Are girls more likely to get constipated and use enemas than men?

@RichardAsni

The technique you describe is quite close to a well known technique of making ones self poo... Digital Rectal Stimulation. It's commonly used by older people who "need a little help" to get going. DRS is often combined with a laxative suppository, which is inserted first, then, after a few minutes, the DRS is started to intensify the suppository's effect. DRS after a suppository is like going for a walk. Both quickly intensify the urge to poo.

There are special tools, purpose made, for this use. Here is an example:

https://www.ncmedical.com/item_389.html#!prettyPhoto[pp_gal]/0/

Those devices, used with something like a Magic Bullet, can bring dramatic and very complete results withing a few minutes.

When we were kids, mom an our RN grandmother put Vaseline in our rectum with their finger, if they thought we were constipated and had us sit on the toilet. When my wife an I had kids, their Pediatrician told us to do the same thing starting around age three and a half. My brother and his wife were told to do likewise by their kids Pediatrician. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t, if it didn’t work they received an enema on advice of their Pediatrician, no laxatives.

My personal experience from conversations with female relatives and the many ladies I have known who have broached he subject is ' yes ' as to girls receiving more enemas than we males . I was an only child in our immediate family but most of my cousins were girls and many discussed candidly their home enemas from my aunts . As I matured and my affinity for an enema increased I discussed the procedure with my mom , aunts and grandmothers as their enema histories . Some we very forthcoming and some were shocked that I would even broached the subject . Most were candid however and my interest continued as to the thread question into adulthood with some very interesting scenarios beyond the question . Many of my ladies did in fact still use the enema to relieve their constipation issues . I believe that ' constipation ' is a struggle for most women because of the fact that they are women and are just ' wired ' differently physically , emotionally and physiologically than we men hence their required enema frequency .

Some we very forthcoming and some were shocked that I would even broached the subject .

Wow! I never had the nerve to broach the subject with family or relatives..

As a woman, yes, l have had frequent bouts of constipation growing up. But l was raised in a medical orientated household. So care, preventention, and proper nourishment of our bodies was instilled into us from early on. Enemas being 1 of them. So l never had to really be concerned of how to deal with it, just find the time and make it happen.

I think we do. It just seems that I find more girls/ladies who have admitted to having enemas when young or throughout their life.

Not sure if they do, but women have a lot easier time than men talking about bowel movements, constipation, laxatives, enemas and such. Guys I know don't discuss it.

I grew up in a home with two siblings, both sisters. If the number of enemas that us kids got was any measure of girls vs. guys, the girls would win hands down. My older sister, who was not really a fan of getting an enema, easily got twice as many as I did. Then there was my younger sister who really enjoyed having my mom give her a good enema and got twice as many as my older sister did. This was not a phenomenon that began once we reached puberty because it seemed to be the case for as long as we lived at home.

A couple of things:

With regard to the insertion of a Vaseline lubed finger or other object to help someone, usually a kid, to poo, the technique was commonly suggested in older nursing and family health books, although mostly it was suggested to use a well lubricated enema nozzle, probably because disposable gloves were uncommon and/or an adult finger was rather large for a kid.

As to women buying enema syringes, in the 50s and 60s a woman could go into a drug store or a Sears and buy a syringe without anyone taking any notice. After all, she was assumed to be the family caregiver and did virtually all the shopping. Even a nosy clerk or neighbor had absolutely no way of knowing if that unmistakable flat box with the bag was for herself or for someone else in the family. Giving an enema to a constipated kid was just being a good mother, after all. No one in the family probably even knew if she enjoyed a bagful of warm water to help with that 'time-of-the-month' or if the result was more than a thorough poo.

As a child, I had a frequent enema due to constipation. My mother often gave enemas to the children of relatives and friends. Girls were brought to her more often than boys.I don't know if girls are more constipated than boys, but their parents seem to use enemas more often.

Once I heard my mother talking to an aunt who had a daughter 2 years older than me (my cousin was 12 at the time). There was talk about enemas. Mom said she did a enema on me when I was constipated (I was then very unhappy that she was talking about it). It happened no more than once a month, less often. The aunt said she gives her daughter an enema every 2-3 weeks regardless of constipation.

She said she was doing this to keep her skin healthy, especially on her face. I was amazed at what a constipated face had, but then found out that it was thought so. In one movie, there was a scene in which the girls talk about a very pretty friend that she supposedly has an enema every day.

My mother used a rubber bulb to levitate me while my aunt gave my cousin an enema with an irrigator.When a girl was constipated, aunt gave her one smaller enema first. After defecation, she made her a second bigger.

Having one of our grown daughters move back with us during this virus, I've had girl talk with her about all kinds of lovely topics, including constipation, digestive issues and enemas. I can't imagine having that talk if I had a son.

Funny thing, my mom was really into enemas, giving herself them, so you would think I would have overheard her taking to my older sister about enemas - but never did, nor did she ever get her her own enema bag...

