How to do an enema (enema) to cleanse the intestines at home

Enema, enema or chuca, is a procedure that consists of placing a small tube through the anus, into which water or some other substance is introduced with the aim of washing the intestine, and is normally indicated in cases of constipation, to relieve discomfort and facilitate the exit of feces.

Thus, the cleansing enema can be done at home in cases of constipation to stimulate bowel function or in other cases, as long as there is a medical indication. This cleansing can also be recommended at the end of pregnancy, as pregnant women usually have a trapped intestine, or for carrying out tests, such as enema or barium enema, which aim to assess the shape and function of the large intestine. and the rectum. Understand how the barium enema exam is performed.

However, enema should not be done more than once a week, as it can cause changes in the intestinal flora and alter intestinal transit, worsening constipation or leading to chronic diarrhea.

How to do an enema correctly

To perform a cleansing enema at home, you need to buy an enema kit from the pharmacy, which costs on average R$60.00, and follow the following steps:

1. Assemble the enema kit connecting the tube to the water tank and the plastic tip;
2. Fill the kit tank enema with 1 liter of filtered water at 37ºC;
3. Open the kit tap enema and let some water run until the entire tube is filled with water;
4. Hanging the water tankat least 90 cm from the floor;
5. Lubricate the plastic tip with Vaseline or some lubricant for the intimate area;
6. Adopt one of these positions: lying on your side with your knees bent or lying on your back with your knees bent towards your chest;
7. Gently insert the tip into the anus towards the navel, not forcing the insertion to avoid causing injury;
8. Open the kit tap to allow water to enter the intestine;
9. Maintain position and wait until you feel a strong urge to evacuate, usually between 2 and 5 minutes;
10. Repeat the cleansing enema 3 to 4 times to completely clear the intestine.

In cases where the person cannot evacuate with just a warm water enema, a good solution is to mix 1 glass of olive oil in the enema water. However, the effectiveness is greater when using 1 or 2 pharmacy enemas, such as Microlax or Fleet enema, mixed in water. See more about how to use Fleet enema.

Even so, if after mixing a pharmacy enema in the enema water the person continues to have no desire to evacuate, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to diagnose the problem and begin appropriate treatment. Furthermore, it is important to have a diet that favors bowel movement, that is, rich in fiber and fruit. Find out which fruits loosen the intestines and also some laxative tea options.

When to go to the doctor

It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist or go to the emergency room when:

• There has been no elimination of feces for more than 1 week;
• After mixing a pharmacy enema in water and not feeling the urge to have a bowel movement;
• Signs of severe constipation appear, such as a very swollen belly or severe abdominal pain.

In these cases, the doctor will perform diagnostic tests, such as MRI, to assess whether there is a problem that could be causing constant constipation, such as torsion of the intestine or hernias, for example.