Enema 83877 224726287 2008-07-10T03:50:43Z 209.151.140.31 /* In alternative medicine */ [[Image:Combination enema and douche syringe.jpg|thumb|right|150px|This 2qt (about 1.89 liters) open-topped enema bag, or "fountain syringe", equipped with a rectal nozzle, is to be filled with water or a solution, then suspended near and slightly above the patient using the hook. Then, the nozzle (shown equipped) is inserted into the anus and the clamp is released. This bag may also be used for vaginal [[douche]]s.]] [[Image:Rectal bulb syringe.jpg|thumb|right|150px|This rectal bulb syringe may be used to administer small enemas.]] [[Image:Pikto Flasche.svg|thumb|150px|Enema Device for bowel irrigation]] An '''enema''' (plural '''enemata''' or '''enemas''') is the procedure of introducing liquids into the [[rectum]] and [[Colon (anatomy)|colon]] via the [[anus]]. Enemas can be carried out for medical reasons (as a treatment for [[constipation]]) as a remedy for [[encopresis]], as part of alternative health therapies, and also for [[eroticism|erotic]] purposes, particularly as part of [[BDSM]] activities. In earlier times, they were often known as clysters, and were probably used more frequently than at present. ==History== ''Clyster'' (also spelled in the 17th Century, `glister') is an old-fashioned word for enema, more particularly for enemas administered using a ''clyster syringe'' &mdash; that is, a [[syringe]] with a rectal nozzle and a plunger. Clyster syringes were used from the 17th century (or before) to the 19th century, when they were largely replaced by enema bulb syringes, bocks, and bags. The patient was placed in an appropriate position (kneeling, with the buttocks raised, or lying on the side); some servant or [[apothecary]] would then insert the nozzle into the [[anus]] and depress the plunger, resulting in the liquid remedy (generally, [[water]], but also some preparations) being injected into the [[colon (anatomy)|colon]]. Because of the embarrassment a woman might feel when showing her buttocks (and possibly her genitals, depending on the position) to a male apothecary, some contraptions were invented that blocked all from the apothecary's view except for the anal area. Another invention was syringes equipped with a special bent nozzle, which enabled self-administration, thereby eliminating the embarrassment. [[Image:Clyster syringes.jpg|thumb|left|A normal clyster syringe (in front) and the nozzle for a syringe designed for self-administration (in the back). The latter avoided the need for a second party to attend an embarrassing procedure.]] Clysters were administered for symptoms of [[constipation]] and, with more questionable effectiveness, stomach aches and other illnesses. In his early-modern treatise, ''The Diseases of Women with Child,'' Francis Mauriceau records that both midwives and man-midwives commonly administered clysters to labouring mothers just prior to their delivery. In Roper's biography of his father-in-law Sir Thomas More, he tells of Thomas More's eldest daughter falling sick of the sweating sickness and could not be awakened by doctors. After praying, it came to Thomas More "There straightway it came into his mind that a clyster would be the one way to help her, which when he told the physicians, they at once confessed that if there were any hope of health, it was the very best help indeed, much marveling among themselves that they had not afore remembered it." -- [[Utopia (book)|Utopia, Thomas More]]. Clysters were a very favorite medical treatment in the [[bourgeoisie]] and [[nobility]] of the [[Western world]] up to the 19th century. As medical knowledge was fairly limited in those days, purgative clysters were used for a wide variety of [[ailment]]s, the foremost of which were [[stomach ache]]s and constipation. [[Molière]], in several of his plays, introduces characters of incompetent [[physician]]s and [[apothecary|apothecaries]] fond of prescribing this remedy, also discussed by Argan, the [[hypochondriac]] patient of ''[[Le Malade Imaginaire]]''. More generally, clysters were a theme in the [[burlesque]] comedies of that time. In the 18th century, [[Coffee]] clysters were taken by some people who wanted the effects of [[caffeine]] but disliked the taste of coffee. According to [[Claude de Rouvroy, duc de Saint-Simon]], clysters were so popular at the court of King [[Louis XIV of France|Louis XIV]] of [[France]] that the duchess of [[Burgundy]] had her servant give her a clyster in front of the King (her [[modesty]] being preserved by an adequate posture) before going to the [[comedy]]. Clysters also appear in sado-masochistic literature set during this period, where they are administered for disciplinary purposes. Girls especially were punished by being made to retain a large clyster for a specified time. An example is found in P.N. Dedeaux's ''The Prussian Girls''. [[Castigation]] and embarrassment would follow failure to retain the solution. William Laighton of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, obtained a patent for an enema chair on August 8, 1846. Upon receiving the patent, Laighton told his assembled colleagues that if the world were to receive an enema, [[Gloversville, New York]] would be the insertion point.