What is an Enema?

Sometimes you need to cleanse your colon or relieve a tough bout of constipation. An enema can clear your bowel and colon of fecal matter. Enema bulbs or bags shoot water and sodium bicarbonate or sodium phosphate into the anus and to the bowel, which releases fecal matter. Enemas can treat constipation, remove toxins, clean before anal sex, and some folks use them as a means of sexual pleasure.

To perform an enema, you will need an enema bag with a clamp or hemostat, lubricant, water, a toilet and someplace to hang the enema bag.

You have a few choices as far as positions are concerned:

• The Left Side Position: Lie on your left side. Bend your right leg (upper leg) toward your chest. Keep your left leg straight. This position should be fairly comfortable while giving good access to your anus.
• Doggy style (knee chest) position: Get on your elbows and knees with your head down and you buttocks high in the air. You might even want to put your chest to the floor. This position should give your partner good access to your anus.
• On your back: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Your knees should be together while your feet are separate. This should result in you sitting a little bit knobby kneed. This should allow good access to your anus from below.
• Over The Knee: Some people like to receive an enema in an over the knee position. Lie across your partner's lap. This position might put too much pressure on your stomach so you might want to put your stomach between your partner's legs.

To make the enema you should fill the enema bag with water that is about 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Install the hose, the clamp, and the tip onto the enema bag. Lubricate the tip so that it will insert easily. I recommend a water-based lubricant because it is condom safe (this may come in handy later). If you need more lubrication and won't have any trouble with a lubricant that harms condoms, petroleum jelly (Vaseline) will work better.

As the tip is inserted, relax as it passes your sphincter. You might want to take a couple of deep breaths as it passes. Relax as your partner turns on the flow. Hang the enema bag about 1 foot to 18 inches above the anus. Hanging the bag higher will produce more pressure and flow, lower will produce less pressure and flow. Dropping the bag below the anus can result in back-flow during the procedure. This can be kind of messy. Open the clamp slowly. Don't try to give the entire enema at once. Sometimes it can take up to 15 minutes to administer.

Mentally picture yourself receiving it. A good partner will slow the flow if you experience any gripping. You may end up making a mess if you panic. Instead, try to relax. If cramps come (and they probably will during your first enema) have your partner stop the flow, breathe deep, and try massaging your stomach area. When it is time to go to the bathroom, take yourself (with the tube still in place) to the lavatory. Wait until you are in a position to defecate before you remove the tube. After you go, take a deep breath and feel your lightness. You’ll feel like you can fly, just like a superhero.