{"id":2437,"date":"2023-09-29T00:19:39","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T00:19:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/using-water-and-non-water-enemas-safely\/"},"modified":"2023-09-29T00:19:39","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T00:19:39","slug":"using-water-and-non-water-enemas-safely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/using-water-and-non-water-enemas-safely\/","title":{"rendered":"Using water and non-water enemas safely"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"health-sc-page_1-0\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"60\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"24\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"4\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[400, 1400, 1400, 1700, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Enemas are used to relieve constipation when laxatives and diet are ineffective. Cleansing enemas are also used to clean the colon before colonoscopies and other tests. In traditional Chinese medicine, retention enemas are sometimes used as part of treatment.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"17\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-2\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Water enemas are safe and effective, but like mineral oil products, they have side effects when used at home or frequently. In some cases, it can lead to serious complications such as intestinal perforation and sepsis, which are life-threatening conditions due to infection.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"14\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-4\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>This article explains when enemas are used, as well as the risks and possible complications of their use. It also provides another way to reduce constipation.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"health-sc-block-image--none_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block theme-none health-sc-block-image--none health-sc-block-image-base mntl-sc-block-universal-image figure-landscape figure-high-res\"><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\">\n<span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Illustration by Nusha Ashjaee from Verywell Health<\/p>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-safe-use-of-enemas\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    Safe use of enemas <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Enemas push fluid into the large intestine to soften stool and aid in bowel movements. The fluid is administered through the anus into the rectum and large intestine. Enemas are used for various reasons.\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>before test<\/strong>: One or more enemas may be used before undergoing a test, such as a colonoscopy, to remove all stool from the large intestine.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"18\"\/><\/li>\n<li><strong>During imaging of the colon<\/strong>: To see the large intestine more clearly on images, medical professionals use barium enemas. Barium is a metallic substance that lines the lining of the colon. This makes it easier to detect abnormalities such as colon cancer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>To deliver medicine<\/strong>: Certain drugs can be delivered directly to the rectum or sigmoid colon (lowest part of the large intestine) to treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).<\/li>\n<li><strong>To relieve constipation:<\/strong> Enemas can be used to effectively relieve occasional constipation when nothing else works.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Some enemas use plain water, but be sure to use a reputable product rather than making it at home. In some cases, the liquid used in the enema is simply salt water or water mixed with baking soda. Some enemas contain laxatives.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"16\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--explainer_1-0\" class=\"comp theme-explainer health-sc-block-callout--explainer health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">\n<p>Use of enema kit: water or oil<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp expert-content explainer mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p>If your health care provider recommends home enemas, you can purchase a commercial enema kit. Most of them contain water and salt, mineral oil, or a mild laxative. Buy the type recommended by your health care provider. Do not add anything and follow the instructions carefully. Do not try to assemble a &#8220;DIY&#8221; enema using your own materials or liquids.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-water-enema-side-effects\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    water enema side effects <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-16\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Water enemas can cause side effects, which is a risk associated with all enema products. These side effects include:<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"8\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-18\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>nausea and vomiting<\/li>\n<li>abdominal pain or swelling<\/li>\n<li>cold sweat<\/li>\n<li>palpitations<\/li>\n<li>dizzy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-20\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>In a study that used warm water-based enemas (and saline enemas) in children before colonoscopies and then one dose of laxatives before the procedure, children who received more mineral oil laxative products These side effects were found to be fewer than those of<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"8\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-22\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Side effects also depend on other factors such as your underlying health and age. Older adults may need warm water enemas to treat fecal impaction or prepare for a procedure.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Generally, water-based enemas are safer than soap enemas, which can damage the lining of the colon.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"9\"\/> It can also limit the effects of electrolyte imbalance.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--explainer_1-0-1\" class=\"comp theme-explainer health-sc-block-callout--explainer health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0-1\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">\n<p>sodium phosphate enema<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-1\" class=\"comp expert-content explainer mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p>In 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against repeated use of over-the-counter enemas containing sodium phosphate.  It is especially dangerous for people over 55 years of age and should never be used on children under 2 years of age. <span data-tts=\"true\">hyperphosphatemia<\/span>&#8211; Electrolyte disturbances with increased phosphate levels and decreased calcium levels in the blood.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"7\"\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-oli-based-enema-side-effects\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-29\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    Oribase enema side effects <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>The side effects of enemas containing mineral oil (such as Fleet Brand) are similar to other side effects of enemas. You may experience stomach cramps or pain, and may have nausea or diarrhea. This can also occur with glycerin laxatives.