. Certain enema solutions contain lubricants, such as mineral oil, that make it easier for stool to pass through the rectum.

Suppository vs. Enema: What’s the Difference?

Both suppositories and enemas are administered rectally, but they differ in several important ways.

Suppository	Enema
›            Solid ›            Localized relief (less complete bowel movements) ›            More discreet ›            Less effective	›         Liquid ›         Widespread relief (more complete bowel movements, especially before a medical procedure) ›         Harder to administer

 

Always speak with a trusted healthcare professional before using a suppository or an enema kit, as both can cause discomfort, pain, and infection if performed incorrectly.

The Most Common Types of Enemas

There are a few types of enemas that depend on unique liquid solutions to achieve different medical results.

Cleansing Enema

Also known as a water enema, a cleansing enema uses between 300 and 1000 mL of a water-based solution. Healthcare professionals often use a small-volume enema to clean the lower colon before surgery, while large-volume enemas are utilized to relieve constipation.

Are water enemas safe?

Absolutely, but it’s important to follow recommendations provided by your healthcare provider, the enema kit, or our guidelines for using a bidet for an enema – we have those tips below! Some common water enema side effects include rectal and anal discomfort, cramping, and other issues.

Oil-Retention Enema

The most common cause of constipation is hard stool. This type of enema softens stool with an oil-based solution and a relatively small volume of fluid. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can take an hour or more to work.

Return-Flow Enema

Patients with severe and painful intestinal gas often suffer from chronic constipation. Relieving the trapped gas also helps soften and stimulate stool. Also known as a Harris flush, this enema procedure introduces up to 1,000 mL of fluid to the intestines. As the fluid is drawn out, gas is also removed. The Harris flush is often repeated multiple times for a complete cleanse.

Related: Are Juice Cleanses Healthy?

Are Enemas Safe?

Enemas are safe when applied with sterile tools. Unlike store-bought kits, there’s no contact with the rectum or anus with a bidet, significantly reducing the risk of spreading germs. Some experts warn that consistent enema use can disrupt your natural bowel movement schedule and cause dependency. The evidence suggests that enemas should be used to relieve constipation, not as a preventative measure for any health condition.

The most common reasons for an enema include:

• Constipation. Enemas quickly relieve chronic and acute constipation.
• Medical procedures. Healthcare professionals often order enemas to clear the colon before a colonoscopy, X-ray or MRI, or surgery.
• Medication. Some medications are administered rectally using an enema solution.

Does an enema have to be ordered by a doctor?

Over-the-counter enema kits are readily available and can be used without a prescription or doctor’s recommendation. It’s always best to consult your doctor before using a bidet as an enema or administering an enema yourself to avoid unexpected health issues. Only use an enema when constipated, and if you experience discomfort or constipation doesn’t improve, talk to your healthcare provider.

Enemas have played a role in supporting digestive health for centuries. The practice dates back thousands of years, strongly indicating that enemas are healthy, safe, and accessible for the general population.

Who Invented the Enema?

Enemas have been a staple of gastrointestinal health for thousands of years. The first application of an enema isn’t recorded, but the procedure makes many appearances in recorded history.

Records show that Egyptians administered themselves enemas 3 days a month. Between 1600 and 1550 BCE, documents show that the pharaohs had a servant whose sole responsibility was administering royal enemas.

Interestingly, the enema reached widespread popularity in the 17^th century in the French court. That closely links enemas with the clysters that became all the rage with King Louis XIV. Derived from the Greek word for “wash,” clysters were kind of Louis’ thing; he received more than 2,000 enemas during his long life. We imagine the guy could have used a SlimEdge!

Bidets also came to prominence in France, across Europe, and around the world during this same period. There must have been something in the water.

How to Use a Bidet as an Enema

Skip the kits and give yourself an enema with a bidet! We offer a range of bidets with an enema feature known as the Vortex Wash. Sometimes called the “Bio Bidet Enema Function,” the Vortex Wash is a specialized water stream that concentrates water into a stronger, jet-like spray. It may not treat constipation entirely, but it can help loosen stool and stimulate bowel movements.

To use your bidet as an enema, select the Vortex Wash, which is available on several models. 

1. Direct the spray at your rectum; the Vortex Wash is roughly 20-25% stronger than a normal spray, allowing the bidet to act as an enema.
2. Allow the spray to continue for a minute or two, or until you feel it working.

Stop using the feature if you experience pain or discomfort at any time.

Is It Safe to Use a Bidet as an Enema?

Yes, at-home enemas using your bidet are safe and support overall digestive health. It’s not advisable to use your bidet enema every day, as this could lead to changes in your natural bowel movements and cause dependency on artificial stimulation.

The Best Bidets with Enema Wash

There are several models to choose from, but we have a few favorites.

• The best bidet seat with an enema function is the Bio Bidet BB-2000. Enemas are just one perk on our flagship model, which includes a warm air dryer, heated seats, and a host of other creature comforts.
• The best bidet attachment for enemas is the SlimEdge, which has one of the strongest sprays among our non-electric attachment options.

Make Bidets a Part of Your Digestive Health

Bidet seats like the BB-1000 and others feature a Vortex Wash designed to provide an effective, hygienic bidet enema to ease constipation. You can also feel good about reducing your environmental impact by using 75% less toilet paper. Take the Bidet Quiz or get in touch for help choosing the right bidet for your household today!