What is an "enema" function on a bidet? Do you need one?
Many bidets offer a "massage" function that claims to help with constipation, and most of the time the massage function is just a pulsating jet meant to stimulate the anus and relieve constipation, but this helps constipation at only a surface level. The one effective way to relieve constipation with a water jet is with something called an "enema". An enema administration where a forceful jet of water is sprayed through the anus and into your rectum, and the water helps evacuate and push the stool out from the rectum. Very few electric bidets have an actual enema function where the water jet is designed to penetrate the anus and into the rectum, so if you need an enema function, please make sure to ask the bidet company whether their bidets actually have a medically approved enema function, or whether they just do a massage function for constipation relief.
A traditional rectal bulb for administering an enema
Although an enema is used to treat constipation, it should only be used after consulting with a doctor about constipation problems, and only used as a last resort, after fully exhausting other possible treatments, which can include eating more fiber, drinking more water, daily exercise, or using a laxative.
Two common types of enemas is a cleansing enema and a retention enema. A cleansing enema is just a gentle flush of the rectum / lower colon with water. A retention enema is where the water that enters the rectum is held in the body for about 15 minutes, to soften any hardened stool. Although most of the time a bowl movement can be expected an hour after an enema administration
There has not been any large studies that show whether regular administration of home enemas have any proven benefits or long term health benefits. The occasional use of enemas for the relief of constipation most likely will not hard you, as long as everything is kept sterile and instructions given by the health professional is followed.
Some potential risks of administering an enema into a rectum is causing irritation and damage to surrounding tissue. Signs of tissue damage could be blood in the stool after administration of an enema. People with a rectal obstruction by a tumor, rectal prolapse, or any compromise of the immune system (HIV, cancer, etc) should not be using an enema.
For more information, please see the following resource:
https://www.healthline.com/health/enema-administration
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-use-an-enema-1942648
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enema