What is Klismaphilia and How Can I Try it?

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Our behinds are pretty damn glorious. From the way they look, to how soft our skin can feel there, to all the pleasure they can bring — butts are where it’s at.

As a result of appreciating our behinds more, most of us are becoming increasingly aware that anal play and sex is an extremely pleasurable experience (we know that some of us are late in discovering this, but the main thing is we’re here now). However, an area of anal play that most of us are less knowledgeable about is klismaphilia, and yet, a lot of us will have experienced the sensation of a klisma in our lives at one time or another. 

Guessed what we’re talking about yet? We’re referring to enemas.

For many people, enemas aren’t naturally associated with pleasure, although enemas (sometimes referred to as douching, even though the two are slightly different) help to make us feel more comfortable before engaging in anal play. The way in which the act becomes inherently sexual is when pleasure comes from receiving and/or giving the enema, rather than the activities that may or may not come afterwards. 

The Ins and Outs of Enemas
Some of you may feel like it’s unnecessary to go into detail about what an enema is and what it involves. However, while there’s basic information about what such a procedure entails, when partaking in enemas without the supervision of a healthcare professional, it’s vital you know how to carry it out correctly. 

In layman's terms, an enema is when liquid or air is inserted into your rectum, with the aim being to clean the colon. If you were undergoing an enema purely for medical reasons, doing this would allow professionals to administer certain types of medication, as well as examine/investigate any underlying conditions. What is more, enemas are often used to relieve constipation. 

As you can see, enemas can and are hugely beneficial outside of any sexual contexts, and so we should all be more comfortable about discussing them. Nevertheless, while enemas have many benefits, they’re not normally the first resort healthcarers take in order to resolve an issue. In fact, they’re normally one of the last. For example, if you’re having one to deal with constipation, exercise and diet would be adjusted first to try and encourage natural bowel movement. A laxative would also be a possible treatment solution prior to the option of giving an enema.

Common Enema Types
Before we get into what enema kits include and how we can use them in the privacy of our own homes (or not, if exhibitionism is your bag), it’s worth knowing that there’s two different types of enemas we can experience. 

Most commonly, people who enjoy enemas opt for a cleansing enema, e.g. one that cleans us out by flushing any leftover fecal matter that wasn’t expelled during our normal bowel movements. This is done by a special solution being passed into the large intestine to stimulate cleansing in quick succession to the enema first being introduced; it’s quite fast paced once everything is in place. 

In contrast to this, the other common enema is a retention enema. As the name suggests, this solution is “held” within the bowels for a longer period of time, usually for a minimum of 15 minutes but sometimes up to three hours. The main aim of this is to expel feces once more, but by retaining the solution instead of instantly expelling it. By holding onto the solution for longer, it provides more of a softening effect to your stools, as well as increasing the lubrication of the rectum. 

Enema Kit 101
Even though some of you may have experienced your first enema away from home, e.g. in a medical environment, there’s now plenty of ways to purchase enema kits from local pharmacies and/or online. Arguably more for convenience, these kits also allow for more experimentation. 

For those of you who’ve douched before, you’ll know what anal douches from sex shops look like, with its familiar bulb shape and tapered nozzle. Some enema kits adopt the same aesthetic, though not every one of them looks and functions like this. In fact, some kits include bags or cylindrical bottles, accompanied by a longer tube and nozzle. Despite the varying designs, they essentially do the same thing.

What isn’t the same for every enema is the solution used, simply because the solution you’d use for a cleansing enema consists of different substances when compared to a retention enema. One of the most common “solutions” for a cleansing douche is water/saline, whereas one designed for retention is typically coffee or oil based. 

Assuming that your intention is to experience the quick rush of an enema (pun fully intended), then a salt water option is best because it’ll prove the least irritation. Of course, if you want something a little more invigorating, you can use a mixture of lemon juice, or you can create a solution including apple cider vinegar instead. This particular suggestion, however, has been met with a lot of skepticism from healthcarers, with many claiming that using such an acidic solution will do more harm than good. 

If in doubt, stick to water/saline solution, and also contact your local GP for advice. Although you may not want to share what goes on in your sex life, it’s always wise to check that what you’re doing is carried out in a safe manner. If discussing it with your doctor is too big an overshare, there’s plenty of online forums that will suggest safe alternatives for you to use.

Should You Prep?
As with any type of intimate, invasive play, a certain amount of preparation is needed to ensure both you and your partner (assuming you’re not enjoying some solo play) get the best experience possible. 

Even though most of you will be savouring the intricacies of klismaphilia outside of a medical setting, the general advice of sterilisation still applies. Sometimes you’ll see that people suggest tailoring your diet the day prior to having an enema, however, this isn’t necessary. 

Your enema kit needs to have been thoroughly cleaned before use, ideally with hot soapy water, followed by rinsing everything afterwards to make sure no soap residue is left over. After all, our skin is very sensitive, particularly in our genitals and rectum, so it pays to take extra care when introducing foriegn objects into the equation. 

