Anal douching involves flushing the rectum with water. Although some prefer to use a douche or enema prior to anal play, it isn’t necessary. The practice can be unsafe if you don’t take the proper precautions.

The rectum is designed to keep poop up high until it’s time to have a bowel movement. A thorough bath or shower is usually all you need to clean up any lingering feces around the anus.

That said, worrying about poop making an appearance can really take the enjoyment out of sex. Douching can provide a deeper cleaning that may help you feel more at ease.

The body’s delicate balance of electrolytes helps keep it functioning properly. Using ingredients that are the least likely to upset this balance is key.

Water is fine for occasional use. Saline enema solution has also been shown to be well tolerated.

Shower enema

A shower enema involves a hose attachment that you install on your shower.

While convenient, they aren’t really recommended because water temperature and pressure can be a bit unpredictable. Burning your insides is a definite possibility.

If you want to use a shower enema anyway, don’t put the nozzle in your anus. Just holding it to the opening will still give you a good clean.

Enema bulb

Most sex toy retailers sell enema bulbs, which are reusable rubber bulbs with a nozzle on the end that you insert into the rectum.

The nozzles are often made of hard plastic, which can be uncomfortable. One with a flexible tip is a bit more bum-friendly.

You can fill the bulb with water or a solution like saline.

Fleet enema

This is one of the safest options for anal douching. You can buy a Fleet enema online or at your local drugstore. There’s more than one version available, so be sure to choose an option with saline only.

Fleet enemas have pre-lubricated nozzle tips that help minimize your risk of injury. As long as you follow the preparation instructions on the package, you should end up with a safe volume.

Enema bag

An enema bag is similar to a hot water bottle used to soothe a stomachache or menstrual cramps. They’re typically sold as part of an enema kit with tube and nozzle attachments.

You fill the bag with your solution and squeeze the bag to release the contents into your anus. Some also come with a hook so you can hang the bag and let gravity do the job.

There are a few downsides to this type of enema. For starters, the bags often hold more liquid than you should use to douche. It can also be difficult to control how much water comes out at once.

You can purchase enema kits in drugstores or online. When ordering one online, be sure to read the description carefully.

Some enema bags come filled with solutions containing coffee or other harmful ingredients.

Proper administration can help prevent pain and damage.

Preparation

To get started:

  1. Begin with a clean nozzle and douche to avoid the spread of bacteria.
  2. Use water a little cooler than lukewarm to avoid burning the mucosal lining.
  3. If using an enema solution, like a Fleet enema, follow the mixing instructions on the package.
  4. Lubricate the tip of the nozzle to make insertion easier.

Process

The process varies slightly depending on the type of douche or enema. The general idea — which is to insert the solution into your anus and expel the liquid — is the same, though.

To use an anal douche or enema:

  1. Stand in the shower or squat over the toilet so the contents of the douche — and your rectum — have a place to land.
  2. For easier access, stand with one leg up on the toilet, the side of the tub, or a shower bench.
  3. You might find it helpful to lightly massage your anal opening to help the muscles relax prior to insertion. Be sure to use a clean, lubed finger.
  4. Gently hold the nozzle against your anus, take a deep breath, and slowly and gently insert it while breathing out.
  5. Squeeze the douche bulb, bottle, or bag to slowly squirt the liquid. If using a shower enema, start at a low setting to keep from releasing too much water at once.
  6. Hold the liquid inside you for a few seconds before pushing it out.
  7. Repeat until the water running out of you is clear or until the bottle or bulb is empty.

Aftercare and cleanup

Take a shower to get yourself cleaned up. Some people prefer to wait an hour or two before anal play to ensure all the liquid is out.

If you’re planning to wait it out, this is a good time to give the tub or toilet a good rinsing and make sure you have what you need ready for safer and more enjoyable anal play, like lube and condoms.

There’s no hard and fast rule on how often you can douche safely. Ideally, you should limit it to no more than two or three times per week and certainly not more than once on a given day.

You risk damaging your anus and intestinal lining, even when you take all the necessary steps and douche properly.

You also risk throwing off the balance of electrolytes and disrupting your body’s natural elimination rhythm when you do it too often.

There’s been concern in the past that anal douching could increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mainly due to ingredients commonly used.

Many men who have sex with men report using homemade and noncommercial substances and solutions. Many of these can damage rectal tissue, potentially making you more susceptible to infection.

If you have hemorrhoids or anal fissures, anal douching may not be a good idea. Inserting the nozzle into your rectum when you have either of these is more likely to cause injury and pain.

Using laxatives before anal play isn’t recommended. Some store-bought enema solutions contain stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl, that induce intestinal contractions to help move stool through your bowel.

Laxatives can cause some not-so-sexy side effects, such as gas, cramping, and diarrhea, which can also lead to dehydration.

Use lots of lube, for starters. Proper lubrication is a must whenever you’re putting anything in your butt. Not using enough significantly ups your chances of irritation and damage.

You also want to go super slow when inserting the nozzle and stop if you feel pain or notice any bleeding.

Remember that anal douching isn’t necessary. A balanced diet with enough fiber can help keep things moving, so you don’t have to worry about a buildup of stool in your colon.

Poop happens, and it’s perfectly natural. You don’t need to use a douche or an enema to enjoy safer anal play.

But if using one will make you feel more comfortable so you can relax and focus on your pleasure, then go for it and have fun!