Is it Safe to Use a Water Bottle for Anal Douching?

Picture it: It’s a lazy Sunday and the only items on my to-do list were struggling through some laundry and settling down for a cat nap. But before I could close my eyes, my partner texted me something too X-rated to repeat. Suddenly my day found a whole new focus.

I wasn't totally prepared for the occasion and needed to clean up ahead of our plans. I didn’t have much experience with douching and we didn't have the appropriate supplies in the house. So with a towel wrapped around my waist, I slipped down to the kitchen looking for any kind of adequate replacement. And then I saw it: a water bottle with a squirt top. Perfect.

What is anal douching?

For the uninitiated, anal douching is the process of pushing liquid through your rectum to cleanse the rectal cavity. After douching, your body will react by engaging a bowel movement, which will help expel any excess matter that's still lingering.

For the most part, douching is used to relieve constipation and as preparation ahead of surgery. But plenty of people douche to clean and prepare themselves for anal play and penetrative sex. We love to feel our best—inside and out—when getting ready for our partners. However, try to limit douching to two to three times a week and don’t plan on having sex immediately afterward. Douching an hour or so beforehand is ideal.

'While concerns surrounding sex and hygiene are real and understandable, [...] sex is messy. If you’re having regular anal sex, be prepared. Keep towels and wet wipes handy just in case.'

Store bought enemas are the most popular, and safest, way to douche. They come in a variety of options: shower hoses, rubber bulbs, pre-lubricated bulbs or enema bags and some douches will come with a pre-mixed enema solution. Make sure to choose a proper isotonic liquid and use a clean nozzle to avoid the transmission of bacteria and make sure the tip is lubricated to avoid any tearing. In the shower, or over the toilet, insert the tip into your anus. Squeeze the bulb or bag in order to squirt in the liquid for a few seconds. Take a few breaths, expel the water and repeat until the bulb or bag is empty.

My anal douching experience

It's not uncommon for people to grab a spout-topped water bottle in a pinch for quick, situational douching needs. I was aware of other products, but I was just looking for a good, clean time and needed to get the job done.

I jumped in the shower and filled the bottle with warm water. I thought about squeezing some soap in, too, but decided against it. I did, however, soap up my backside to ensure I could comfortably squeeze the spout in. It sure wasn’t pleasant—the tip was hard and a bit sharp. After a few squirts, I exited the shower and expelled the water.

Although my experience was encouraged because of an adventurous quickie with my partner, I started to wonder if douching with a water bottle was my own misguided decision or if it was safe to implement into my routine.

Why you might want to re-think the water bottle for douching

First of all, you probably don’t need to douche at all. While concerns surrounding sex and hygiene are real and understandable, the likelihood of your partner being exposed to any fecal matter is actually pretty low. And even if they are, sex is messy. If you’re having regular anal sex, be prepared. Keep towels and wet wipes handy just in case.

If you still feel the need to clean yourself ahead of impromptu sex, a water bottle douche isn't the way. The most immediate danger comes from the tip of the bottle, which is made of sharp plastic and can create tears in your sphincter if not inserted correctly. These tears can lead to infection. If you are going to douche, pick up a douche bulb and remember to lube the tip up before starting.

"I'd do a test run with a few sprays before doing a full douche," explained Topher Taylor, a sex educator and podcaster. Taylor added that he's never used the bottle method, even for last minute meet-ups, and doesn't recommend MacGyver methods ahead of sex. "I would always do a test if I changed any intimate product. Especially if I am flushing my lower bowels.”

Another issue is the water. Whether "mountain spring" from the bottle itself or refilled from the tap, standard H2O isn’t the right liquid and adding some body wash to the mix won't do you any wonders. Instead, a saline solution to help maintain electrolyte balance is preferred.

Ultimately, how, when, and why you douche comes down to your own preferences. Everyone’s backside is different so do what makes you most comfortable—just do it properly.