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-32\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>When using mineral oil enemas, be careful of oil leakage from the rectum and irritation of the entire rectum.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-34\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Some people may have a more severe systemic allergic reaction to oil-based enemas. For example, people with latex allergies should choose latex-free products.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"10\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-36\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Call your health care provider or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-38\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>skin rash<\/li>\n<li>Itching and hives (hives)<\/li>\n<li>swelling of the face, lips, and tongue<\/li>\n<li>difficulty breathing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-40\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>If you do not have a bowel movement within 15 minutes, stop using mineral oil enemas and consult your doctor.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"11\"\/> However, keep in mind that the speed at which enemas and laxatives work depends on the specific product, such as 60 minutes for glycerin products (commonly used in children).<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"19\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-42\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Mineral oil is considered a safer enema option than phosphate enemas for older adults.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"9\"\/> Some products are sodium-free.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--takeaway_1-0\" class=\"comp theme-takeaway health-sc-block-callout--takeaway health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-2\" class=\"comp expert-content takeaway mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p>If you have hemorrhoids, enemas may make them more painful. Avoid using enemas if you have rectal prolapse (a condition in which the lower end of the intestine protrudes from the rectum). Excessive use of laxatives is one of the causes of rectal prolapse.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"13\"\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-interactions\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-47\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    interaction <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-48\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Enema products have several known drug interactions, often interacting with drugs that regulate fluids and electrolytes in the body or that affect the kidneys (because enema products help with stool evacuation) (to move body fluids).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-50\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>These drugs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Lasix (<span data-tts=\"true\">furosemide<\/span>). The following blood pressure medications may also be included:<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"12\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-52\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor<\/li>\n<li>Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--explainer_1-0-2\" class=\"comp theme-explainer health-sc-block-callout--explainer health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0-2\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">\n<p>Coffee, herbal and other enemas<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-3\" class=\"comp expert-content explainer mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p>Never use ingredients in enemas intended for cleansing or improving digestive health that have not been approved by your health care provider. Enemas containing coffee, herbs, minerals such as Epsom salt, soap suds, acidic solutions, etc. are generally not recommended by the medical community and have no proven effectiveness.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"15\"\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-complications-and-warnings\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-55\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    Complications and warnings <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-56\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>The use of enemas at home always carries certain risks. Enema-related perforations are rare but can cause serious and fatal injuries, including sepsis (a serious blood infection).<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"14\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-58\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Other risks may include:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-60\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Damage or perforation (perforation) of the rectum or intestines due to stretching<\/li>\n<li>Disruption of the natural microbiome in the gut<\/li>\n<li>pain caused by using liquids that are too hot or too cold<\/li>\n<li>Too much fluid can stay in your body and come out without warning<\/li>\n<li>Infection caused by non-sterile equipment. This is especially problematic for people with autoimmune diseases or compromised immune systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-safe-alternatives\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-64\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    safe alternative <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-65\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Water-based enemas and mineral oil enemas should be a last resort for treating constipation. In most cases, constipation can be alleviated by making lifestyle changes such as:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-67\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>add fiber to your diet<\/li>\n<li>Exercise<\/li>\n<li>drink more water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-69\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Over-the-counter laxatives may be an option, but they also come with risks. Talk to your health care provider about them, especially if you have regular constipation.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-summary\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-73\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    summary <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-74\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Enemas work by releasing fluid into the colon and large intestine through a tube inserted into the anus. Enemas are used before tests such as colonoscopies that require a clear view of the colon. It is also used to relieve constipation when other measures have failed.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-76\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Doing enemas at home or repeatedly can pose health risks. It should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider to avoid complications. Keep in mind that in some cases, constipation can be a sign of a serious illness, such as a neurological problem or colon cancer.