Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used, especially with exhibitionists, non-offending pedophiles, and compulsive masturbators. They are proposed to work by reducing sexual arousal, compulsivity, and depressive symptoms. However, supporting evidence for SSRIs is limited.

Pharmacological treatments can help people control their sexual behaviors, but do not change the content of the paraphilia. They are typically combined with cognitive behavioral therapy for best effect.

Klismaphiles can gain satisfaction of enemas through fantasies, by actually receiving or giving one, or through the process of eliminating steps to being administered one (e.g., under the pretense of being constipated). Klismaphilia is practiced by men and women, although men are more likely to be klismaphiles, as with most paraphilias. Klismaphiles might gain pleasure from a large, water distended belly or the feeling of internal pressure. Often, klismaphiles report discovering these desires after a chance administration of an enema sometime in their childhood, but some do report discovering these feelings later on. Klismaphilia is practiced both heterosexually and homosexually. The paraphilia may be used as a substitute or as an auxiliary by its practitioners for genital sexual activity. Usually, klismaphiles carry out normal lives and successfully engage in this behavior secretly. If this is the case they will probably try to conceal the pleasure they receive from these administrations.

For administering enemas not intended for medical purposes there are specialty items, such as the aluminium nozzle shown to the right, that are commonly used in activities involving klismaphilia. Such items are available on the Internet and in sex shops in a great variety of sizes, styles, and materials.

The term "klismaphilia" was coined in 1973 by Dr. Joanne Denko, an early investigator in this field, to describe the activities of some of her patients. A person with klismaphilia is a "klismaphile" or "klismaphiliac".