Enemas are a technique for pushing medicated fluid into the rectum to help reduce inflammation from ulcerative colitis. Doctors may also suggest natural ingredients for these enemas.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) typically associated with symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bowel issues.

It affects approximately 600,000 to 900,000 people in the United States.

An enema is a technique used to push fluid into your rectum to help relieve constipation and other UC symptoms. The fluid may contain several different kinds of medications.

Learn more about the different types of enemas and how they can help UC, as well as other medications and ingredients that may be beneficial.

Enemas are a potentially helpful form of treatment for UC because they can help reduce inflammation.

Enemas can also help prepare your body for diagnostic testing by allowing doctors to see on X-rays where any inflammation is located.

Types of enemas for ulcerative colitis

Enemas that may be useful in treating UC include:

  • Mesalamine enema: This anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce swelling and boost healing.
  • Budesonide rectal foam enema: This type of corticosteroid can help reduce bowel inflammation.
  • Barium enema: This type of enema can be used as a diagnostic tool to detect inflammation in the bowels on X-rays.

Both mesalamine and budesonide can be given in other forms when an enema is not the best option.

Prednisolone is a glucocorticoid.

These can help reduce inflammation in the colon if other medications like mesalamine aren’t effective. They can be administered orally or with an enema.

However, it’s important to note that corticosteroids should only be used for short-term relief. Long-term use may increase your risk of complications like infections, osteoporosis, and cataracts.

There’s currently no cure for UC aside from removing the colon during a surgical procedure. The effectiveness of prednisolone will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and other conditions you may have.

If you have UC, a doctor can work with you to determine whether it makes sense to have prednisolone in your UC treatment plan.

If you prefer to try a more natural treatment, natural enema types include:

  • Coconut oil: Research has shown that coconut oil may improve symptoms of colitis, but it’s important to talk with a doctor before using an enema with coconut oil to make sure it’s safe for you.
  • Apple cider vinegar: The potential healing properties of apple cider vinegar may be beneficial in reducing UC symptoms, but more research is needed.
  • Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD oil may help reduce inflammation, but more research is still needed.
  • Fish oil: Older case studies have indicated that the fatty acids in fish oils may help improve UC symptoms.

A doctor may also suggest a hydrocortisone enema to activate natural substances in the skin that can reduce itching, discoloration, and inflammation. This medication can also be administered as a rectal suppository.

Learn more about natural remedies for UC.

No current studies have shown that using enemas causes UC.

Adverse effects from enemas are not frequently reported, but they can happen. According to a 2020 study, enema-related complications can include bowel perforation and ischemic colitis (IC).

However, IC is not the same as UC. The exact cause of UC still remains largely unknown.

Always check with a doctor or pharmacist about the best dosage and timing of medications. Follow any specific directions they give you about enemas.

It’s best to use a mesalamine enema before sleeping because this allows you to keep the medication inside your body for longer periods.

As a general rule, hold your position for at least 20 to 40 minutes after taking a mesalamine enema to allow it to spread through the intestines.

Then, try to find a comfortable sleeping position that allows the medication to stay inside your body.

Is enema contraindicated in ulcerative colitis?

A doctor may recommend enemas as a treatment for UC because they can help reduce inflammation and prepare your body for diagnostic testing.

Do mesalamine enemas work?

Yes, mesalamine enemas can help reduce inflammation and UC symptoms, as well as boost healing.

How long are you supposed to hold in a mesalamine enema?

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation recommends holding in a mesalamine enema for at least 20 to 40 minutes to help the medication spread through your intestines.

Is it OK to take a laxative if you have ulcerative colitis?

A doctor may recommend taking osmotic laxatives if you have UC constipation, according to Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

Enemas can help treat a UC flare-up or be a diagnostic tool.

Talk with a doctor before performing an enema. They can offer guidance on which enema types might be most effective and how to avoid potential risks.

If you prefer not to use enemas or a doctor advises against using them, many of the medications in enemas are available in other forms, such as pills, injections, or rectal suppositories.