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dnakin.com/patent/4684.html | title = United States Utility Patent 4684, Enema-chair | publisher = DNAKin.com | accessdate = 2008-06-24 }}</ref> ==Medical usage== The main medical usages of enemas are: * As a [[bowel]] stimulant, not unlike a [[laxative]] – the main difference being that [[laxatives]] are commonly thought of as orally administered while enemas are administered directly into the rectum, and thereafter, into the colon. When the enema injection into the rectum is complete, and after a set "holding time", the patient expels [[feces]] along with the enema in the [[bedpan]] or [[toilet]]. * Enemas may also be used to relieve [[constipation]] and [[fecal impaction]], although in many professional health-care settings, their use has been largely replaced by oral laxatives and laxative [[suppository|suppositories]]. In-home use of enemas for constipation and alternative health purposes is somewhat harder to measure. * Bowel stimulating enemas usually consist of water, which works primarily as a mechanical stimulant, or they may be made up of water with [[baking soda]] ([[sodium bicarbonate]]) or water with a mild [[hand soap]] dissolved in it; [[trisodium phosphate|sodium phosphate]] solution, which draws additional water from the bloodstream into the colon and increases the effectiveness of the enema, but which can often be rather irritating to the colon, causing intense cramping or "gripping"; or [[mineral oil]], which functions as a lubricant and stool softener, but which often has the side effect of sporadic seepage from the patient's anus which can soil the patient's undergarments for up to 24 hours. Other types of enema solutions are also used, including equal parts of milk and molasses heated together to slightly above normal body temperature. In the past, [[castile soap]] was a common additive in an enema, but it has largely fallen out of use because of its irritating action in the rectum and because of the risk of [[chemical colitis]] as well as the ready availability of other enema preparations that are perhaps more effective than soap in stimulating a bowel movement. At the opposite end of the spectrum, an [[isotonic]] [[saline]] solution is least irritating to the rectum and colon, having a neutral concentration gradient. This neither draws [[electrolyte]]s from the body, as can happen with plain water, nor draws water into the colon, as will occur with phosphates. Thus, a salt water solution can be used when a longer period of retention is desired, such as to soften an impaction. * Cleansing the lower bowel prior to a surgical procedure such as [[sigmoidoscopy]] or [[colonoscopy]]. Because of speed and supposed convenience, enemas used for this purpose are commonly the more costly, sodium phosphate variety – often called a disposable enema. A more pleasant experience preparing for testing procedures can usually be obtained with gently-administered baking soda enemas; cleansing the lower bowel for colonoscopy and other bowel studies can be effectively achieved with water-based, or water with baking soda, enema administration. * The administration of substances into the bloodstream. This may be done in situations where it is undesirable or impossible to deliver a medication by mouth, such as [[antiemetic]]s given to reduce [[nausea]] (though not many antiemetics are delivered by enema). Additionally, several anti-angiogenic agents, which work better without digestion, can be safely administered via a gentle enema. Medicines for cancer, for arthritis, and for age-related macular degeneration are often given via enema in order to avoid the normally-functioning digestive tract. Interestingly, some water-based enemas are also used as a relieving agent for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, using cayenne pepper to squelch irritation in the colon and rectal area. Finally, an enema may also be used for [[hydration]] purposes. See also [[route of administration]]. * The topical administration of medications into the rectum, such as [[corticosteroids]] and [[mesalazine]] used in the treatment of [[inflammatory bowel disease]]. Administration by enema avoids having the medication pass through the entire [[gastrointestinal tract]], therefore simplifying the delivery of the medication to the affected area and limiting the amount that is absorbed into the bloodstream. * General [[anesthesia|anesthetic]] agents for surgical purposes are sometimes administered by way of an enema. Occasionally, anesthetic agents are used rectally to reduce