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-78\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Always consult your health care provider before attempting an enema at home. We can provide information about lifestyle changes, medications, and other interventions to improve digestion.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-article_1-0\">\n<div id=\"sources_1-0\" class=\"comp sources mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"source-guidelines_1-0\" class=\"comp source-guidelines mntl-text-block\">\n<p>Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed research, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and reliable.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-17\">\n<p>Liang X, Wen L, Wu Y, Hao Y, Wang S, Hu X. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/md.0000000000022517\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Retention enema with traditional Chinese medicine for hepatic encephalopathy: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis<\/a>. <em>Medicine (Baltimore)<\/em>.  2020 10 2;99(40):e22517. doi:10.1097\/MD.0000000000022517. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-14\">\n<p>Soztec A, Tas EY, Jenner K, Ozkomato J. <a 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id=\"citation-10\">\n<p>Free lab. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fleetlabs.com\/constipation-relief-products\/enemas\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">enema<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-11\">\n<p>Free lab. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fleetlabs.com\/sites\/fleet\/files\/2020-04\/Fleet%C2%AE%20Mineral%20Oil%20Enema%20Safety%20Warnings.pdf\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mineral oil enema safety warnings<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-19\">\n<p>Johns Hopkins All Children&#8217;s Hospital. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsallchildrens.org\/getattachment\/75948ed8-2e3e-4cea-a193-5b48b0b266dd\/Constipation\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">constipation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-13\">\n<p>Cedars Sinai. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/r\/rectal-prolapse.html\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rectal prolapse<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-12\">\n<p>Food and Drug Administration. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/87428\/download\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FDA warns of potential harms when exceeding recommended doses of over-the-counter sodium phosphate products to treat constipation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-15\">\n<p>Sung H, Sung HJ, Seo HJ, Lee H, Choi SM, Lee S. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/md.0000000000021998\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Safety and efficacy of self-administered coffee enemas: a systematic review of case reports<\/a>. <em>Medicine (Baltimore)<\/em>.  2020 9 4;99(36):e21998. doi:10.1097\/MD.0000000000021998. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__subheading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__subheading mntl-text-block\"><\/p>\n<p>Additional Resources<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__additional-reading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__additional-reading mntl-additional-reading mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\">\n<p>National Digestive Sciences Information Clearinghouse, NIH Publication No. 04\u20132673 2004. Facts and Fallacies about Digestive Diseases.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\">\n<p>Niv G, Greenberg T, Dickman R, Wasserberg N, Niv Y. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2147\/IJGM.S44417\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Perforation and death after cleansing enema for acute constipation are not uncommon but preventable<\/a>. <em>International J Gene Medicine<\/em>.  2013 4 26;6:323-8. doi:10.2147\/IJGM.S44417<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"author-bio_1-0\" class=\"comp author-bio\">\n<div class=\"loc author-bio__image\">\n<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/fCFoKvI6iLO4I_78aNmNCpRG9FU=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()\/AmberJ.Tresca_1000-03288146de15463da9ec7713d9c70c40.jpg\" width=\"144\" height=\"144\" class=\"lazyload universal-image__image\" data-expand=\"300\"\/><br \/>\n<noscript><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/fCFoKvI6iLO4I_78aNmNCpRG9FU=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()\/AmberJ.Tresca_1000-03288146de15463da9ec7713d9c70c40.jpg\" width=\"144\" height=\"144\" class=\"img--noscript universal-image__image\"\/><br \/>\n<\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"author-bio__bio-text\">\n<span class=\"author-bio__bio-title\">Written by Amber J. Treska<\/span><br \/>\n<br \/>Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who focuses on gastrointestinal diseases, including IBD. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 16.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon trust-ribbon-expandable-block\">\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__feedback-block_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__feedback-block article-feedback mntl-article-feedback\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__success-section js-success-section is-hidden\">\n<p>Thank you for your feedback!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-feedback__feedback-section js-feedback-section is-hidden\">\n<p>What is your feedback?<\/p>\n<p><button id=\"article-feedback__open-form-button_1-0\" class=\"comp article-feedback__feedback-button article-feedback__open-form-button mntl-button\"><\/p>\n<p>other<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<button id=\"helpful-button_1-0\" class=\"comp article-feedback__feedback-button helpful-button mntl-button\"><\/p>\n<p>useful<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<button id=\"report-error-button_1-0\" class=\"comp article-feedback__feedback-button report-error-button mntl-button\"><\/p>\n<p>Report an error<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon icon-x close-button\">\n<use xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink:href=\"#icon-x\"\/>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Enemas are used to relieve constipation when laxatives and diet are ineffective. Cleansing enemas are also used to clean the colon before colonoscopies and other tests. In traditional Chinese medicine, retention enemas are sometimes used as part of treatment. Water enemas are safe and effective, but like mineral oil products, they have side effects when &#8230; <a title=\"Using water and non-water enemas safely\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/using-water-and-non-water-enemas-safely\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Using water and non-water enemas safely\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2438,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[195],"tags":[1511,1512,1037,1513],"class_list":["post-2437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rectal-prolapse","tag-enemas","tag-nonwater","tag-safely","tag-water"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2437"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2437\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}