When I first started using aneros toys I douched almost always. That was a year and a half ago, and at the time I had digestive issues and generally was grossed out by the possibility of fecal matter being on the toy. What made matters worse is that silicone toys seem to keep odors for a while. Even today just talking about fecal matter makes me squeamish (hence I prefer scientific terms like “fecal matter,” to distance my mind from it). But it’s been about six months now since I last used my anal douche (the pear-shaped handheld one). There are several reasons why I completely stopped douching, which I will enumerate below.
– In general when I douche, no matter how hard I try to keep the water only in my rectum and not let it go into my sigmoid colon, this happens almost inevitably. That means that often when I douche, what starts as a simple two minute task ends up becoming a 30+ minute ordeal, and I usually have to take a break and walk around in order to get things moving before re-douching. That is because of reverse peristalsis, causing my whole system to be set in movement. And sometimes I think I’ve cleaned myself out well, only to have an unpleasant surprise during my session, and either having to stop completely or go through the process again. All of this is very unsexy and counterproductive. There are guides especially meant for gay men partaking in anal sex (a world in which fecal matter is highly taboo from what I have been told), which explain how to thoroughly clean ones rectum as well as the sigmoid colon and beyond. This seems like a very extensive process to me, and I have never done it thoroughly, because without a shower attachment it is very tedious. And it just doesn’t seem very safe and healthy to clean oneself out so far up more than every once in a while.
– Douching makes my rectum much more sensitive to lubrication, no matter what sort. A lot of guides for cleaning yourself say to wait half an hour and up to 2 1/2 hours before partaking in anal play. I guess I am not very patient and I usually don’t wait very long. But, due to what I explained above, because peristalsis has been set in motion I usually can’t wait more than an hour and a half before I would need to douche again.
– When I douche I often have the unpleasant side effect of milking the semen out of my system from the pressure down there (I have always had the “problem” of semen leaking when I reverse kegel too hard, when constipated for example). This is always very disappointing, especially if I’ve been doing semen retention for a few days only to have it thwarted just before a session.
– I used to have very bad digestive issues. Since I started using these toys I have quit alcohol completely (for unrelated reasons), and when I know I am going to partake in anal play I don’t eat spicy food or too much greasy food the day leading up to it. As a result I have predictable bowel movements, which clean me out almost as well as a douche.
– Nonetheless it can happen that I want to have a session and I know I am not 100% clean. A year ago this would’ve grossed me out. Now I just don’t care. I think you just get used to it. There is the 30 seconds between taking your toy out and cleaning it off that is gross. In terms of the smell that stays on silicone toys, I still think it is very gross as well, but I prefer that to the alternative of tedious douching.
– there is the question of prostate massage with a partner. I am still very cautious with this, but again, it seems that not douching is better. That is, there is not the horrendous possibility of unwanted peristalsis taking place. So again I try to know my body enough so that I am relatively clean when I am fingered. Gloves can be a good idea here. Girlfriends have reassured me that they don’t care but obviously this is on a partner by partner basis. I know that when I am having anal sex sometimes, I feel that my partner isn’t completely clean, but I don’t care. My penis doesn’t have a nose on it, and it is rare that anal sex lasts for a long enough time for bad things to happen. For fisting it seems much wiser to douche, however, I have relied on listening to my body before fisting, and it worked fine.
So having used a douche for a year I can’t say that douching is unnecessary, especially for squeamish beginners, but these are the reasons why I no longer use one. To sum it up, I think that proper diet as well as knowing one’s bowel movements is much more effective than douching, because the latter can often set things in motion further up the intestines, thus defeating the purpose and creating a cycle of douching and waiting. And also because water makes the rectum more sensitive to lubricant, and in my case, the pressure can inadvertently milk my glands.
@divine_o, that‘s why I‘d like Aneros to produce an Eupho Steel. 😉
Lately I used a face cleaning liquid with alcohol for cleaning my Eupho Syn and easily got rid of any odor. As alcohol doesn‘t harm silicone I‘d recommend that.
Cheers, Mart
Interesting. What face cleaning product? I imagine it’s something you can only find in DM...
i would buy a steel toy in an instant!
@divine_o , I was wondering about the effectiveness of douching; thank you for sharing your experience. I like what you said about proper diet!
Good, clean vibes to you.
@reeddoubler That’s exactly what the problem is for me: a quick douche with the bulb syringe leads to a much longer process because of peristalsis, as explained above.
Surely many people don’t have the same problem I do. That is, they don’t have movement of their bowels triggered by the use of a douche, nor do they experience irritation or involuntary semen expulsion. That is very lucky, and I wish I were in that situation because it is always better to know for certain that you are clean. But like I explained above, douching creates more problems than it is worth for me.
