Enema, anytime? DIY kits for constipation relief are viral

In April 2023, American musician and member of the band Blink-182, Travis Barker, launched a Rs 16,000 (approx.) enema kit.

The kit was launched as a tribute to a cult classic from his band's album, Enema of the State, which was released in 1999.

If you don’t know exactly what an enema kit is - it is used to flush your colon with liquid, usually for constipation relief (more on this later).

Now back to Barker's enema kit, it came with a branded enema bulb and a can of water (yes, water) signed by the musician and husband of Kourtney Kardashian Barker. But what was inside was more than just water, according to him. It was the cause behind his success—the success in life and in his love life.

                   Travis Barker's Enema Kit. Photo: Instagram/Travis Barker

The kit was released in collaboration with “Liquid Death,” a brand often known for advertising things in a “cool” way, to say the least. Now, even though the kit sold out quickly, people knew what they were buying was not the kits themselves but an art piece, autographed by the singer. In fact, the kits were sold with a warning:

"Adult art piece and not intended for use as a real medical device. Enema of the State should never be placed in or near your butthole without consulting a doctor first. Also, you should not place it in or near your friend’s butthole without consulting them or their doctor first either."

Now, we know that even though Travis’s kit was a joke, what if we told you that today, you can buy enema kits (not Travis’s one) easily online? As gross as it sounds, it is true.

What are at-home enema kits and what do they do?

Once a procedure was only available in hospitals, today, enema kits are widely available for at-home use. While some of these kits are priced as low as Rs 170, making them easily accessible, other brands offer a more aesthetic version.

An at-home enema kit is your gut’s personal reset button, perfect for when things feel a little, backed up. These kits typically come with a bag or bottle to hold the solution, a tube and nozzle for delivery, and sometimes pre-mixed liquid.

You can use warm water, saline, or even coffee (yes, really) depending on your ‘needs.’ The idea is simple—introduce liquid into the rectum to soften things up and get your bowels moving.

Initially, and even now, enemas are used when your life has complications—ugh, sorry, constipation. They serve as a way to relieve constipation and cleanse the colon before medical procedures.

Using an enema is easier than you think. Just find a comfy spot (the bathroom is ideal unless you like living dangerously), lubricate the nozzle, and get into position (lying on your left side works best). Slowly release the liquid, hold it in for a few minutes, and then, well, let nature take its course.

Dr Chetan Kalal, a consultant hepatologist and transplant physician at Saifee Hospital, says people use these kits for various reasons, such as:

1. Instant relief from constipation – Enemas soften stools and can cause bowel movements in minutes. They relax the stool, making it easier to pass.
2. Gut detox & cleansing – Enemas are meant to cleanse out toxins, though there isn't much scientific evidence to support this.
3. Medical preparation – Physicians prescribe enemas before procedures such as a colonoscopy.

However, due to easy access and influencers promoting them online as a way to cleanse the body, their use is becoming increasingly common.

“At-home enema kits are widely available online and in pharmacies. They typically contain saline or other solutions designed to cleanse the colon. While convenient, they should be used cautiously and as directed,” says Dr Sukhvinder Singh Saggu, GI & bariatric surgeon at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, and director of minimal access surgery.

Should you try this at home?

Now, enema kits are not a 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' stunt that should never be attempted at home. In fact, experts that India Today spoke to suggest that using enema kits once in a while might be okay and not fatal, but should be avoided if possible.

Dr Saggu says that enemas can help with occasional constipation or bowel cleansing but should not be overused.

         At home enema kits are available online. Photo: Flipkart

“Consulting a doctor before use is advised, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions. While they provide temporary relief, relying on them frequently may disrupt natural bowel function and lead to potential side effects,” he says.

Payal Kothari, gut health coach, agrees and mentions that these side effects can include:

• Irritation and dependence – Excessive use may cause the body to become dependent on enemas for defecation.
• Electrolyte imbalance – Overuse of enemas can dehydrate the body and disrupt mineral levels.
• Infection or injury – If hygiene is not maintained or if used too forcefully, infections or rectal damage can occur.

But-om line

If you are sometimes constipated, occasional use of an enema is fine. But frequent use is not a good idea. A more effective approach would be long-term solutions - drink plenty of water, eat fibre-rich foods, and exercise regularly. If you're chronically constipated, talking to a doctor is always a better option than giving yourself an enema.

Source: India Today