Does a barium enema hurt?

Having a barium enema may be a bit embarrassing andunpleasant, but it shouldn't be painful.

You'll probably feel uncomfortable when the air is pumped into your bowel during thetest similar to the feeling of having trapped wind and you may have some bloating, wind or stomach cramps for a short while afterwards.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018