Without proper care and preparation, not only can you introduce bacteria into a highly sensitive area, but you can also cause micro tears which further the breeding ground for transferred bacteria. This is why lubrication is extremely important. Treat giving/recieving an enema like you would any other kind of anal play: use plenty of lube and take things at a pace you’re (both) comfortable with. 

Another important part of preparation, is to empty your bladder prior; this isn’t a necessity, per say, however it’ll ensure you get less of an uncomfortable pressure feeling in your colon. Ultimately, this should be a pleasurable experience, not one that causes undue pain. 

In addition to prepping yourself, e.g. your own body, there’s also ways to prep your environment to better create a comfortable and sensual space. One of the main suggestions a lot of enema enthusiasts share is to put down a towel, just in case of any leakage between having your enema and going to release said fluids. Moreover, it’s always advisable that you’re relatively close to the bathroom when enemas are involved.

Getting into Position
When it comes to administering the enema, it’s best to lie down in a comfortable position, such as on your side or on your back. 

Generally speaking, most practicing individuals will opt for either of these positions, however, some occasionally choose to be more experimental with their bodies.Nonetheless, while experimentation isn’t an issue and can be fun, it isn’t always advised for first timers. The key here should be comfort and safety above all else. Then, once you’ve become used to the sensation and what an enema involves, you can then try to alternate positions if you want. 

Alongside laying your partner/yourself down, you’ll also want to position the enema bag approximately two feet above, simply to ensure unhindered flow of the solution. Of course, if you’re enjoying solo play, this step may be a little trickier to achieve, which is why it’s best to do a dry run of your setup if you’ve never done this before. 

Once you’ve positioned the bag properly, got yourself nice and comforty, and have a protective layer beneath you, it’s time for insertion. Before you reach for the lube, however, you’ll want to measure out four inches along the length of the tube, as this is as far as medical professionals suggest you insert it. By this point, the mantra of plenty of lube can’t ever be overstated or overused; don’t be shy with it and you’ll be just fine. 

If everything is in place and you’re ready to go, you can introduce the enema solution and simply wait until the bag has fully emptied. Thereafter, you then hold the solution inside of your rectal cavity for as long as you’re comfortable with. More experienced participants tend to be able to hold longer than those just starting out, so be mindful of what stage of experience you’re at before attempting to hold for too long. 

When you can’t hold the enema inside any longer, go to the toilet and release the fluid — there’s nothing to it! Oh, though be sure to keep in mind that any kind of vigorous movement after you’ve emptied your colon, such as sex, can encourage more of the fluid to come out, so it’s wise to stay close to the bathroom for some time afterwards. 

Potential Risks
Although there’s nothing wrong with enjoying an enema, it’s crucial to keep in mind that there are some risks that come with the continued use of them. Some of these we’ve already lightly touched upon, however, it’s worth going over in more detail to make sure you have all the information to hand.

One of the main risks, as expected with anything like this, is infection. Nevertheless, while it’s a common one, it isn’t the only risk that comes with klismaphilia; there’s also dehydration. 

At first, this might sound surprising, but then once you consider that your fluid levels are being changed because of having an enema, the worry of dehydration soon begins to make a lot of sense. The best way to avoid this is, firstly, don’t administer too many enemas, but secondly, make sure to up your intake of water when you have one. Think of it like when you go for a long run or workout — put back in what you’ve taken out. 

Another potential risk is injuring oneself due to the temperature of the solution used, not forgetting the choice of solution itself. Enema instructions always state that the solution should be at room temperature rather than boiling hot or freezing cold; this is a Goldilocks moment for sure, with the importance being on getting that solution just right. In-keeping with this, don’t use mixtures that haven’t been okayed by medical professionals. Although there’s some kinksters out there that favour urine enemas and other more unusual substances, this really isn’t advised and thus should be considered with caution. 

Lastly, keep the number of enemas you experience to one per day, with the ideal being to use them sparingly, if at all. We know this is a difficult ask for those of you who particularly enjoy this practice, however, while the sensation can be amazing, too many enemas can drastically alter your electrolyte levels. 

Without wanting to give a mini science lesson, our electrolytes help control the functionality of our muscles and nerves, equalise our blood pressure, and several other vital bodily functions. Therefore, you don’t want to be unduly tampering with the natural order of your body. On top of this, you also run the risk of training your body into only having a bowel movement by using an enema, which can impact on your daily life and comfort. 

Enema Play — Why?
We’ve covered a lot of the how, but hardly anything about the why. Naturally, for those of us who don’t partake in enema play, we assume the allure is that it feels pleasurable in some way. However, that doesn’t really explore exactly what triggers that pleasure, nor what the “release” feels like.  

It’s important to note that that final moment of ecstasy is going to come to everyone very differently, just like with any type of sexual release. Nonetheless, there’s a lot of similarities in what klismaphiliacs describe about the experience, primarily that there’s this sense of euphoria from that rush of fluids leaving the body. 