medically-induced vomiting during and after surgical procedures, in an attempt to avoid aspiration of stomach contents. * A [[barium enema]] is used as a contrast substance in the [[Röntgen ray|radiological]] imaging of the bowel. The enema may contain barium sulfate powder, or a water-soluble contrast agent. Barium enemas are sometimes the only practical way to "view" the colon in a relatively safe manner. Following barium enema administration, patients often find that flushing the remaining barium with additional water, baking soda, or saline enemas helps restore normal colon activity without complications of constipation from the administration of the barium sulfate. In certain countries such as the [[United States]], customary enema usage went well into the 20th century; it was thought a good idea to cleanse the bowel in case of [[fever]]; also, pregnant women were given enemas prior to [[childbirth|labor]], supposedly to reduce the risk of [[feces]] being passed during contractions. Under some controversial discussion, pre-delivery enemas were also given to women to speed delivery by inducing contractions. This latter usage has since been largely abandoned, because obstetricians now commonly give [[oxytocin]] to induce labor and because women generally found the procedure unpleasant. ==Home usage== Many self-given enemas used at home are the pre-packaged, disposable, sodium phosphate solutions in single-use bottles sold under a variety of brand names, or in generic formats. These units come with a pre-lubricated nozzle attached to the top of the container. Some enemas are administered using so-called disposable bags connected to disposable tubing (despite the names, such units can commonly be used for many months or years without significant deterioration). Patients who want easier, more gently-accepted enemas often purchase Combination Enema Syringes which are commonly referred to as "closed top" syringes, and which can also be used as old-fashioned [[hot water bottle]]s, so as to relieve aches and pains via gentle heat administrations to parts of the body. Cost for each enema can be as little as the cost of baking soda added to ordinary tap water. In medical or hospital environments, reusable enema equipment is now rare because of the expense of disinfecting a water-based solution. For a single-patient stay of short duration, an inexpensive disposable enema bag can be used for several days or weeks, using a simple rinse out procedure after each enema administration. The difficulty comes in from the longer time period (and expense) required of nursing aides to give a gentle, water-based enema to a patient, as compared to the very few minutes it takes the same nursing aide to give the more irritating, cold, pre-packaged sodium phosphate unit. For home use, disposable enema bottle units are common, but reusable [[rubber]] or [[vinyl]] bags or enema bulbs may also be used. In former times, enemas were infrequently administered using [[clyster]] syringes. If such commercially-available items are not at hand, ordinary water bottles are sometimes used. ==In alternative medicine== {{dismissiveness}} Enemas in [[alternative medicine]] are referred to as colon hydrotherapy or colonic irrigation and involve the use of substances added or mixed with water in order to [[Detoxification#Alternative medicine|detoxify]] the body. Practitioners believe the accumulation of fecal matter in the [[large intestine]] leads to ill health,<ref name="pmid11124189">{{cite journal |author=Whorton J |title=Civilisation and the colon: constipation as the "disease of diseases" |journal=BMJ |volume=321 |issue=7276 |pages=1586–9 |year=2000 |pmid=11124189| doi = 10.1136/bmj.321.7276.1586}}</ref> and false [[urban legend]]s about fecal accumulation circulate on the internet.<ref name="snopes">{{cite web | url = http://www.snopes.com/horrors/gruesome/fecalcolon.asp | title = Meat your Maker | publisher = [[Snopes]] | accessdate = 2008-01-14 | last = Mikkelson | first = Barbara & Peter | date = 2005-12-31 }}</ref> This use is not supported by western medical practitioners and governing bodies,<ref>{{cite journal |author=Kaiser | title=The Case Against Colonic Irrigation | journal=California Morbidity | issue=38 | year=1985}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/gastro.html | title = Gastrointestinal Quackery: Colonics, Laxatives, and More | publisher = [[Quackwatch]] | accessdate = 2008-01-11 | date = 2003-12-07 | last = Barrett | first = Stephen | authorlink = Stephen Barrett}}</ref><ref name = Chen>{{cite journal | author=Chen TS, Chen PS | title=Intestinal autointoxication: a medical leitmotif | journal=Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology | volume=11 | issue=4 | year=1989 | pages=434–41 | pmid=2668399}}</ref> who recommend the use of enemas only in cases of constipation,<ref name="pmid9221856">{{cite journal |author=Briel JW, Schouten WR, Vlot EA, Smits S, van Kessel I |title=Clinical value of colonic irrigation in patients with continence disturbances |journal=Dis. Colon Rectum |volume=40 |issue=7 |pages=802–5 |year=1997 |pmid=9221856 |doi=10.1007/BF02055436}}</ref> though its use to treat a variety of ailments has persisted in popular use despite lacking scientific support. The Food and Drug Administration has ruled that colonic irrigation equipment is not approved for sale (class III) for the purpose of general well-being (it is approved for use by prescription of a doctor, usually in connection to a procedure like a colonoscopy).