The Basics

(Please note: Information included here is not meant as medical advice. Consult your health care professional for proper medical advice.)

An enema is an injection of a fluid into the colon. Enemas are not as commonly use for medical purposes as they once were. In the 1950's and 60's, almost every home would have an enema bag or a bulb syringe stored in the hall closet or bathroom, and in some homes, they were used quite liberally for any and all ailments. At their core, an enema is a treatment for constipation or a way to clear the bowel; they can also be used a a way to administer a medication. Today, readers may be more familiar with the common-day Fleet's Enema, a squeezable container with a flexible rectal tip. The solution is a concentrated saline solution that cause the urge for a bowel movement. For klismaphiles, a Fleet's enema is NOT a real enema. For them, an enema is delivered from a bag or a bulb syringe and is typically a plain water or soapy solution of greater volume.

Another version of enemas is what is typically referred to as anal douching, a way to clean out the rectum in preparation for anal intercourse by using a bulb syringe or douche bulb. While this is an enema of sorts, it is not what klismaphiles see as an enema.

When administering an enema, there are a number of parameters that can be modified to alter the experience. They include:

Solutions

Plain water

Perhaps the simplest, right out of the tap. Warm (body temperature or slightly above) is best as it minimizes cramping. Over 108F can be dangerous and should never be used.

Saline

Adding salt to water makes the solution isotonic. An isotonic solution has the same amount of salt in it as your body so it is more gentle and comfortable to hold. Some people do find it harder to expel these enemas though as the solution does not make the colon respond as strongly. Typically, 2 teaspoons table salt (do not use Epson salts) is added per quart of water, but some people like to use baking soda or a mix of baking soda and salt.

Soapsuds

The soapsuds enema (SSE) is probably the most famous of enemas. It is meant to be a cleansing enema aimed at relieving constipation and cleaning the bowel (e.g. before x-ray procedures or surgery). For boys who grew up in the '40's to 60's, the SSE was a mainstay. Many will tell that in their family, a SSE was a cure-all for whatever ailed you, or just to adjust an attitude ("If you're irritable, it must be because you are constipated, and a good enema will take care of that.").

A number of soaps have been used in enemas. The classic hospital soap is a castile soap. This is vegetable derived and thought to be mild. Today, the best known ones are Dr. Bronner's (available unscented or in a variety of scents), and Kirk's. Some guys like the use of peppermint or lavender scented versions.

No discussion about enemas is complete without discussing Ivory soap (bar, NEVER liquid), the choice of enema mothers for years. While not castile, Ivory soap has been the go-to soap. When swished in very warm water, it makes a milky, sudsy, and slippery solution with a very distinctive smell. For many boys, the smell of Ivory soap coupled with the smell of the rubber enema bag has been indelibly engraved in their minds. For klismaphiles who grew up with these, such sights and smells causes instant erections.

If you want to use soap in your enema be careful what soap you use. Antibacterial or deodorant soaps should NEVER be used, and there are only a few detergents that are safe. In general, for enemas the more basic the soap the better it is. Start with a weaker solution and work up. If you use a strong solution you may have brutal cramps or nausea.

Coffee

Some believe that coffee, when administered as an enema, has a detoxifying effect, especially on the liver. There is no scientific evidence to support this. That said, many people use regular, even daily, coffee enemas for what they believe are the health benefits. In any case it can be a good excuse to take an enema if you want. The caffeine will be absorbed, be aware of that when you're thinking about taking a coffee enema.

Wine

Adding wine to the enema water has been used by some. It must be remembered that alcohol is well absorbed from the rectal and colonic mucosa and can cause the same effects as when drank. Caution is advised and ALWAYS give yourself plenty of safety margin.

Other solutions

The sky is the limit, though caution is necessary. Some klismaphiles have added glycerine to help promote an evacuation. Others have used tea (e.g. camomile) for perceived calming effects. Oils (e.g. mineral, olive) have been used typically to soften hard stool to relieve constipation. Oil enemas tend to be small volume (administered by bulb syringe), are retained for a period of time, and then followed by a soapsuds enema. Solutions introduced into the rectum and colon can cause irritation. Chemicals can be absorbed and have toxic effects, and chemical colitis (damage to your colon from chemicals) can kill you or put you in intensive care. Be careful with what you use!

M & M (Milk and Molasses)

This enema involves mixing and warming equal part of milk and molasses. It is typically a small volume enema administered by bulb syringe. The liquid draws water into the colon where the bacteria process or digest the sugars creating carbon dioxide gas. The increased water and gas cause an INTENSE urge to defecate. This is possibly the most powerful enema and not to be taken by the inexperienced. The receiver must have quick and clear access to the toilet as it is a very difficult enema to hold. Anyone interested in experiencing an M & M enema is advised to read and thoroughly investigate it before giving or taking it.

