Today’s article covers how bidets can be used to perform DIY enemas. We’ll be looking at which types of bidets can be used for enemas, how to perform them, and whether they’re truly effective.
If you’re in a hurry, check out our top recommended bidet for performing enemas:
Top Enema Bidet
 | Bio Bidet 1000 |
| The top bidet seat for enemas, no question about it. | |
| Special enema function Highest water pressure on the market Vortex function | |
| $374 on Bidet King | |
| $374 on Bio Bidet | |
| $349 on Amazon |
An enema is a procedure where liquid is injected into the rectum (the last part of the colon), usually to empty it out.
While they’re typically performed as a remedy for constipation, in a medical context they can be used for other reasons—like performing x-rays (barium enema) or to deliver medication.
At home, they tend to be performed for constipation relief and general cleansing.
For those in a rush, for the high-tech best bidet seat with an enema function, see this section. For the best handheld enema option, see this section.
Table of Contents
Can a Bidet Give You an Enema?
Only certain specialized handheld bidets can give you a true enema. They provide an enema nozzle designed to penetrate the anal sphincters where it introduces water to the rectum. Some electric bidet seats provide the option to use a vortex water stream designed to enter the rectum.
Only some bidet seats offer the vortex water stream. It’s never labeled as an enema mode but that’s what it’s designed for. It’s also not really considered a true enema because an enema is defined as a procedure that injects water into the rectum (not just spray and pray).
As for handheld bidet enema kits, it may make more sense to use an enema kit in the shower as most are too long to allow you to actually sit on the toilet while the device is in use. Also, they can make quite a mess so the shower is a good place.
Can Modern Bidet Seats Give You an Enema?
I’d imagine that some reading this article are asking about whether the newer high-tech toilets (the kind with a retractable wand) can give you an enema—whether they have a setting meant to cleanse the rectum. After all, these are becoming synonymous with the word bidet here in the US.
Modern bidets (high-tech seats and attachments) do not give you an enema. It is possible to introduce water into the rectum (intentionally or unintentionally) with this kind. But, a special attachment is needed to pry open the internal anal sphincter—the sphincter that isn’t under voluntary control.
I.e. the amount of water, water pressure, and precision offered by this kind wouldn’t be sufficient to get a full cleanse.
But some electric bidet seats do have an “enema function” for rectal cleansing and constipation relief, and they’ve proven pretty effective. Vortex water stream technology produces a jet stream that’s extra strong and narrow.
The best electric bidet with an enema function can be found here (Amazon link).
The Best Bidets with an Enema Function
The vortex water stream accomplishes two things:
- Allows water to penetrate the sphincters to loosen rectal contents (read: poop).
- The strong/narrow jet hits the sphincters causing them to contract, helping empty the colon.
A lot of folks prefer this method of cleansing because it seems to be as effective as enema attachments/kits while being much less invasive.
The main drawback is that they cost more. A handheld bidet/enema attachment will run you about $40 while electric bidets with an enema function are usually $200-$600.
Of course, you’re getting an electric bidet, which is awesome.
Bio Bidet BB-1000 Supreme (Best Overall)
The BB-1000 is the best overall pick for a few reasons.
For one, it has the most infamous enema function, with the highest water pressure of any bidet on the market. Specifically, it has an output of ~1/3 gallon or 1.2 L per minute.
You can compare prices here and here.
For this reason, it’s the preferred bidet for folks who like high water pressure, in general (the enema mode doubles as a super effective, extra-strong mode).
For another, the BB-1000 has most of the features that have come to be expected by modern bidets like a warm air dryer and wireless handheld remote.
The Alpha GX and GXR
Then there are theAlpha GX and GXR Wave bidetseats.They’re significantly less expensive than the BB-1000, with the GX costing the least (about 60% less than the BB-1000, in my experience).
You can find theGX Wave here and here.
The wireless remote version (the GXR) can be found here and here.
They’re equal in quality to the BB-1000 in terms of construction, materials, and features, but the enema mode isn’t quite as strong. The GX and GXR boast the second strongest water pressure in the industry after the BB-1000, with a water pressure of 1 L (0.26 gal) per minute.
Plenty strong enough to aid in constipation relief, a benefit I’ve enjoyed myself with my Alpha bidets.
Both are available for round and elongated toilets.
The strong pressure mode is labeled as “turbo” (not “enema”), but it’s the same principle: an extra narrow, extra-strong stream of water to stimulate bowel contraction and penetrate the sphincters.
Different Types of Bidet Enemas and Douche Kits
In case you’re new to the subject of bidets, there’s a point of confusion when it comes to discussing different kinds as there are many different varieties on the market these days.
This is relevant here because, as of now, true enemas can only be performed with a certain type.
The different types of bidets include:
- Traditional European standalone bidets. These look like a mini sink that’s mounted lower on the wall like a toilet. Like a sink, this kind has a basin, faucet, and drain, and some have water jets in the bottom of the basin.
- High-tech bidet seats, attachments, and toilet-bidet combos. Bidet seats and attachments are used to modify a regular toilet. The combos are newer modern toilets with built-in bidets.
- Handheld sprayers. One type is the handheld sprayer which resembles the nozzles found attached to many kitchen sinks.
Bidet enema/douche kits are only available for the handheld models. And, as mentioned, they’re often hooked up in the shower, and not to the toilet.
Below are the most common enema attachments. Even if not marketed as such, each can double as a douche kit to clean the vagin*l area.
Multi-Nozzle Kits
As for handheld bidet enema options, I recommend this bidet enema kit (Amazon link).
These kits tend to be affordable regardless of the brand, and most come with good materials. So I chose this one based on comfort.
It comes with the most attachments, which will allow you to find one to your liking. There are several attachments, each with its own length and diameter.
