Need Quick Relief From Constipation? Here’s How to Give Yourself an Enema at Home

Constipation is uncomfortable. Though there are many ways to relieve constipation, sometimes you need relief as soon as possible. If you’re tired of waiting for a laxative to kick in, consider giving yourself an enema at home. Enemas can be an effective way to quickly clean out a backed-up colon — especially after lifestyle and dietary changes haven’t worked. 

Here, we’ll walk you through how to give yourself an enema at home, and provide some tips for a safe and effective experience.

What is an enema, and how does it work?

An enema is a treatment for constipation. Instead of taking medication by mouth, an enema goes in the other end. An enema is a syringe filled with liquid that gets inserted into the anus — the opening where stool (poop) comes out. The enema is then used to insert the liquid into the rectum — the end part of the large intestine that stores stool.

You can use enemas for constipation for a few different scenarios. Here’s how they work:

• When the rectum is filled with fluid, it naturally stimulates the body to empty the rectum.

• Some enemas use ingredients that further stimulate the rectal muscles to squeeze and move the stool.

• If the stool is particularly hard, enemas can help loosen it, so it passes more easily through the anus.

• The fluid can help lubricate the rectum and anus. This makes stool passage easier and more comfortable.

Steps to give yourself an at-home enema

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely give yourself an enema at home.

1. Stay hydrated

If you’re dehydrated, it’s best to get rehydrated before you try to give yourself an enema at home. And, even if you’re hydrated, still drink 1 to 2 glasses of water before administering the enema. This will help you avoid the risks of dehydration and electrolyte shifts, which we’ll explain a bit more later in the article. 

2. Prepare your space

Find a comfortable spot where you can lie down. Most people prefer to do this close to a toilet. Put down a towel so that it can catch any liquid from the enema that may spill out.

3. Wash your hands

Once you’ve opened your enema kit and set out the supplies, wash your hands with soap and water.

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4. Lie down

Position yourself with your knees bent up toward your chest. You can rest on your side in a fetal position or on your back. If you can’t bend both knees, you can bend just one knee. It will be easier to bend the side of your dominant hand.

5. Use a lubricant 

Apply petroleum jelly to your anus before you insert the tip of the enema. Some enemas will already have a lubricant on the tip.

6. Insert the enema 

Gently insert the tip of the enema into your anus. Then squeeze the enema to insert the fluid into your rectum. Take your time and stay relaxed during this step. This will make it easier to insert the fluid. If you meet any resistance, don’t force the tube higher.

7. Hold the fluid in 

When you insert the fluid, you may immediately feel a sensation like you need to poop. But try to hold the fluid in your rectum for 5 to 10 minutes. This lets the fluid do its job and increases the chances of a productive bowel movement.

8. Use the toilet 

After 5 to 10 minutes, go to the toilet to release the liquid. Hopefully, this will result in a bowel movement at the same time. You may need to use the bathroom several more times in the hours after you’ve given yourself the enema.

What are the different types of home enemas?

You can buy enemas over the counter at any pharmacy. There are several types of enemas to choose from:

• Tap-water enemas: Many enemas use liquid with other substances in them. But just using water can also be effective.

• Saline enemas: These are also called “fleet” enemas. They contain salt, which helps pull fluid into the colon. This helps move any hard stool that’s stuck.

• Glycerin enemas: Glycerin is a natural compound that draws water into the intestines. So, it works in a similar way to a saline enema.

• Phosphate solution enemas: These are also similar to saline or glycerin enemas. The phosphate draws water into the intestine to loosen any hardened stool.

• Mineral oil enemas: Mineral oil is slippery, so it can help lubricate the rectum. This might be particularly helpful when someone has a large or painful piece of stool that’s causing their constipation.

• Bisacodyl enemas: This enema contains an ingredient that helps stimulate the colon to squeeze and move stool along. This also means they can sometimes cause some cramping.

• Castile soap enemas: Using mild soap in the enema can also help activate the intestine to contract and pass the stool. The soap can also provide some lubrication.

There are other types of enemas that some people make for themselves at home, like coffee enemas, lemon enemas, apple-cider-vinegar enemas, and herbal enemas. Medical professionals don’t recommend these. There’s little to no scientific support for any of them.

What are the risks of trying an enema at home?

For most people, at-home enemas are safe, and the risk of any issue is very low. Some possible side effects include:

• Rectal discomfort: Some people experience mild discomfort or pain when they insert the enema into the rectum. Staying as relaxed as possible can help prevent this.

• Vagal response: Using an enema — or having a large bowel movement — can cause something called a vagal response. This is an automatic response that leads to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. And it can lead to feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea. 

• Fainting: If you have a more significant vagal response, you could possibly faint. So, if you start to feel any of the symptoms above, it’s a good idea to lie down on the floor.

More serious side effects are rare but possible. But it helps to know about the different problems associated with enemas. These include:

• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: An enema can release a large amount of fluid trapped in the colon. This rapid loss of fluid can lead to severe dehydration. It can also increase the risk of low blood pressure and fainting.

• Electrolyte imbalance: Enemas — especially the kind that use salts or other ingredients — can lead to dangerous changes in the electrolyte levels in your blood. For example, enemas can cause drops in potassium, sodium, or calcium levels.

• Infection or inflammation of the colon or rectum: This is mainly a risk for people with a weakened immune system, or those who are prone to bowel inflammation. 

• Bowel perforation: This is a tear in the lining of the intestine, which is a risk anytime anything is inserted into the rectum. If this happens, it can be life-threatening.

To reduce your risk of these complications, use water instead of liquids with extra ingredients in them. And don’t administer more than one enema in a 24-hour period.

Before giving yourself a home enema, talk to your primary care provider if you have:

• A weakened immune system

• A history of colon or colorectal cancer

• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis

• Kidney problems or renal insufficiency

• A history of bowel obstruction (blocked intestine)

• Previous colon surgery

• Rectal prolapse

If you experience pain or rectal bleeding after using a home enema, get emergency medical care right away.

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Written by:

Cherilyn Davis, MD

Cherilyn Davis, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician in New York City. She has held local and national roles at the American Medical Women’s Association including board member of the physician division and physician chair of social media.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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