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Enema

By Matthew Tiemeyer, About.com

Updated: June 24, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

A process that serves as a purgative through flooding the rectum and colon with fluids. It is generally used to cause a bowel movement or relieve constipation.

Administration of an enema is usually by "fountain syringe" (enema bag) or basic rectal syringe.

Those with eating disorders often believe that using enemas is a quick way to weight loss. However, forced bowel movements generally create loss of only water weight, and doing so over a long period of time can lead to bowel dysfunction.

Pronunciation: EN'-e-meh
Also Known As: colon cleansing, clysters
Common Misspellings: enima
Examples: Belinda steered clear of trying routine enemas for weight loss, and she spoke with her therapist about her desire to do so.
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