Is it possible to get a bowel infection from doing enemas? Sorry about the gross details.?

Question

I used to do alot of hot water enemas due to problems w/ chronic constipation and was wondering if it's possible to get a bowel infection or other type of infection down there from doing them? Reason I ask, is because I've noticed a persistent foul odor down there (smells like fecal matter or flatulence), despite washing daily with antibacterial soap and I also sometimes notice some jelly like discharge on the toilet paper after wiping from a bowel movement. I know this is really really nasty. Sorry but it's also really embarrasing to talk to anybody face to face about it. I'm too embarrased to ask a doctor about it. I'm currently pregnant and don't know if I should ask my ob/gyn about it or not. I don't even know if they'd be able to prescribe something for that or not. Or would I have to go see a gastrointerologist or something. Can anyone advise. Again, sorry about the gross details.

Answer 1

enemas are not to be a ritual in your daily hygiene or to help with bowels movements either , it must be done very rarely and best if recommended by your practitioner .....
since you are currently pregnant , please get to know your OB GYN ;you will be okay ,besides , when you have your baby ? you will learn not to be as shy ........:-)
it is not gross ,so please do not worry okay?
you must stop this process immediately , it is not recommended to use as you have thus far , i mean not to scare you , but please do talk to your physician about this ;
here is an article i found on enemas : read it carefully
Definition

An enema is a procedure wherein liquid is infused into the rectum via a tube either for treatment or to diagnose a condition.


Purpose

Enemas may be given for the following purposes:

To remove feces when an individual is constipated or impacted.
To infuse oil into the rectum to help soften feces when the person is constipated or impacted.
To remove feces and cleanse the rectum in preparation for an examination.
To remove feces prior to a surgical procedure to prevent contamination of the surgical area.
To administer drugs such as corticosteroids dissolved in water to stop inflammation and bleeding caused by ulcerative colitis.
To introduce barium sulfate, a metallic chemical substance that outlines the intestines for diagnostic purposes.
To act as a carminative, or remove flatus, or gas, from the intestines.
To irrigate the colon or large intestine, thus stimulating peristalsis (sometimes called a colonic irrigation).

Precautions

The rectal tube used for infusion of the enema solution should be smooth and flexible to decrease the possibility of damage to the mucous membrane that lines the rectum. Tap water is commonly used for adults but should not be used for infants because of the danger of electrolyte imbalance. (Electrolytes are substances that conduct electric current in the body fluids. Proper balance is essential for sustaining life.) The colon absorbs water, and repeated tap water enemas can cause cardiovascular overload and electrolyte imbalance. Similarly, repeated saline enemas can cause increased absorption of fluid and electrolytes into the bloodstream, resulting in overload. Individuals receiving frequent enemas should be observed for overload symptoms that include dizziness, sweating, or vomiting.

Soap suds and saline used for cleansing enemas can cause irritation of the lining of the bowel, with repeated use or a solution that is too strong. Only white soap should be used; the bar should not have been previously used, to prevent infusing undesirable organisms into the individual receiving the enema. Common household detergents are considered too strong for the rectum and bowel. The commercially prepared castile soap is preferred, and should be used in concentration no greater than 5 cc soap to 1,000 cc of water. Enemas should not be administered to individuals who have recently had colon or rectal surgery, a heart attack, or who complain of undiagnosed abdominal pain (which can be a ruptured appendix), or suffer from an irregular heartbeat.


Description

Traditionally, soap suds enemas (SSEs) have been used, as the soap caused some irritation of the bowel wall. This irritation, paired with distention caused by the volume of fluid instilled, causes bowel contractions and stimulation that usually will lead to expelling feces from the rectum. When the enema is administered, the individual is usually on the left side-lying position, which places the sigmoid colon (lower portion of bowel) below the rectum and facilitates infusion of fluid. The length of time it takes to administer an enema depends on the amount of fluid to be infused. The amount of fluid administered will vary depending on the age and size of the person receiving the enema; however, general guidelines would be:

Infant: 250 cc (approximately one cup) or less.
Toddler and preschooler: 500 ml (two cups) or less.
School-aged child: 500 to 1,000 cc (between a pint and a quart).
Adult: 750 to 1,000 cc (three-quarters to a full quart).
Colonic irrigations or carminative enemas are normally administered only to adults and usually less than 200 cc (three-quarters of a cup) of fluid is used. This is instilled and allowed to flow back out five to six times.

i hope you have read this and that you take your courage and have a serious talk with your OB GYN , for your sake and your child

Answer 2

Don't use enemas when pregnant. It can cause premature labor. Tell the doctor. It won't shock him. Anal problems go w/ having a baby. Try not to eat a lot of bread. Drink more water, a Hot cup of tea or coffee. Should help w/ bowels. Congrats and GOD BLESS

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

You need to share this with your Dr.Infection could cause problems with the baby so goodness sake dont be shy!

Answer 5

I would think so.