I use to have a problem with my Aneros devices becoming discoloured during a long session. I tried douching but it was just not practical.
My solution is after every Aneros session I place the device in a bath solution of 1 tablespoon of soda crystals, 1 tablespoon of household bleach and 2 mugs of water. I leave the device to soak overnight. I refresh the bath solution every 2 weeks.
The soda crystals seems to remove any staining and odour.
@divine_o you have the regular Syn or the Syn Trident? I've found the newer silicone to hold much less of an odor. Mine usually smells like soap unless it does in fact come out of my ass with fecal matter on it. So speaking of that:
Poop.
That's likely to get a bit of a smile from many of us; writing "fecal matter" does indeed seem much more mature!
For what it's worth I used to do a lot of "lube enemas," but have stepped away from that as my relaxation has increased greatly. Also I was never formally diagnosed with hemorrhoids but suspect that I had them, probably didn't eat as well as I should and had many problems with getting everything to come out in a timely manner. And even though I mainly use the HST and not the Peridise I have to say that my ass feels tighter and stronger. Also I'm trying to eat more fiber and less cereals! So thankfully prelubing a finger a few times is usually enough to clean up any remaining *ahem* fecal matter. Also I tend to leak a great deal and find that too much lube is counter-productive, lube gets everywhere and it's impossible to keep the P-tab dry.
@chestinut Forgive me, but what difference does the color make? Unless there is something going on that you have not mentioned, I personally wouldn't concern myself myself about that.
The odor problem is another matter entirely. I find the aroma of fecal matter to be a total and complete buzzkill. So, if your devices are retaining an aroma, that would be something to be concerned about. Especially since the odor indicates that the device isn't completely clean. (Think about it -- what do you think is generating the odor?)
Silicone toys tend to hold odors even when sterile, it's just one of those things.
Mother Nature has very peculiar design for her children: Putting "Amusement Park" and "Waste Management" so closely together.
I am NOT a doctor, but I learn:
Douching can cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This can lead to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. If you already have a vaginal infection, douching can push the bacteria causing the infection up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
So, warn your ladies, and of course your men!
Perhaps I am biased! I will say douching is not good for MEN or for anorectal chambers of all genders!!! Unless you want to be a pornstar who is willing to do some "heavyduty" play in the backyard, you do not need douching when using Aneros. But the pornstars would tell you: Douching might cause a lot of more serious problems in the future.
The water you force into your system changes the ph balance in your guts where some "good & helpful" microbiome live and work. Also, it takes a very long time for all the water (no matter how little) to come out completely. The water might even "decide(!)" to come out during play-time, it is not pleasant.
Modern people have a lot of digestive problems. WE eat a lot of junk food, not exercise enough, not sleep well enough, sitting for too long, etc, etc. ----- I will share my personal experiences in the next few posts.
But, for now, please allow me to suggest a simpler (& perhaps more entertaining (for some)) method I learn from the internet: No douching; Dildo-Mopping!
Insert a dildo with condom and methodically mop your inside. Use lube of course! And the condom+lube will carry whatever "stuff" inside your private chamber...out. It is much better than water! Then, just throw the condom(s) away! Flush the toilet!
Repeat when necessary!
(It is such a scenario: You as a sergeant tells yourself as a soldier "Go F*ck Yourself!" You would answer: "Sir, Yes Sir!" "Are you clean now?" "Sir, Yes Sir!")
In order to play, you "PRE-Play yourself!" (You are "pre-f*cked"! "Fine-Tuning" if you would.) Think this "Pre-Play" as "TEST DRIVE" so you know how your body would perform!
This is in fact quite serious a business if we want to be "clean"!
How "clean" you want to be depends on how "vigorous / gentle" you plan to play yourself or with partner(s). "Shaken, but not Stirred!" or "Shaken AND Stirred!"
Wipe yourself clean with wet-wipe (like Dude Wipes). You could tell from the condition of the condom and the wet-wipes whether or not you are ready to play. If not, Pre-F*ck yourself again, OR you could/should tell your partner(s)you will play in different ways today / tonight. If your backyard is not available, your front yard often is.
Yet, again, for Aneros sessions in our ordianry days, I would say: No douching needed.
Gulliver
I used to have some serious digestive problems, and I often took the over the counter pink-colored medicine you see in the TV commercial. It was NO fun, and it did not work because I did not solve the root-problem.