I was too shy to ever talk to my mom about her enemas... only once when she had to be hospitalized for fainting and it was found she had an extremely low salt level. They restricted her fluid intake in the hospital to get her salt level up.. I asked her if her doctors know about all the frequent plain water enemas she was doing - as that might be lowering her blood salt, and that she should stop and tell doctor about them...

Constipation affects women more than men and is more likely to occur at certain times, including pregnancy and in the days preceding menstruation, and becomes increasingly common after menopause. While constipation can cause discomfort and anxiety, it is usually not a symptom of a serious condition. However, it can often be difficult to determine just why someone is constipated.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/digestive-health/coming-to-terms-with-constipation

Other articles state women are 3 times more likely to get constipated than men, most were advertisements for a product so take that ratio with a grain of salt. Few mainstream health providers advocate enemas for constipation, or as a last resort. Naturopaths seem to advocate enemas for constipation and other questionable health benefits. If girls do get constipated more than men, I'd suspect more women do enemas for constipation relief. Recreational enemas - who knows which sex likes them more.

Cheryl77177 said, "Second - Girls are more likely to admit they have a problem and do something about it, whether laxatives or enemas. The guys just try to "tough it out."

My experience growing up, and in my own family, is exactly this. I'd only add that mothers are more likely, in most families anyways, to decide on an enema for a daughter than a son and the older the kids are the more likely this is. There are lots of enema moms who will decide to give a son an enema, no matter the age, as quick as they do a daughter. The majority I think tend not to be so quick with Johnny as they are with Jane.

Linda

Having one of our grown daughters move back with us during this virus, I've had girl talk with her about all kinds of lovely topics, including constipation, digestive issues and enemas. I can't imagine having that talk if I had a son.

Vicki V --- does this mean you are again giving your grown daughter enemas, or have discussed the possibility with her? Or, does it just mean enemas came up in your conversation with her?

Thanks, Linda

The majority I think tend not to be so quick with Johnny as they are with Jane.

Linda

Yes, makes sense and seems logical, but for some reason I never ever remember my older sister getting an enema -- while all I had to do was spend some 15 minutes on the john and I'd be asked "any luck yet?" - then out would come the Ivory Snow...

Linda B. I might be the exception to the rule of toughing it out. I have suffered with IBSC my whole life. Laxatives do not do a good job of relieving the constipation, but a warm soapy enema always took care of the issue. My mother kept track of me like a momma deer would to her fawn. If she even sensed that I was not having a bowel movement, she would have me in the bathroom across her lap and a sudsy enema going into by bowel. If she did not take me in for an enema, I would often ask her for one because I hated the sluggish feeling constipation gave me.

Having recently had rotator cuff surgery, I was taken by the amount of concern about constipation post-surgery. This is due to increased concern about opioids and pain management.

Several nurses went over this topic as I was counselled prior to surgery and then discharge. It appears that this issue results in many calls from patients in the aftermath.

A younger nurse was big on stool softeners and diet, an older nurse was much more amenable to the use of an enema for quick resolution.

My youngest daughter checks up on me and reminds me of the post op instructions. She knows I will use an enema rather than laxatives. She won't use enemas even though I made sure she had a disposable bag when she was post-op last year.

@sse4fun

Hospitals are VERY big on stool softeners these days. Virtually every time I've been admitted, Colace is automatically added to the am and pm meds automatically. This is especially true if you are not allowed out of bed to use the toilet.

And Colace either doesn't work, resulting in an increased dose which sooner or later results in uncontrolled pooing many times a day.abd/or very poo soiled bed pads.

I refuse to take Colace and insist the doctor order large volume, warm water enemas PRN (on request).

As to stool softeners for daily use, I've found that Colace does soften poo, but it becomes sticky and can't be passed well. IMO, Miralax works far better.

YMMV

I think women need and get more enemas than men for a number of reasons. One is the actual need aspect at certain times of the month and the sexual aspects associated with an enema as well. But if you take Zity at face value, it would appear men are much more involved with enemas (at least sharing about them) than women who are less likely to share in a mixed gender environment (Zity) about such an intimate subject. Probably I think in here that women share with women more than with men and not in general posts but more likely in messages. Denise

@sse4fun

I not refuse to take Colace and insist the doctor order large volume, warm water enemas PRN (on request).

Doctors would be more amenable to writing orders for enemas if there was not aggressive push back from hospital administrators and insurers. Healthcare insurers will often compel the physician justify why lower cost oral laxatives cannot be administered. Similarly, the physician will have to justify why lower labor cost interventions such as suppositories will not meet the medical necessity.

@Four_Quarts

And All Zity Enemates 🌹

I would often ask her for one because I hated the sluggish feeling constipation gave me.

I can relate to you about the sluggish feeling of constipation. My first experience with that was in 1971 when both of my hands were disabled after an injury. I was given pain killers which led to the sluggish feeling of constipation. I never had an enema in my life. My husband told me about his mother giving her children enemas. We were newly weds so the most right thing at that time was to ask my husband Bill to take care of me. It's was a bit odd in the beginning but being able to have a bowel movement beat the hell out of feeling like a bloated Water Mellon. This became a feeling and act of intimacy both mental and physical over time. A closeness between people in personal relationships! We were newly weds experiencing our first personal relationship other than a romp in the sack. It's what was building over time as we connected with each other. To grow and care about each other, and to feel more and more comfortable during our time together. For us it included both physical and emotional closeness and also a mix of both. My husband has been giving me enemas for 49 years. Now it's been a way of life for a long time. And it's also very passionate.

