The bidet was developed in the 1600s and is named after the French term for a horse. Early bidet models were simply a bowl and a pump or syringe to clean with. Modern bidets can be quite sophisticated, some even offering programmable features and temperature settings. Can a bidet be used for an enema?
Modern bidets can have multiple jets that shoot out to not only clean you but act as an enema also. Some models of bidets have an attachment available that is designed for this purpose. A bidet enema can promote a healthy gut, relieve constipation, and even reduce the pain from hemorrhoids, but not without some risks.
Below we will take a better look at bidet enemas and discuss their pros and cons.
What are Enemas?
Enemas are a medical procedure that introduces a solution or fluid into the large intestine to stimulate a bowel movement. It can also be used to help facilitate an x-ray, or even provide medicine. The cells of the large intestine can absorb any fluid introduced and provide them directly to the bloodstream.
An enema will also help cleanse the lower digestive tract and clear out any bacteria present before they can enter the bloodstream.
Differences in a Medical and Bidet Enema
While a traditional enema enters the anal cavity to deliver the fluid or medicine, a water enema delivered by a bidet can be less intrusive. The bidet enema offers fewer benefits since it is strictly city drinking water and not a medical solution.
Some bidets do not have strong water jets to facilitate a bidet enema. There are enema-specific bidet attachments to help facilitate those who want or need an enema due to medical reasons.
If you suffer from constipation and need to use an enema regularly, discuss the possibility of a bidet enema for the relief of your condition with your doctor.
How do Bidet Enemas Work?
A bidet-designed toilet seat or toilet seat attachment will deliver the stream of water directly to your anus. This jet of water can help you cleanse after you defecate or be directed to the desired angle to force water into your anus. The force and temperature may be able to be adjusted depending on the bidet model you own.
Some bidet models can combine water and a pulsating spray that increases its ability to clean and deliver an enema. Bidets that have high pressure and strong swirling jets of water are the most effective method of delivering a bidet enema. This stream of water will be able to enter your intestine without needing a syringe or other device to be inserted.
Bidets with adjustable temperatures can also deliver warm water enemas which can help relieve certain medical conditions. If your bidet is not equipped with multiple functions or pulsating jets there are attachments available for your bidet.
These are more intrusive than the single or multiple jet bidet water stream options but can be a good option for someone who may need them due to constipation or other medical conditions.
How to Use a Bidet for an Enema
Each model of bidet is different and will include instructions on its use. It may also take a few tries until you can develop the most effective method for you. Below we will cover some of the basic steps involved to help you become accustomed to the process.
Bidets that have adjustable features and temperatures will be the most effective and comfortable when performing a bidet enema but aren’t necessary. Single-temperature handheld bidets can also be used to provide a self-performed bidet enema.
Water Temperature
If your bidet does have an adjustable temperature you will need to find a comfortable temperature before you begin. Almost all of the electric model bidets come with enema settings. They will help you set up and adjust the temperature of your enema. Any temperature of the water can be used, but it is recommended to use warmer water if you are attempting to relieve any constipation.
Correct Position
Finding the correct position will be necessary if you are using the bidet as an enema. You will need to position yourself so the stream of water makes direct contact with your anus. Some models will facilitate this with an automatic arm that extends. In others, you may need to adjust your position to get the proper direct contact.
If your bidet has adjustable nozzles it may take a few tries to get them in the proper position that is comfortable for you.
Water Pressure
When you begin you should start out with low water pressure. Gradually increase the pressure until you can have water enter your anus without any pain or discomfort. Pressure too high may cause pain and discomfort so it’s best to move up gradually until you can find an effective and comfortable pressure.
Handheld sprayers have a higher pressure so extra care should be taken when using them for an enema. If you have an enema attachment for your handheld sprayer check the water pressure before you use it. If it is too strong you will need to adjust it.
If there is not an adjustment feature on the sprayer, you may need to use the water shut-off valve to adjust the pressure. Ensure you start with gentle pressure and increase it as needed to avoid any pain or injury.
Relaxation is Key
It is normal to be nervous when performing a bidet enema for the first time. The key to being successful is relaxing and going slow. It may feel uncomfortable at first but adjusting the settings and water pressure will help stimulate your bowel movement or clean your colon when you have finished without any pain or discomfort.
Take Your Time
It is recommended to wait for at least 10 seconds between the application of the bidet enema and defecating to allow the warm water to soften your stool and stimulate your bowels. Failure to wait may not help you to fully release all of the stool that is in your intestines.
If you have not fully released and you still feel bloated, you can continue the process until you are fully relieved.
Cleaning Up
After you have finished, you can use the bidet to clean up. Some models are equipped with a clean-up mode and dryer function to help wash you off after the process is over. Chevy the manual for your specific models to operate the clean-up and dryer modes.
If you are using a handheld sprayer, you can clean yourself as normal. You can choose to dry off naturally or use toilet paper to dry yourself after.
What are the Benefits of Bidet Enemas?