Long story short: My dear neighbor George suggested I should take (Bragg) (Organic) Apple Cider Vinegar. I did: take the vinegar (ONE teaspoon, about 15 ml) in a glass of water (room temperature), TWICE a day (morning & afternoon before meals)!
Since then, I have not had any problem for 10 years already! Personal true story! My better/healthier colored and better shaped p**p** is the most convincing evidence, scientifically speaking!
It is an all natural, miracle food! Its price very affordable! Available on Amazon, where you can read A LOT of customer-reviews that will tell you more helpful information.
Plus, I do take fiber-supplement (like PURE for MEN) (since I do not exercise enough due to my busy work schedule...just an excuse!) Fiber helps to "organize" your P**P** into better "shape" and therefore "CLEANER"!
Below is a fun but informative YouTube video on our Body/GUTS & Microbiome
Gulliver
Hmmmm interesting I suppose I've been "finger mopping" for years now. If the pH balance of water is an issue, what about Kangen water?
Hmmmm interesting I suppose I've been "finger mopping" for years now. If the pH balance of water is an issue, what about Kangen water?
No idea how "Kangen water" works. Sorry!
My opinion: Do Not put anything into your body...UNLESS it is a (or two) dick/dildo, finger(s), or Aneros (with lube)!
Cheers, Gulliver
About being "CLEAN," another issue should be discussed: the way modern people defecate.
This is in fact quite serious an issue. No joke!
Our great great grandfathers' generation did not even have "toilet paper" but it seems that they were "clean"! They SQUAT to defecate!
Squatting allows your colon and anal sphincter to fully relax and open, so it is a NATURAL and MUCH Healthier way to release!
On the other hand, sitting position would NOT allow the evacuation to be fully complete, and therefore even after your toilet routine, there might still be "stuff" inside...you know where. This makes you feel "unclean" and sluggish...More seriously, some situations might even cause cancers (because of the waste...)!
Recently there are a lot of studies on this important issue! Please google it, and you will find so many pieces of information on the internet. For example, "THE DOCTORS SHOW" + "Shark Tank"
When I visit Japan, I was impressed that the airports of Japan offer many squatting toilets for the travelers. (So, you are less worried...)
Since there are so many pieces of info available on the net, I do not say any more.
I will just put some images here to entice the Aneros brothers ...if you have not heard about this.
I did not buy the "squatty potty," by the way, I simply use two sturdy "(foldable) Step Stools" (about 10-inch high) one stool for a foot. I turned my ordinary toilet set into a homemade "squatty potty" and it works really well!
Squat! It is the NATURAL and CLEAN Way!
Gulliver
To be CLEAN (and therefore no need for douching), "TIMING is Everything!" This leads us to the topic of "Circadian Rhythms"!
You of course already knew that the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm. If you have not heard of this, the Prize-recognition might alert you about this worthy issue. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2017/press-release/
Since I am neither a scientist nor a doctor, I believe the following videos could explain much better than I ever could:
Circadian Rhythms (by SimpleBiologist)
Prof. Santchin Panda on Circadian Rhythm in GUT-BRAIN Axis
Circadian Rhythms & Health (by Brigham & Women's Hospital)
Happy GUT is the foundation for Happy Brain, the biggest sex organ in the Universe! And to make the GUTS healthy and happy, we must respect the natural circadian rhythm and EAT and SLEEP at the right times!
Happy GUT is also CLEAN GUT! (therefore no need for douching...)
Gulliver
Thank you @gulliver-plus
Thank you! @divine_o
This is a very important topic! "To D(ouche) or NOT to D(ouche)"? That is the question!
I think douching is not only a nuisance but also a possible health hazard, creating dependency and possible long term problems in the future.
"To A(neros) or not to A(neros), on the other hand, is never a question!
To A As(s) Always!
Supplemental: The GUT-BRAIN Relations
To support the points @divine_o made in his 1st post:
The AMOUNT & Ratio of Water in our gut should be regulated by our own body, without interference! Anal douching forces extra water to go into the gut, in the "wrong" & unnatural direction, and it induces a diarrhea-like condition in which stuff is discharged from the bowels rather violently and in a liquid form.
Obviously, your gut (and the residents in it) does NOT appreciate the undesirable excessive water, so it reacts so angrily and violently trying to expel the water, jet-shooting out from your rear end.
Frequent douching makes you feel as if you have diarrhea...It is not a very pleasant experience---to our belly and to our BRAIN.
Because our GUT is SO important and the balance of water in our body so delicate, anal douching should be used ONLY with doctors' guides.
Don't Mess with your GUT & Brain, for you need both HAPPY to play aneros!
Gulliver Plus