I found out at a young age that my body connects mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually during an enema session. I rarely get constipated and need an enema. However, I desire an enema to trigger what I call my an angelic orgasm. And I do that frequently will the help and love of my husband.

Try It! You Just Might Like It!

I think so, women are more predisposed .... excluding my sister!

Yes, females do get constipated more frequently then men do. And females are more likely to talk to the doctor about constipation than men will.

There are basically 2 reasons females have more constipation then men.

1. As so many ladies here mentioned it is very common for females to have some constipation during their period. So theoretically they can be constipated at least 12 times a year.

2. The female body has more things going on in the pelvic area, with a uterus in the area and hormones that are always doing something. (This is not meant in a degrading way it is just something females live with and men live with ED)

A third reason women may get more constipation is if having a lot of anal sex without a pre or post enema. I have not researched this theory. But i think I will look for a few volunteers to actively help with the research.😀this will be a professional research project.

So guys next time your wife or girlfriend and even your daughters are a little moody be nice. Later on they will thank you. And talk to them. Most people do not know or realize just how beneficial COMMUNICATION is.

To Linda . . .

Vicki V --- does this mean you are again giving your grown daughter enemas, or have discussed the possibility with her? Or, does it just mean enemas came up in your conversation with her?

Thanks, Linda

Jen is long past the age when I gave her enemas, which was only on rare occasions when she was desperate for relief. She has her own enema bag now, one of those fancy silicone syringes (she says I should get one), and has used it a couple of times while moving back with us during COVID-19. I noticed her syringe hanging to dry one morning, and it was nice to have a mother-daughter talk about our respective GI and health needs with a few chuckles and sharing experiences. Jen is an amazing young woman, and I'm very proud as a mom to be her best friend, along with her younger sister.

Dear Vicki

Those nozzles from SN are brilliant. Your daughter is absolutely correct. You definitely need to get one. I have two of their enema retention nozzles and a colonic speculum enhancement nozzle and could not be without. No leaks, no mess.

Referring back to my earlier post (#22), I'm sure that you gals, especially those who have matured into their later years, or survived menopause, demonstrate much more courage than us guys when personal/family health is an issue.

We guys would rush into a dangerous situation as necessary, but when it comes to some of those more intimate procedures, we often cower and wimp and whine, and need extra encouragement or TLC. Perhaps a bit of cunning is at play, but capitulation when the enema bag and nozzle are in play, seems to be the only option. We usually get it "in the end" and the outcome is very positive.

If you women would trust us more often, we might reciprocate more effectively and demonstrate more positive efforts. This may lessen the need to rely on your moms, sisters, or gal friends.

Vicki V --- does this mean you are again giving your grown daughter enemas, or have discussed the possibility with her? Or, does it just mean enemas came up in your conversation with her?

Thanks, Linda

@Linda_B

Finally, responding to your question. Post 47. Last Thanksgiving, older daughter was hit hard by the Covid-19 virus for the first time. My husband and I did not want her to be alone, so we moved her home into her former bedroom temporarily, while she was ill. She had a high fever for a couple of days and the fatigue lingered.

During the third week, when she was still feeling worn out, she asked if I would give her an enema. She had this feeling that enemas would help her body get free of the virus. I had never heard of this theory, but I gave her two thorough cleansing enemas with my 2 quart bag filled, the first with Castile soap, and the second with sea salt. After a couple of hours in and out of the bathroom, she told me that she felt “amazing.” Afterwards, I had this incredible feeling that moms are still important, even at my age.

While I think they are (girls more likely), I never once saw or knew of my older sister getting an enema! I'm too shy to ask her about this, but seem like parents did an amazing job of keeping things private!

Growing up, my sister had issues with constipation, just like my brother and I did. We didn’t like using the bathroom at school, so we waited until we got home. This led to constipation issues and enemas from mom when needed. Once we were taught personal hygiene by our RN grandmother as preteens, enemas became our responsibility. It didn’t take long before we were giving each other enemas, and it wasn’t long afterwards, that my brother and I started noticing our sister was having more issues with constipation than usual. Leading her to request our assistance more often.

Fast forward a year, my girlfriend had the same issues with constipation and period cramps my sister did. The common cure during the fifties and sixties for constipation and period cramps were enemas. Both my sister and girlfriend used enemas during their period for relief. Years later, after I got married, my wife had the same issues my sister and girlfriend during her period. And like my sister and girlfriend, she used enemas for the same reason.

From 2008 thru 2012 I got a colonic once a quart. The colon hydro therapist I saw during my visits had conversations on a variety of different subjects. And when I asked who she gave more colonics too, her response was, women. Telling me that two thirds of her business was women and only a third men. When I asked the same thing about doing enemas, again her response was, women. But didn’t have any idea as to the percentage of difference between men and women.