Don't panic. Seriously. If you’re reading this because my butt plug got stuck is currently your reality, your heart is probably racing, but you need to take a deep breath. You aren't the first person this has happened to, and you definitely won't be the last. ER doctors see this kind of thing constantly. In fact, a study published in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports notes that "retained rectal foreign bodies" are a common clinical challenge, often requiring a mix of patience, gravity, or, in some cases, professional medical intervention.
The anatomy of the rectum is literally designed to keep things in. It’s a muscular tube with a natural curve. Once something gets past the anal sphincter and into the rectal vault, the muscles can spasm. This creates a vacuum effect. If the toy you used doesn’t have a wide enough flared base, it can migrate upward. That’s when the "oh no" moment hits.
The immediate "Don't" list
Stop pushing. Seriously, stop. Your first instinct is probably to strain like you’re having a massive bowel movement, but if the object is smooth or positioned awkwardly, straining might actually tilt it or push it further into the sigmoid colon.
Don't go grabbing for kitchen utensils. I’ve heard stories of people trying to use salad tongs or spoons. This is a terrible idea. The lining of your rectum is incredibly delicate and highly vascular. One slip with a metal tool and you’re looking at a perforation or significant internal bleeding. If you tear the rectal wall, you’re risking sepsis. It's not worth it.
Why it happens and how your body reacts
Most sex toys designed for anal play have a flared base for a reason. It’s a safety anchor. However, sometimes people use toys meant for vaginal use, or the base is just too small for their specific anatomy. When the object enters the rectum, the internal and external sphincters close up behind it.
Your body might start a process called tenesmus. It's that feeling that you constantly need to evacuate your bowels, even when they're empty. This can make you feel desperate to "push" the toy out, but if the toy is stuck against the sacrum or the rectal folds (the Valves of Houston), it isn't going anywhere without a change in strategy.
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Home techniques to try before the hospital
You've got a window of time to try and handle this yourself if you aren't in sharp pain.
First, you need to relax. If you’re tense, your pelvic floor muscles are gripping that toy like a vice. Try taking a warm bath. The heat helps the smooth muscle of the gut relax.
Once you're relaxed, try the "squatty potty" position. Deep squatting straightens the anorectal angle. Instead of sitting on the toilet normally, put your feet up on a stool or the edge of the tub. This changes the geometry of your insides.
Use more lube. A lot more. If you can reach the edge of the object, try to get some water-based lubricant around the sides to break the suction. Sometimes, if you can get one finger in and gently hook the edge or tilt the object, the vacuum seal breaks and gravity does the rest.
Gravity is your friend here. Try the "knee-to-chest" position on your bed. Stay there for a few minutes. Sometimes the shift in internal pressure allows the object to slide back down toward the sphincter where you can actually reach it.
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When it's time to go to the ER
If you’ve been at this for an hour and nothing has budged, it's time. Honestly, it’s embarrassing, but it's better than a ruptured bowel.
Look for red flags:
- Sharp, stabbing abdominal pain.
- Bleeding that is more than just a tiny bit of spotting.
- A firm, distended belly.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Medical professionals use a specific set of tools for this. They might use a speculum to visualize the object and then use "McGill forceps" or even a small suction device to pull it out. In many cases, they’ll give you a local anesthetic or a mild sedative to stop the muscle spasms. They aren't there to judge you; they’re there to make sure you don't end up in surgery.
According to various medical case studies, the "S-shape" of the colon is usually where things get hung up. If the toy has migrated past the rectosigmoid junction, manual removal in the ER might not work, and they might need to use an endoscope. This is why timing matters. The longer it stays in, the further up it can travel due to the natural peristaltic waves of your intestines.
Preventing the "my butt plug got stuck" scenario next time
If you’re going to engage in anal play, the gear matters. A lot.
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Check your toys. The base should be significantly wider than the widest part of the toy itself. If you can fit the base through a toilet paper roll, it’s probably too small.
Materials matter too. Silicone is great, but it’s grippy. If you aren't using enough lube, the friction alone can make removal difficult. Glass or metal toys are heavy; they often move easier due to gravity, but they can also create a stronger vacuum if they don't have a vented design.
- Always use toys with a flared base. No exceptions.
- Listen to your body. If you feel a "pop" or a deep suction feeling, check the position of the toy immediately.
- Don't use "impromptu" objects. Hairbrush handles, bottles, or cucumbers don't have flared bases and are the leading cause of these ER visits.
Practical steps for right now
If you are currently dealing with a stuck object, follow this sequence:
- Stop straining immediately. You are likely making the suction worse.
- Take a 20-minute warm bath. Focus on deep breathing to drop your pelvic floor.
- Try the deep squat. Use a stool to get your knees above your hips.
- Apply more lubricant. Use a syringe (without the needle) to get lube up past the sphincter if possible.
- Set a timer. If you haven't made progress in 60 to 90 minutes, or if you feel any sharp pain, go to the urgent care or ER.
The medical term you’ll hear is "retained rectal object." When you get to the hospital, just be honest. Tell the triage nurse exactly what happened and what the object is made of (plastic, silicone, metal). Knowing the material helps them decide if they can see it on an X-ray or if they need a CT scan. Most of these cases are resolved in the ER without surgery. You'll be home, slightly sore and definitely more cautious, in a few hours.
Stay calm, move slowly, and prioritize your safety over your pride.