Performing an enema isn’t exactly the most fun activity. It’s intrusive by definition. I can think of a lot of things I’d rather do.
So, having a few attachments to choose from will allow you to find one that allows for the most pleasant experience (or the least unpleasant experience).
It also comes with a comfortable silicon probe, while most other models come standard with attachments made of hard inflexible material.
These are usually marketed for performing enemas and douching. And, most are advertised for use in the toilet or shower.
While shower use may be more practical, there are reasons to hook them up to your toilet. For example, you may like the idea of having a handheld bidet on your commode for daily use.
After all, you’re probably not planning to perform an enema that often, and the regular bidet attachment (not meant for penetration) can be used with every bowel movement.
Some of these are multi-nozzle as is the case with the one linked above.
If you’re going to perform a home enema regularly, this is a good option. If you want to hook it to a toilet to double as a standard handheld bidet (for daily use), you’ll need to purchase a nozzle separately. Just make sure it’s the right size.
Quick Safety Precaution:
Most products of this kind are marketed as bidet douche/enema kits. While major health institutions give the green light to enemas, they recommend you avoid douching. For more info, check out the article on bidets for women).
A Note on Shower Use
These days, showerheads are often handheld so that you can detach them from the wall to deliver the water to where it’s needed.
Most detachable showerheads are too large to be used for an enema—or, at least, one that won’t leave you walking funny for a few days.
Anyway, regardless of the showerhead you currently have, fixed or detachable, you can purchase an attachment designed specifically for DIY enemas.
They come with a T-valve that routes water to the showerhead and the handheld nozzle.
If you’re looking for a douche kit, and are uninterested in using the nozzle for enemas, the same setup can be used to hook up a standard water spray handle—what they call a “shower bidet”.
Modern detachable showerheads can be used to douche, as they produce water streams that are small enough. If you have a standard fixed shower head, you can attach a smaller handheld sprayer with a T-valve.
I bring this up, because the shower is a great place for deep cleaning, especially if you don’t’ like making a mess.
It’s an ideal location for an enema because the nozzle is usually too long to be used in a toilet, and using one outside the shower can get water everywhere.
Travel Bidets w/Enema Attachment
There are different types of travel bidets, but all are handheld.
One of the more common types is the kind composed of a silicon bulb. These are usually marketed as travel bidets, but some are advertised as enema kits—the ones that come with a special attachment that allows you to penetrate the rectum.
Keep in mind they don’t hold much water so it may take several rounds to get a thorough clean.
How to Perform Bidet Enemas
Each model will come with its own directions. As you probably know by now, you can’t simply squirt water into the rectum in the way that you can shoot water into the vagin*l opening when douching.
This is because your innards are guarded by two sphincters: the inner and outer anal sphincters.
The outer sphincter is under voluntary control for clenching, but can’t be opened widely on command. While the inner will need prying open with a suitable probe.
While the instructions for each model will vary, the general method includes the following steps.
1. Ensure the Right Temperature Setting
Cold water (though not freezing) is fine for a general cleanse, but you may find warm water more soothing.
Hot water can irritate the skin and that’s the last thing you want to do when it comes to the rectum and anus.
If you’ve had severe hemorrhoids (a sore inflamed anus) then you know exactly why.
2. Turn the Bidet to the Off Position
This will make it a lot easier and less messy. This is important in the beginning when you’re not sure how much water is adequate for a cleanse, and how much is excessive.
3. Position the Nozzle
Position the enema attachment at the center of the anus and slightly penetrate the sphincter.
4. Start Slowly
Slowly turn the water on to allow water to enter the rectum. When you first feel the water enter, turn it off.
If performing the enema for constipation, a 10-second application of warm water is recommended before attempting to defecate.
This remedy has been useful for some who suffer from constipation. It’s thought that the water and nozzle combine to relax the sphincters and lubricate the anus helping stimulate a bowel movement (1).
The procedure causes the walls of the rectum to contract, helping to pass the stool with less straining (1).
5. Repeat as Necessary
There’s usually feces remaining in the rectum after the first go, so repeat the above until you sense you’re sufficiently cleansed.
The water should be running clean by the time you’re done.
That’s it. The process should take a couple of minutes at most.
Are Bidet Enemas Safe?
Just because a certain model can give you an enema, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a good idea to use one.
Bidet enemas can be safe if performed correctly. But, all enemas carry the risk of side effects, and those performed at home should be done with extra caution. Factors to consider include attachment design, water cleanliness, and keeping the nozzle sterilized.
I mention device design because I doubt these attachments are FDA approved so quality isn’t guaranteed. As DIY enemas go, health experts tend to view those performed at home to be relatively safe, if the right steps are taken (2).
But, as mentioned, all enemas—even those performed by physicians—carry some amount of risk. And, for this reason, some health experts recommend against performing them yourself.
Interestingly, one risk is diarrhea (3).
Conclusion
That should sum it up.
High-tech bidet toilets with a retractable wand are not ideal for performing enemas. Sure, you could spread your cheeks to get a more thorough clean, but it’s unlikely you’ll get sufficient water through the sphincter to achieve a full cleanse.
Handheld bidets can be used for performing enemas if certain nozzles are attached. What you’ll need is a T-valve, supply hose, and nozzle (preferably more than one), all of which are included in most enema/douche kits.
These can be attached to the toilet, but it’s probably more practical to use them in the shower.
Douching can be done with any handheld sprayer.
Finally, some health authorities recommend against performing DIY enemas. However, the consensus seems to be that they’re relatively safe when done correctly.
Also, there’s no reason to think that those performed with a bidet are any less safe or effective compared to other home enemas.
And, of course, always consult with your doctor before making any decisions regarding your health.
Thanks for reading.