<ref>{{cite web| title= Subpart F--Therapeutic Devices Sec. 876.5220 Colonic irrigation system |work=Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 Food and Drugs, Subchapter H -- Medical Devices, Part 876 -- Gatroenterology-Urology Devices |date=2007-04-01 |url=http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=876.5220 |publisher=FDA}}</ref> The FDA has taken action against many distributors of this equipment.<ref>{{cite web |author=Department of Health and Human Services |title=Warning letter to Dotolo Research Corp |url=http://www.casewatch.org/fdawarning/prod/1999/dotolo.shtml |format=reprint by Casewatch |date=1999-07-21 |publisher=FDA |accessdate=2007-12-31}}</ref> The use of enemas for reasons other than the relief of constipation is currently only regulated in some parts of the [[United States]], though some practitioners go through a voluntary [[professional certification|certification]] process. The term "colonic irrigation" is also used in [[gastroenterology]] to refer to the practice of introducing water through a colostomy or a surgically constructed conduit as a treatment for constipation.<ref name="pmid11113099">{{cite journal |author=Locke GR, Pemberton JH, Phillips SF |title=AGA technical review on constipation |journal=Gastroenterology |volume=119 |issue=6 |pages=1766–78 |year=2000 |pmid=11113099 |doi=10.1053/gast.2000.20392}}</ref> ===Deaths related to colon hydrotherapy=== In the early 1980s six deaths due to [[amebiasis]] were linked to colonics performed in unsanitary conditions.<ref name="pmid6283354">{{cite journal |author=Istre GR, Kreiss K, Hopkins RS, ''et al'' |title=An outbreak of amebiasis spread by colonic irrigation at a chiropractic clinic |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=307 |issue=6 |pages=339–42 |year=1982 |pmid=6283354 |doi=}}</ref> In addition, there have been reports of [[electrolyte]] imbalances in children brought on by colonics using [[Soft water|softened water]].<ref name="pmid11547116">{{cite journal |author=Yerkes EB, Rink RC, King S, Cain MP, Kaefer M, Casale AJ |title=Tap water and the Malone antegrade continence enema: a safe combination? |journal=J. Urol. |volume=166 |issue=4 |pages=1476–8 |year=2001 |pmid=11547116| doi = 10.1016/S0022-5347(05)65813-2}}</ref> Such imbalances can also be caused by [[laxative]] use or [[diarrhea]]. ===Coffee enemas=== In the controversial [[Gerson therapy]], [[coffee enema]]s are administered.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gerson.org/g_therapy/default.asp |title=The Gerson Institute - Alternative Cancer Treatment |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref> These enemas are believed to have caused three deaths in the United States.<ref name=Gersontherapy> {{cite web|url=http://benhills.com/articles/articles/MED06a.html |title=Fake healers. Why Australia’s $1 billion-a-year alternative medicine industry is ineffective and out of control. |accessdate=2008-03-06 |last=Hills |first=Ben |work=Medical Mayhem |quote=Kefford is particularly concerned about cancer patients persuaded to undergo the much-hyped US Gerson diet program, which involves the use of ground coffee enemas which can cause colitis (inflammation of the bowel), fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and in some cases septicaemia. The US FDA has warned against this regime, which is known to have caused at least three deaths.}}</ref> == Rectal drug administration == An enema might be used to clean the colon of [[feces]] first to help increase the rate of absorption in rectal administration of dissolved drugs or alcohol.<ref name="pmid6126289">{{cite journal |author=de Boer AG, Moolenaar F, de Leede LG, Breimer DD |title=Rectal drug administration: clinical pharmacokinetic considerations |journal=Clin Pharmacokinet |volume=7 |issue=4 |pages=285–311 |year=1982 |pmid=6126289 |doi=}}</ref> [[Enema]]s have also been used for ritual rectal drug administration such as [[balché]], [[alcohol]], [[tobacco]], [[peyote]], and other [[Psychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants|hallucinogenic drug]]s and [[entheogen]]s, most notably by the [[Maya civilization|Mayans]] and also some other [[United States|America]]n [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Indian]] tribes. Some tribes continue the practice in the present day.