Mineral Oil Enema - An Enema Procedure

An enema is one of many different solutions to cleanse your bowels and colon. An enema helps clean your bowels effectively especially in the case of digestive issues. An enema requires some practice but you can administer an enema at home by yourself.

Procedure: An enema kit can be obtained at a drugstore or a chemist. Get comfortable before attempting the enema. Use lubricant to make the tip of the tube soft before inserting it into the rectum. Once the tube is inside, fill it up with water gently. Once you feel full, stop the flow of water. Once you are done filling up or even halfway through filling up, you might feel like you need to go. You should eliminate the waste from your body as soon as you feel like it, and for as long as it takes for your bowels to feel empty.

Enemas can also be done using different ingredients which are added to the water while doing the enema. These ingredients play a different role in addressing the illness. A mineral oil enema is one such enema. A mineral oil enema is often used to soften the stools before passing them.

If 24 hours after taking the enema, you are still passing bowel movements, you might want to bring it to your doctor’s notice. You should continue passing stools for at least 6-8 hours after a mineral oil enema. Mineral oil enemas are gradually absorbed into the stools so the stools you pass are soft and mixed with the solution.

It’s important that you also keep in mind that there are some contraindications to mineral oil enemas:

If there are blockages in the intestine or you have appendicitis
If you have kidney problems or rectal bleeds
Have a history of heart problems
Are bedridden
Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant or even breast feeding
Are on medications, conventional or alternate
Are allergic to certain foods

If you have any condition on this list and have done a mineral enema, you should immediately seek the help or attention of your medical practitioner. Even when you do a mineral enema, remember to correctly use as per the instructions.

There are some side effects like bloating, nausea, vomiting and even allergy-like hives and rashes. Some cases tend to have dizziness as a side effect too.

Reference:

http://www.wakehealth.edu/Health-Encyclopedia/Medications/Mineral-Oil-Rectal.htm?LangType=1033

answered by G R

You should be very careful and gentle when doing enema, our rectum and our intestines are not designed to be penetrated from the rear end.Enema solutions can cause fluid and electrolyte disturbances in the blood if used on a chronic basis. If it continues after another 24 hours you might want to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

answered by C

I used a mineral oil enema, however it did not work. I used it on sunday and 24 hours later I am still having bowel movements, mixed in with the solution. It was used as a cleanser. Should I see a doctor?