There are multiple benefits associated with using bidet and bidet enemas. Recent studies suggest that a bidet at low or medium water pressure and warm temperature is effective in duplicating or replacing the need for a traditional warm sitz bath to relieve pain and discomfort in your perineal region. The added cleansing that a bidet enema provides can reduce anal spasms and pain.
Bidet enemas can reduce anal bloating that is experienced when suffering from constipation. When your stool becomes hard it can become difficult to pass under normal conditions.
A warm water bidet enema can help soften the stool and make it softer and easier to travel out of your body. The warm water will also help stimulate the colon to begin pushing the stool out. This will help relieve your constipation.
Bidet enemas can also clean the lower intestine and rid your body of harmful bacteria that can cause irritable bowel syndrome or chronic diarrhea in some individuals. Cleansing with water can offer short-term relief as well as positive long-term effects as well. Having a clean and well-functioning digestive tract can improve the overall health of your entire body.
A bidet enema can also help reduce and clean hemorrhoids. Washing with warm water can bring down any inflammation, helping you feel better. It can help expel waste without adding aggravation to your hemorrhoids.
Cleaning the area water after will eliminate the need to use toilet paper which could be uncomfortable and irritate the hemorrhoids further. Using a gentle warm water spray will help keep your hemorrhoids clean and free from any contaminants.
Long-Term Positive Benefits
Another long-term positive benefit to using a bidet enema is the reduced risk of spreading bacteria to other parts of your genitalia. A bidet enema can help reduce the risk of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Cleansing with a water jet will remove the need for wiping which can spread the bacteria from one area to another.
The water jet will help facilitate the removal of the bacteria without contaminating other areas of your body leaving you clean and at less risk of disease.
A bidet enema can reduce your risk of inflammation and keep your colon healthy. The removal of germs and bacteria from your colon will greatly reduce the risk of developing a serious illness. Other studies have shown that bidet enemas reduce the risk of digestive issues such as Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis.
Concerns Using Bidet Enemas
There are concerns with using a bidet enema. Improper and excessive use of bidet enemas can lead to injuries and complications to the user and their genital area. Below we will discuss some of the issues that may arise from the use of a bidet enema.
Water Temperature
One of the main concerns while using a bidet enema is injury from excessive water temperature. Water temperature that is too hot can cause injury to the sensitive areas of your groin. This excessive temperature will have a greater effect on the thinner skin of your rectum and cause significant burns by prolonged use of hot water.
Water Pressure
Another concern with bidet enemas is the injury risk from excessive water pressure. The soft tissue in and around your anus can be easily ruptured due to the water pressure that some bidets exhibit. Excessive water pressure going into and inside your colon can cause pain and discomfort also.
Internal injuries from bidet enemas or any other causes can be fatal if not treated by a medical professional.
Removing Good Bacteria
Frequent bidet enema usage when not prescribed by a doctor can also cause health problems. Bidet enemas are easy to perform and are convenient to use which can cause the healthy microbiota to be cleansed also.
The microbiota in your gut is necessary to process your food properly and affects many areas of your body including immunity, energy, and appetite.
Dry and Itchy Skin
Excessive use can also cause itching of your anus or anal pruritus. The excessive use of bidets and bidet enemas can cause the skin around your anus to dry and become itchy. The risk of anal pruritus is higher when washing before defecating. Using warmer water to cleanse also puts you at risk of anal itching.
Incontinence
There is also a small risk of anal incontinence when water enters the rectum during a bidet enema. The enemas stimulate the bowels and soften the stool. This can lead to loose and runny stool over time and the inability to control bowel movements over longer periods of bidet enema usage. This, in turn, can also lead to dehydration and loss of electrolytes in your body.
Bacteria Build-Up
Finally, the cleanliness of the bidet itself can be a concern if it is not cleaned and maintained regularly. Bacteria can be prevalent on bidets, especially in public areas which are dangerous to the users of these contaminated fixtures. This is less of a risk at home-installed devices as long as they are cleaned regularly.
Are Bidet Enemas Safe?
With all the information we have discussed so far one question remains. Are bidet enemas safe? When performed correctly with the necessary precautions is yes. Any enema can be dangerous so they should all be done with caution. They can be a safe and reliable solution for someone with constant constipation and digestive issues that need these procedures regularly.
With some models, you can set the temperature and pressure settings to ensure there is little risk of injury when performing the bidet enema. They are more comfortable and less intrusive than the traditional enema and can be easily performed in the privacy of your own home on an as-needed basis.
This convenience can help relieve digestive issues quickly and easily without the need for excessive prep work needed from a traditional enema.
Conclusion
Bidet enemas can be comfortably performed in the comfort of your own home to relieve the symptoms of constipation and help you feel clean and fresh. Some models have enema settings making it easy for you to set the temperature and water pressure you need. This can help reduce the risk of injury and enable you to perform a bidet quickly and easily in the comfort of your own home.
The use of bidet enemas does come with some risks. The ease and convenience of bidet enemas can come with the risk of overuse. This can cause issues such as dry skin, an itchy rectum, and the loss of the healthy microbiota needed during digestion. The use of high water pressure or excessive water temperature can cause injury to the sensitive skin of your anus.