Probing the “Golden Age”

Jeez - How did I miss this one? I have thought a number of times of many of the same issues…but obviously missed that boat!! There has to be at least one doctoral thesis out there that addresses many of the mysteries of the enema. Maybe not, but I bet one of these days there will be! About all I have been able to come up with on the subject has been info regarding the Danko (??) study of psychiatric patients addicted to enemas and, I think, the coining of the term klismophilia (I'm sure that's the correct spelling, but spellcheck says “NO”!!! What does it know?), which the APA later included as a “paraphilia”. Again, time doesn't permit a lengthier reply, but…stay tuned!

Brings back memories... keeping the fountain syringe hidden in the linen closet like you mentioned...

My mother kept the enema bag in the linen closet, as you have noted @Vicki_V. Although I can't remember exactly when she started giving me enemas, once I was about 12 or so, I made a beeline for that bag when my parents weren't home.

I was born in 1959, a time that many considered to be in the golden age. If my parents and grandparents were any measure my guess is that the age began before WWI and continued probably into the late 1980s. I say that because my parents and grandparents all had enema bags, some stored out of sight and others in plain view. As children both my brother and I were no strangers to being given some quantity of warm water to help us move our bowels. But syringes were also commonly used for feminine hygiene and I remember buying one when I went away to college in the late 1970s. My guess about the 1980s was only because the supermarket that I went to after we got married had a pharmacy section that stocked a reasonable selection of both bags and bulbs. That was in a college town and I guess that female students were no strangers to taking care of certain needs.

I see all the articles about enema bags and red bulb syringes, but when I got my first enemas from my mother it was from a white can (I would guess about two quarts).. It hung from a hook near the shower curtain. It stayed there and as I recalled even when we had company.

I have no idea what happened to it. Did anyone else get enema from a ca?

I don’t know when the “golden age” of enemas started or was at its peak, but I believe I experienced the slide at the end. As a child, many homes of my relatives and friends had an enema bulb or bag. And a small enema was usually the first remedy for constipation or belly ache. I rather enjoyed them leading to me giving myself small enemas just for fun.

As a young wife expecting my first child, I was warned by my mother and others to expect a large enema in the labor room. I got a Fleet. Inquiring of my pediatrician if I should give my child an enema for constipation, as I got, the answer was “No”. I have to admit that a few times I did anyway just because it seemed to be the right thing to do, but discontinued them eventually as the negative public opinion grew. I continued to use enemas myself just because they worked, and I liked them. But I could easily see the effects of the negative attitude towards enemas by the noticeable decline in the variety and quality of enema equipment in the local drugstores. The only thing available became the Fleet type enemas, used by whom?

These days, it seems the only people taking old fashioned enemas of some quantity of water, with or without additives, are us old folks and some young people using enemas as part of kinky sex. The enema as a legitimate medical cure is gone.

That’s how I see it. Am I wrong?

You're correct that the curative aspect is largely a thing of the past in medical circles. There does seem to be quite a focus on enemas and colonics in the Raw Food/Natural Health circles, although much of the literature is related to coffee and herbal solutions to aid in detoxification. I find enemas and colonics to be an enjoyable and pleasurable indulgence even though many are skeptical and want to run like hell from the procedure.

Cheryl77177 explained very nicely. I think she is right. Using enemas for medical reason is very limited nowadays. (severe constipation, exam preparation only)

@blueeyes Was this can also used for douching?

Actually, I wonder if this was a factor. Fifty years ago it was common for American women to douche, and the devices often have dual use. Once you purchased the device for one use it's tempting to use it for the other purpose (though, for sanitary reasons, I'd personally use two different devices).

In those days, a mom calling the family doctor when one of her loves had a bad cold, fever or the flu, the doctor or nurse would advise to get them into bed and give an enema. If a young mother did not yet have an enema bag at home, she would head to the drugstore where there was a large selection. The pharmacist (often the owner) or one of the ladies who worked there would help a young mom to pick out a combination bag or fountain syringe, and may even share some thoughts on how to give an enema and even chat about feminine hygiene. The neighborhood drug store was a place where moms would learn about home medical care for her family. The nostalgia of the old days as told to me by my grandmother when I was a young mom.

Back in my early days of fascination with enemas, and later with douching, I recall that the equipment served multiple functions. I had read suggestions that using the same equipment for both enemas and douching was discouraged. If nothing else, rigorous cleansing of the equipment was advocated.

