Buying guide for best enema kits
It's not a topic that most people are comfortable bringing up in mixed company, but at some point, nearly everyone will need an enema. Whether you'd like a cleanse or you have some issues with regularity or you've hit that wonderful milestone in life when you need to do a little prep work before a procedure, you'll want the best enema kit available.
Comfort, of course, is the key when choosing an enema kit, but you may have other considerations such as type, capacity, portability, and ease of cleaning. You should also be sure the materials used in manufacturing are nontoxic and the kit is durable and won't leak.
Types of enema kits
The first thing you will notice when looking for an enema kit is that there are several types. To be an informed shopper, you will need to know the difference between each of these kits.
Disposable
A disposable enema kit is good for one use only. These kits usually feature one or two bottles filled with a premixed solution and are generally used to relieve constipation. Additionally, they may be prescribed as part of a cleanse before certain procedures.
Bulb
An enema kit that features a bulb can usually fit in the palm of your hand, which makes the kit highly portable. Because of its size, this type of kit only holds a small amount of solution, which may or may not be enough for your needs. Consequently, the cleaning will not be as deep.
Bag
When people think of an enema kit, likely they are picturing the type with a rubber or silicon bag. These kits can hold a significant amount of solution, can be hung to utilize gravity, and are flexible to fold up for portability. However, they can be difficult to clean.
Bucket
A stainless steel bucket enema kit has all the benefits of a bag enema kit, only it is not as portable. Often, a bucket is manufactured to hold even more solution than a bag, so it can be a little more cumbersome to use. The biggest benefit to using a bucket kit is that it is the easiest type of enema kit to clean.
Shower
A shower enema kit attaches directly to your shower and has a control that you use to regulate water flow. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why these types of enema kits are not desirable. There is no way to accurately gauge how much water you are using, and if you misjudge the amount of pressure, you may injure yourself. Also, it is not advisable to use straight tap water for an enema for sanitary reasons.
Other considerations
Besides choosing the type you prefer, there are a few other factors to consider before finding your perfect enema kit.
Materials
Enema kits can be manufactured using a wide variety of materials, including rubber, PVC, silicone, or, in the case of bucket types, stainless steel. No matter what material you choose, you want it to be nontoxic, and you do not want it to irritate your skin in any way. Additionally, it should be comfortable and durable.
Tip variety
Not everyone is built the same way. An enema kit that contains a variety of tips (both straight and curved) will be the most adaptable to your body. Ultimately, the tip plays one of the largest roles in comfort.
Flow control
In order to be effective, the tube on your enema kit should have some type of clamp so you are in control of when the water flows and, ideally, how quickly it flows. The best kits have a check valve that prevents water from traveling back up the tube and re-entering the bag.
Length of hose
The longer the hose — somewhere around six feet is usually sufficient — the higher you can raise your enema bag and the more you can employ gravity to help get the job done. In addition to a long hose, you will want your enema bag to have a hook or some other mechanism to securely hang it above you.
Capacity
The larger the capacity, the easier it is to get a deep clean. Bulb kits are measured in ounces, while bag and bucket kits are most often measured in quarts.
Cleaning
Look for an enema kit that separates into several pieces so it is easier to clean the individual parts. A bag with a wide opening at the top can also make cleaning easier.
Storage
A bucket enema kit takes up the most storage space and it is the least portable. A bag type should fold down to a fairly small size and come with a travel bag to make it easier to put away or take with you if needed.
Color
In the old days, you had one choice of color: red. Nowadays, you have a much wider selection that includes such colors as white, blue, green, and even purple.
Enema kit prices
Inexpensive
If you are looking for a disposable enema kit or a bulb-style design, you can find a model in the $5 to $8 range.
Mid-range
In the $10 to $20 price range, enema kits are reusable and mostly feature rubber bags with multiple tips.
High-end
If you are comfortable spending over $25, you can get larger-capacity enema kits that include a bucket instead of a bag but still offer an assortment of tips.
Tips
If you have never had an enema before, the experience can be quite distressing. Most unsettling is the fact that things are flowing the opposite way you are used to. Your apprehension will diminish with experience, but in the beginning, the process can be rather intimidating. Here are a few tips to help you with your first time.
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Clean up. It's always best to make sure your hands are clean before beginning.
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Prepare the solution. Whatever solution you are using, prepare it now and add it to your bulb, bag, or bucket.
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Lubricate the tip. Heavy lubrication can help greatly diminish discomfort during insertion.
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Get in position. Place a large towel on the bathroom floor, lie on your side on the towel, and pull your knees up towards your abdomen and chest.
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Insert the tube. The tube of the enema kit should be about two to four inches deep (depending on the tip). Do this carefully, and do not use force. Stop if there is any pain.
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Relax. The more nervous you are, the tighter your muscles will be, and the greater the potential for discomfort will be, especially during insertion.
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Breathe. Do not hold your breath, as that may also cause discomfort. Breathe slowly and deeply through the entire process to help keep you focused.
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Bear down. If you still encounter trouble during insertion, try bearing down as you normally would while trying to pass a bowel movement. This can also help relax your muscles to provide a better overall experience.
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Use gravity. The enema bag or bucket should be above you. Gravity and the control on the tube should allow the solution to enter your rectum.
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Follow the directions. Depending on the purpose of your enema, your directions may vary at this point. Follow the instructions that were given to you by your doctor.
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Remove the tube. Carefully remove the enema tube and remain on your side on the floor.
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Wait. Most enemas will begin to work within ten minutes, and the effects can last as long as an hour.
- Clean up. When finished, clean and disinfect your enema kit (if it is not disposable) and wash your hands thoroughly.
FAQ
Q. Does an enema hurt?
A. If you are new to enemas, the procedure may feel uncomfortable or even unnatural. However, it should not hurt. You may feel heavy or full in your lower abdominal region, but there should be nothing that could be classified as pain. If you do feel pain, you should stop and contact your doctor to make sure there are no underlying issues.
Q. Are enemas safe?
A. When performed occasionally, enemas are relatively safe. Frequent enemas can create a dependency that may cause problems with muscles in the intestines. Additionally, overuse of enemas can cause dehydration and create an electrolyte imbalance, which can be very dangerous. If your enema solution has medicine such as sodium phosphate, there are a number of side effects you may experience such as headaches, abdominal cramps, and anal leakage.
Q. How do I clean my enema kit?
A. If the kit you buy is not disposable, you will need to thoroughly clean it after each use by following the included instructions. In general, the process involves disassembling your kit as much as possible so you can clean every part with hot, soapy water. Put your kit back together and fill it with approximately two cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide, allowing some fluid to run through before clamping to trap the liquid. Let this sit for a minimum of 2 1/2 hours before dumping and rinsing. Remove the enema tip once more and allow it to soak overnight in a solution of nearly boiling water with a few tablespoons of peroxide. Allow your disconnected kit to air dry for at least eight hours. It should be dried outside but out of direct sunlight, if possible.
