There are different types of enema. But the general procedure for enema is a lot alike. First of all, to perform an enema, you will need the following components, and all of them must be clean/sterilized before use. It’s advised to apply enema near the washroom.
To perform an enema, you will need:
- An enema bag or bottle
- An enema tube
- Lukewarm water
- Lubricant
- Gloves
- A towel
You can buy an enema kit from a renowned pharmacy and avoid homemade kits as an enema is an invasive procedure, so extra care should be taken.
Following are the steps to perform an enema. Read the manual of your device, to validate the steps.
- Warm the enema solution to a comfortable and bearable temperature, then pour it into the enema bag or bottle.
- Clamp the enema bag, and attach it to one end of the long tube.
- Open the clamp of the enema bag to release any air bubbles, then re-clamp it.
- Place a towel on the floor and let the patient lie down on their stomach.
- Let the patient undress from the waist.
- Hang the enema bag with the clamp side facing downward and 12 to 18 inches above the patient.
- Wear gloves and apply a lubricant to the other end of the tube.
- Insert the tube 4 inches into the patient’s rectum.
- Ask the patient to relax and take a deep breath as the solution enters their body. Minor discomfort is normal, but if the patient starts experiencing pain, immediately discontinue the enema.
- When the entire solution is inserted into the patient’s rectum, slowly remove the tube from the body.
- Ask the patient to hold the enema for the instructed period, then go to the washroom for defecation.