Temperature

The water temperature should be at or slightly above body temperature. Check the temperature on your skin. Some people like warmer enemas, but be careful, if it is uncomfortable on your skin it is probably not good for your colon, and water over about 108F can damage your colon. Cool water enemas are used for patients with dangerously high body temperatures (i.e. fever). Colder water is also very crampy. It can be used as a punishment.

Volume

A standard enema is 1-2 quarts or liters. However, volume can be varied to more or less. The larger the volume, the more distended the colon becomes and the stronger the desire to evacuate, leading to cramps and discomfort. Some guys like a large volume enema, up to a gallon. Typically these enemas are administered slowly to gradually fill the colon and avoid cramping and help the receiver hold the volume.

Holding Time

Once administered, the next question is how long should the enema be held before it is evacuated. The longer the enema is held, typically the stronger the urge to evacuate becomes. This creates a challenge to the receiver. The exact time will vary. Some will say to hold it until the urge to release becomes strong. Others will set a time period such as 10 minutes. In some scenes, especially BDSM ones, there can be the requirement to hold the enema until the giver gives permission to release. Themes of control and domination/submission can easily be played out.

Equipment

Syringe - a large hypodermic-style syringe can be used if equipped with a tip that would allow insertion into the anus and injection of the liquid into the rectum. This could be used to administer medication. It also appears popular in Asian enema films.

Bulb syringe - Bulb syringes come in various sizes from small infant sized ones to larger ones used by women for vaginal douching. Many guys like the use of a bulb syringe because it allows for multiple insertions and the ability to repeatedly squeeze the bulb, shooting the liquid into the rectum.

One type of syringe, the Higginson syringe consists of a squeeze bulb fitted on both ends with tubing. One end is placed in the container of fluid to be delivered, the other is fastened with a rectal nozzle and inserted in to the rectum. This type of syringe is popular in England and Australia.

Bag - This is probably the most standard way to deliver an enema. Bags come in various shapes and sizes. A standard enema bag holds 2 quarts of solution. However, bags holding 3 and 4 quarts are available. The bag can be open-top or closed-top. Closed top bags may double as hot water bottles. The classic enema bag is red, however, other colors exist including clear, black, blue, pink and yellow.

Enema Can or Bucket - As the name implies, this is a can or bucket that has an outlet at the bottom fitted with tubing that ends in a nozzle. The benefit of these is they can be rested on a table or flat surface and do not need to be hung. The administrator inserts the nozzle, opens the clamp, and then lifts the can to the desired height to administer the enema. This is an older style and can be stainless steel or white.

Nozzles

There are two standard nozzles supplied with a typical enema bag: the adult rectal, a hard straight plastic tube with a single lumen, and the vaginal douche, a larger plastic tube elongated at the end with multiple holes. For most klismaphiles, these nozzles fall short of providing the desired experience. To that end, there are many variations in both size, shape, and composition. Nozzles can be made of plastic, silicone, and metal. The metal ones will warm up as the warm enema solution flows through them giving an interesting feeling. Silicone and plastic nozzles come in all sizes and shapes designed to enhance the experience. Silicone nozzles can also vary from very soft and pliable to firm.

Inflatable nozzles have one or two balloons designed to aid the recipient in taking and holding their enema. They were first designed to aid in giving a barium enema, an x-ray where a thick barium solution is administered via enema to visualize the colon. This type of nozzle is called a single or double balloon nozzle (A similar nozzle was once made by the Bard Company and called a Bardex brand catheter). Originally made of latex, due to the potential for latex allergy, they are now available in plastic or silicone. The nozzle is inserted such that the balloon nearest the tip enters the rectum and can be inflated to ensure the nozzle does not come out during administration of the enema. It also aids the recipient in holding the enema. If the nozzle has a second balloon, it rests just outside of the rectum. When both balloons are inflated, they effectively seal the anus and preventing leakage.

Lubricant

The enema nozzle needs to be lubricated before insertion to prevent pain or damage to the tissues. K-Y jelly or a similar water-soluble lubricant works well and is an easy clean up. Petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) is another good choice. It is harder to clean up and should not be used with rubber or latex equipment as it will lead to breakdown of the rubber. Soap itself can be used, though may tend to burn. In situations where a punishment enema is necessary, some klismaphiles have used Vick's as a lubricant. This will lead to intense burning. Caution is advised when using an atypical lubricant; their use should be thoroughly investigated before embarking.

Height of the bag

The bag is typically hung about 2-3 feet above the anus. If hung higher, the fluid will enter the colon faster causing colon distension and possibly cramping. Hanging the bag lower allows for a slower fill, better if seeking a sensual enema.