Re the sprinkler tip: are you using a lube? KY is good; sesame oil (for the home-recipe types!). But KY at least is water soluble, so that much easier to clean up.
And "don't forget to relax".
Sometimes, of course, you can't get the tip in there because waste is obstructing it. Especially if you've had an incomplete bm. You have to gently ease it in along the side.