<ref name="isbn0-06-084550-3">{{cite book |author=Diamond, Jared M. |title=The Third Chimpanzee: The Evolution and Future of the Human Animal (P.S.) |publisher=Harper Perennial |location=New York, N.Y |year= 1992 |pages= 432 |isbn=0-06-084550-3 |oclc= |doi=}}; pp. 201</ref> People who wish to become intoxicated faster have also been known to use enemas as a method to instill alcohol into the bloodstream, absorbed through the membranes of the [[colon]]. However, great care must be taken as to the amount of alcohol used. Only a small amount is needed as the intestine absorbs the alcohol more quickly than the stomach. Deaths have resulted due to [[alcohol poisoning]] via enema.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2007-13.html | title = The Enema Within | accessdate = 2008-01-11 | year = 2008 | publisher = [[Darwin Awards]] }}</ref> == Recreational usage == [[Image:Aluminium Enema Nozzle 02.jpg|thumb|right|150px|An aluminium enema nozzle. Specialty enema nozzles are common for non-medical usage, available on the Internet and in [[sex shop]]s in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials.]] The [[paraphilia]] directed towards enemas is known as [[klismaphilia]], the enjoyment of enemas. Enemas may be used as part of [[BDSM]] activities, or as a regular sexual activity for an individual or between partners. In many cities, enemas are available as a service from practitioners in the [[sex industry]] to cater to klismaphiliac desires. Enemas can be pleasurable to either sex, and in males, enemas can stimulate the [[prostate]] gland. Unexpected [[erection]]s are common in medical settings, even if the person would otherwise consider it an unpleasant procedure. An enema may also be used prior to [[anal sex]] or [[anilingus]] in order to enhance the sensation of intercourse, or to remove [[feces]] prior to sex, possibly reducing bacterial transmission and risk of infection, or just to reduce the possibility of fecal material adhering to the genitals or sex toys used during the subsequent activity. == Precautions == Improper administration of an enema may cause electrolyte imbalance (with repeated enemas) or ruptures to the [[bowel]] or [[rectum|rectal]] tissues resulting in internal [[bleeding]], however these occurrences are rare in healthy, [[sobriety|sober]] adults. Internal bleeding or rupture may leave the individual exposed to infections from intestinal bacteria. Blood resulting from tears in the colon may not always be visible, but can be distinguished if the feces are unusually dark or have a red hue. If intestinal rupture is suspected, medical assistance should be obtained immediately. <ref>{{citation | title = Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health |first = ME | last = Martelli | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gGENH/is_/ai_2699003276.htm | accessdate = 2008-01-11 }}</ref> The enema tube and solution may stimulate the [[vagus nerve]], which triggers an [[arrhythmia]] such as [[bradycardia]]. Enemas should not be used if there is an undiagnosed [[abdominal pain]] since the [[peristalsis]] of the [[bowel]] can cause an inflamed [[appendix]] to [[rupture]]. Colonic irrigation should not be used in people with [[diverticulitis]], [[ulcerative colitis]], [[Crohn's disease]], severe or internal [[hemorrhoids]] or [[tumors]] in the [[rectum]] or [[Colon (anatomy)|colon]]. It also should not be used soon after bowel [[surgery]] (unless directed by one's [[health care provider]]). Regular treatments should be avoided by people with [[heart disease]] or [[renal failure]]. Colonics are inappropriate for people with bowel, rectal or anal [[disease|pathologies]] where the pathology contributes to the risk of [[bowel perforation]].<ref name="ihealth">{{cite web |title=Colon Hydrotherapy |work=Aetna IntelliHealth |url=http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/34968/358752.html?d=dmtContent |date=2005-07-01 |accessdate=2007-04-23}}</ref> == See also == {{Commons|Category:Enemas|Enemas}} *[[Dry enema]] *[[Enema of the State]] blink-182 has an album titled after the enema procedure ==Footnotes== {{reflist}} ==References== * Deeb, Benjamin, ''Enemas for Everyone: A Case Study of Alexander Moaveni'', [[University of Nebraska Press]], 2000 * {{cite book |author=M. R. Strict |title=Intimate Invasion: The Erotic ins & Outs of Enema Play |publisher=Greenery Press (CA) |location= |year= |pages= |isbn=1-890159-51-4 |oclc= |doi=}} {{Dosage forms}} [[Category:BDSM]] [[Category:Gastroenterology]] [[Category:Anal eroticism]] [[Category:Sexual health]] [[Category:Laxatives]] [[bg:Клизма]] [[ca:Ènema]] [[cs:Klystýr]] [[de:Einlauf (Medizin)]] [[es:Enema]] [[fr:Lavage de l'intestin]] [[id:Enema]] [[is:Stólpípa]] [[it:Clistere]] [[he:חוקן]] [[nl:Klysma]] [[ja:浣腸]] [[pl:Lewatywa]] [[pt:Enema]] [[ru:Клизма (процедура)]] [[fi:Peräruiske]] [[sv:Lavemang]] [[zh:灌肠 (医学)]]