Bio hazards were not of common concern for most of us. Most homes had a single fountain syringe or combination syringe to handle various functions. A bulb syringe was available as well.

I was approacing puberty as the more unique feminine hygiene items began to appear in our bathroom.

I have wondered if mom and grandma had suspected that the traditional equipment was being used without concern for extra cleanliness.

I do know that our pharmacist, and his staff, were heavily relied upon for support, suggestions, and delivery of various meds and equipment, having been privy to several interactions and resulting embarrassment.

@blueeyes I didn't get my enemas as a child by the Jones can that you have described and asked about. But I do remember seeing them at my great grandmother's and grand-aunt's house.

I don't remember my mom giving me enemas by a red bag (maybe a bulb), but I do remember the translucent plastic bucket.

Later, as an adolescent, I gave myself enemas via a 2 qt red bag. But I don't have specific memories of receiving them that way when I was younger.

I recently found myself in the neighborhood where I grew up. We had moved several times, but stayed within a particular area.

One thing was consistent. It was the drug store that mom and grandma used exclusively. I can remember many visits where I was totally fixated on the display of the various delivery systems, made of rubber, that was used to inject fluids into the various orifices in our bodies.

The different locations we lived, provide a time reference to circumstances whereby those rubber items were deployed. The “Golden Age” was certainly one of many recollections and emotions.

Enemas via a enema “can” vs. the traditional “enema bag” is a mysterious scenario that pre-dates the enema bag “Golden Age” by 10--20 years with a European/French bent to it. Many of the surviving enema cans seem to have originated in France…1920's on. When the “rubber” enema bag arrived--enema cans were consigned to the back shelf or were converted to water pots to water flowering plants in the window sill…

Many of the surviving enema cans seem to have originated in France…1920's on.

These cans were in use much longer before the 1920s. They were a standard hospital/surgery item from the mid 19th century onward, probably even older. They were used for a variety of purposes, often for flushing out wounds with water or an antiseptic.

Giving a colon rinse or enema was just one of the uses. Which is why they are relatively still easy to find at flea markets.

I don't remember my mom giving me enemas by a red bag (maybe a bulb), but I do remember the translucen plastic bucket.

Not a kid of the “golden era” but my mom had the translucent plastic bucket with the vinyl tube as well, and that was what was used on me. We had a blue hot water bottle, but that was all it was and even for that it didn't get used much. As an adult I used bags until recently, when I did get a plastic hospital-style bucket somewhat similar to what was used on me as a kid - same size anyway, but I remember the slide clamp being aluminum on the one my mom had and the new ones are all plastic. Fun to use every now and then, and a reminder that even a 1500cc enema can be effective.

I was raised in the 50's and 60's and never had an enema at home. If I did it was when I was too young to remember. But I never had one from my mother, grandmother, or anyone else. I think I was 50 before I had my first enema and that was self administered. I discovered I enjoy enemas and I have had many, many since then. The best ones are given by lovely ladies.

The 1960s are still considered to be the golden age and if my experience is any measure my sisters and I got more than just a few enemas during that time. The main type of equipment if our house and that of my friends is any measure was a red combination syringe with red hose and black nozzles. In our house as I have related several times we had two bags, that combination one for enemas and a red open top that was for mom's use. I didn't know for some years that it was what she used for douching. It wasn't until the mid 1970s and my older sister went away to college that I ever saw an amber bag, but also one that folded for travel.

I have been seeing a naturopathic doctor since our beloved primary care MD retired in her mid-70s. We still experience a bit of the "golden age" with "Dr. T" as she believes in prescribing water, herbal or probiotic enemas for certain conditions.

Being probably one of the younger members I really like to here about how enemas were so prevalent years ago. I only had one enema which set off my entire enema fetish. I always felt alone and maybe even out of place. I have dreams of being dressed in 50's type little girls clothing and having an older man take me upstairs for my enema. My BF is really great be I still have deep seated desires to be taken by an older man. Since being on zity I have been surprised to discover that enemas were actually sold in catologs! OMG!!!! So, Yeas I would love to know more about the "Golden Age"!

@Patty10 there are many of us old timers, men and women here that would be happy to share our Golden Age memories and experiences. We need you to carry on the traditions. Come join in a chat room or private chat.