For a lot of people, this rush goes hand-in-hand with an orgasm, with both men and women having reached climax thanks to taking an enema prior to masturbation. In fact, for some individuals, no other type of play is needed for an orgasm to occur, simply the setup and experience of the enema is enough to reach that big ‘O’. 

Despite this type of play often being a substitute for other acts, such as blowjobs and fingering, there’s also more specific reasons for its enjoyment. One of the main ones, and arguably the most scientific of them all, is that the rectum is packed full of nerve endings, with its sensitivity said to be close to that of the clit and/or penis. And, as some of us will know from experience, when we engage in anal play, that fullness further enhances the stimulation we feel, especially for those with a prostrate. Consequently, enjoying an enema and the sensation it gives biologically makes sense because it works with our anatomy to produce greater pleasure. 

Moving away from the physical and to the psychological, quite a few psychologists hold the belief that klismaphilia can be a symbolic means of experiencing pregnancy for some individuals. 

The reasons they give for this reasoning are primarily to do with the act of penetration itself, which is then followed by the swelling of the abdomen, possible slight discomfort, and then the expulsion of the solution, which can be said to be representative of when your waters break. Although this might not be the main reason for many klismaphiliacs, if a reason at all, it highlights how the act of an enema has very similar components to penetrative intercourse and the sharing of fluids. 

An Addictive Experience
Alongside being a means of engaging in other forms of penetration, klismaphilia has an addictive element to its allure. When you look at various interviews and/or studies regarding this kink, you’ll see a lot of responses that comment on an increased desire to have/give an enema. 

One example which truly captures this addictive quality in addiction can be found at The Stranger, an online publication which covers a diverse mix of topics, including sexual exploration. In an online letter from 2013, a reader mentions how she gives herself up to four enemas a week in order to achieve orgasm. It’s important to note that the reader, a 53 year old woman, also goes on to firmly state that she isn’t obsessive with her behaviour, and that she can go without it for long periods of time if she chooses. Nonetheless, the fact that the urge to do it so often is sometimes there demonstrates that there’s something enticing about that high that enemas produce. 

Another example, also from 2013 (must have been a good year for enemas!), discusses a couple who had engaged in over 6,000 enemas together since they discovered the fetish. Unless they stopped soon after the article was printed, it’s easy to assume that this total only increased further. 

Even though both of these examples, and many more like them, illustrate that certain precautions have been overlooked, e.g. how often you do it, they also show that this kink can interest anyone, any age, any sex and any gender. There’s a sexual fluidity to the act that allows people to explore their desires in a way that transgresses the societal norms we’ve become accustomed to. 

Addiction = Increased Recklessness
Provocative though this subheading is, it does touch on something incredibly interesting and important about this fetish: that a large number of those who partake in it invite in recklessness on a regular basis. 

We’ve all relished the thrill of doing “something we shouldn’t”, and for some of us that’s a kink in itself. However, there’s been instances when klismaphilia has been practiced in such a way that it is extremely dangerous. In more recent years, people have been known to use alcohol, air, drugs, and even cement in order to get their fix while having an enema, with the latter example having led to the person in question needing surgery. 

The mention of recklessness isn’t there to shame anyone, but to bring to the fore the need to practice such activities safely. We can all get caught up in the moment and long for greater highs, but we need to be mindful of what that quest for a bigger rush can do to us, both physically and mentally. This is why consent and trust is hugely important in any form of sexual contact. 

You need to be aware of one another’s boundaries, respect when those limits are met, and make sure to engage in such practices in a way that doesn’t cause undue harm to those involved. Even if pain is part of the play for you and/or your partner, it should be approached in a consensual and controlled manner. 

Leave Embarrassment Behind
Following on from the need to be transparent and open with yourself and your partner, there’s also the need to become more accepting of these intimate acts generally speaking. Due to the nature of enemas, and indeed anal play overall, there’s this sense of taboo around those that enjoy them; it’s lessened in the last couple of years, but it’s undoubtedly still there. 

If you’re looking to explore the possibilities of klismaphilia and are embarrassed by what’s involved, try to be more gentle and understanding with yourself. The human body is filled with various fluids — blood, discharge, semen, urine — and so when we try different forms of play that increases the likelihood of seeing these substances outside of the body. This can trigger panic and feel shame, but shame has no place in sex, regardless of your personal tastes and interests. 

Sex is messy. It’s wet. It’s sweaty. It can be rough, tender, fast, and everything else in between. And when you play with your anus and/or someone’s, you encourage more mess. This is why some people feel the need to douch and/or have an enema before anal play/sex, however, that isn’t necessary. Poo is undoubtedly a part of anal play. Your partner might see it, you might see it, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of. 
To help ease you into this (that pun really is intended), it’s worth exploring sites like Fetish.com and other such resources, which connect like minded people to one another. Not only will you be able to learn more about klismaphilia, but you’ll also be able to talk to others about their experiences on a more personal level.