Suppository Vs. Enema: Meaning And How To Use Each One

What relief do you go for when you experience constipation and other bowel issues? This is where suppository vs. enema comes in because both words refer to products that offer relief from bowel issues, like constipation. It helps to know the differences and uses of these words to use them correctly.

Enema is an injection or fluid inserted into the rectum and held for a specific time to relieve constipation and bowel-related issues. In contrast, a suppository is a solid medication inserted into a body cavity, like the rectum, vagina, or urethra, which usually melts at body temperature.

Enema and suppository are medical terms with related meanings. Understanding their meanings will help you know why people often confuse them for each other. Read on to learn more about these words; we will focus on the meanings, use in sentences, and how to use each word.

Definitions Of Suppository And Enema

Unless you are familiar with the definitions for “enema” and “suppository,” you may not understand why people confuse the two words. This is mainly because these words have no similarity in their spellings or pronunciations. They do not even belong to the same syllable group. For these reasons, we start this article by explaining the definitions for each word:

What Is The Definition Of A Suppository?

A suppository is a small medicine in the form of a conical, void, or cylindrical plug inserted into the body through a bodily cavity, like the rectum, vagina, or urethra. A suppository usually melts at body temperature.

Therefore, you do not need to take it out after inserting it. Different suppository types exist, depending on which bodily cavity they are inserted into. They include the rectal, vaginal, and urethral suppositories. For example, in a sentence, “The doctor recommended a suppository for her yeast infection.”

Also, a suppository is a dosage form for delivering medications by inserting them into the body orifice and letting them dissolve or melt at body temperature. Its function depends on where it is inserted. For instance, rectal suppositories help treat bowel issues like constipation.

In contrast, vaginal suppositories help treat yeast infections and other vaginal issues. An example sentence is, “Inserting the suppository was the most uncomfortable experience I have ever encountered.”

What Is The Definition Of Enema?

An enema is a fluid injection into the lower bowel through the rectum. Also, this word refers to a clyster thrown into the rectum for nourishment or to treat certain medical conditions. For example, in a sentence, “An enema is a great reliever for constipation.”

The term also refers to a liquid inserted into the rectum using a nozzle connected to a plastic or cloth bag. In a sentence, “The doctors prepared the enema for the new patient.”

The word also refers to the device used to administer an injection into the rectum. For example, in a sentence, “The enema malfunctioned before the doctor could administer the injection.”

How To Properly Use Suppository And Enema In A Sentence

Enema and suppository are both common nouns. A noun is the name of a place, object, idea, or animal, while a common noun is a word that names a general item instead of a specific one. Enema and suppository are common nouns. It’s because they are generic names for medications or insertables used to treat medical conditions or for nutritional value. Now that you know this let us look at more tips for using these words in sentences.

How And When To Use Suppository

Use this word when referring to a medicinal plug inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra. For example, “The suppository helped treat Amanda’s yeast infection.”

You can also use the word as an adjective for suppose. In this case, the word refers to something assumed to be true or pertaining to what is assumed to be true. For instance, in a sentence, “Suppose you give your money to the bank for investment, is it a worthy move?”

How And When To Use Enema

Use enema in a sentence when referring to a medical fluid injection into the rectum. For example, in a sentence, “The enema is not as uncomfortable to administer as many assume.”

Also, use this term when referring to a cluster thrown into the rectum for nourishment. A good example is, “The nutritionist recommended an enema for the malnourished kid.”

Additionally, use this word when discussing a liquid that stimulated rectal evacuation while preparing for another medical procedure for diagnostic purposes. For example, “The enema will help quicken the rectal evacuation before your colonoscopy.”

Examples Of Suppository And Enema Use In Sentences

At first glance, these words look complicated. However, their meanings are more straightforward than most assume. So, now that you understand their meanings, below are examples of how you can use them in sentences:

Example sentences of suppository

1. Use this medication as a suppository before you sleep in the evening.
2. The doctors recommended a suppository for the child with a unique medical condition.
3. A vaginal suppository is the best treatment for yeast infection.
4. ABC is a versatile drug; you can take it orally, via injection, or as a suppository.
5. Dr. Patel recommended a suppository for my constipation, but it did not work as expected.

Example sentences of enema

1. A disposable enema is an excellent solution for treating fecal impaction.
2. You can swallow the contrast medium or insert it as an enema instead of an intravenous injection.
3. A water-soluble enema is the most comfortable to insert of all types.
4. The surgeons used barium enema to diagnose the issue after the colonoscopy failed.
5. We need a functional X-ray for the barium enema to examine the large bowel.

Suppository vs. Enema: Similarities And Differences

The similarities between an enema and a suppository are that they are both medications inserted into the body through a bodily cavity. However, an enema is usually inserted into the body exclusively through the rectum. In contrast, you can insert a suppository into the body via the vagina, urethra, or rectum.

Another similarity between a suppository and an enema is that they are both constipation and bowel issue relievers. While an enema helps treat bowel issues, a suppository has more functions. For instance, you can use a suppository to treat vaginal and urethral infections.

In other words, the medical function of a suppository depends on where you insert it and its type. Also, note that an enema helps clear out the rectum before a procedure, like a colonoscopy. Another difference is their forms. An enema is usually a liquid or fluid state, while a suppository comes as a small conical, void, or cylindrical solid plug.

Another difference between an enema and a suppository is how you administer them. For instance, an enema is held in the rectum for a while and then removed. However, this depends on its purpose. In contrast, a suppository is inserted into the vagina, rectum, or urethra and left to melt, regardless of the purpose.

Conclusion

Unless you know the definitions of enema and suppository, you may not notice their correlation. The similarities between these words include that they both apply in the medical sector and refer to medications inserted into the body cavity. While they are similar, you should not use them as synonyms because they have distinct differences.

Also, you can use the word enema as an alternate name for a rectal suppository but not a suppository in general. In simpler terms, vaginal and urethral suppositories are not enemas. Now that you know the meanings and how to use the words “enema” and “suppository,” please feel free to suggest other words you would like us to discuss.