PS in those days, enema bags were prominently displayed in stores and the Sears catalog sold bag, nozzles, and dilators…

The Golden Age of Enemas in the USA began as we worked our way out of the great depression, according to my parents and their siblings. People openly and proudly helped one another learn this health benefit. I opened up the subject with some of my uncles in the 90s and they were happy to talk about it. One even told me to ask certain ones of the sisters. According to them farm kids would play enema games with neighbors an friends in the summer, just as we might have a swim party, almost, except that it was hid from the parents, but sometimes played with socially through the summer, in a clever get to know you way. To them, it was golden, and sophisticated fun to be had by all, bring your own bag. Having one, showed confidence at the time. “Can do!”

Their out back, out doors enema game was with cold water. So, like as it was, great volumes were not there, just doing it with the group. Spin the bottle was played with an empty soda bottle. Drinking alcohol was bad, degrading and even illegal. So, doing this was almost proper or at least certainly not illegal, and good among good, or want to be good, friends.

If you think enemas are going away…just look at the amount of equipment being listed on Amazon, Ebay, Alibaba….someone is buying, otherwise the market place would not carry such a large amount of product. Unfortunately, people like OptimalHealthNetwork are selling bags that they buy from Alibaba for $4.00 for close to $100. I guess the internet has replaced those beautiful aisles of rubber good, we klismos alway walked by and admired.

Surprisingly a whole generation of college kids are doing beer/alcohol enemas to get high and not fail a breathalyzer test. So there is still hope for a cleaner world. 🤪

Surprisingly a whole generation of college kids are doing beer/alcohol enemas to get high and not fail a breathalyzer test. So there is still hope for a cleaner world. 😜

Or a much dumber world!! Not sure how popular “butt chugging” really is - doubt that there is a “whole generation” of kids doing it to avoid breathalyzer tests

If this were 1940s or even 1950ish, and I called our family doctor because my newlywed husband was in bed with a 102 temperature, I’d be given a predictable set of things to do, including a likely recommendation: “give him an enema.” If I were a little hesitant and not quite sure how to give an enema, I’d call my mother — or God forbid, HIS mother and find out whether she ever gave him enemas. I imagine for a young bride this would be an interesting conversation! Wouldn't that be a kick to remember in later years?

If this were 1940s or even 1950ish, and I called our family doctor because my newlywed husband was in bed with a 102 temperature, I’d be given a predictable set of things to do, also likely to give him an enema. If I were a little hesitant and not quite sure how to give an enema, I’d call my mother — or God forbid, his mother and find out whether she ever gave him enemas. I imagine for a young bride this would be a memorable conversation!

I had a similar situation in the early 1960s. My bride, a nursing student got sick on our honeymoon in the Caribbean. She sent me out for a pain reliever, and an enema bag, and she helped me set things up for her enema. She took the pills and with her help, I gave her the enema and she slept for a bit. When she woke up, she still had a fever, so we went to a local doctor, who decided that she needed a penicillin shot, which he administered. She complained all the way back to the hotel, but she was better, if sore, the next day.

Oh, those golden ages that pasted us by such as - the golden age of enemas, of spankings, the golden age of girdles and foundation wear, of miniskirts, and of pantyhose. So, is there a golden age we are in right not and don't realize it - perhaps it's yoga pants?

I see where Charlie Oneal wrote, “Surprisingly a whole generation of college kids are doing beer/alcohol enemas to get high and not fail a breathalyzer test. So there is still hope for a cleaner world. 🤪”

Sorry Charlie, but that won't work. My wife used to give me diluted whisky enemas, and the first thing I noticed was the smell of alcohol on my breath, even before the bag emptied.

Alcohol enemas, if you survive will still produce a smell on the breath.

The alcohol is in the bloodstream.

The main ways the body eliminates alcohol are through the lungs(breath) and through perspiration!

Soooo alcohol in the bloodstream affects the breath no matter HOW it got to the blood stream

I grew up in the late 60's, early 70's and I think I only got an enema once. The TV show “M*A*S*H”, set during the Korean War in the early 50's does seem to have references to them so maybe back then they were a big things.

Colonel Blake

“And what should we do about Burns, General?”

Visiting General

“Give him a high colonic and send him on a 10 mile hike”

Surprisingly a whole generation of college kids are doing beer/alcohol enemas to get high and not fail a breathalyzer test. So there is still hope for a cleaner world.

@charlie_oneal the alcohol will still get in the blood stream and be expelled through ones breath. Besides if they end up in the hospital they could get tested through a blood draw. That will give an accurate blood alcohol level.