Anal plug

Typically, anal plugs are used in people whose symptoms do not improve with to typical treatments: this may include changes in diet, physical therapy, nerve stimulation targeting the sacral and tibial nerves, surgical repair of the anus, and utilization of a colostomy bag.

[7] Anal atresia is another birth defect where the rectum and/or anus is deformed: fecal incontinence is a side effect.

Some people may use it temporarily during certain events or while they have certain temporary medical conditions, such as women recovering from childbirth; others may need to use anal plugs for the rest of their lives.

The plug allows individuals control over their bowel movements and may decrease negative side effects due to leakage.

[2] A 2015 systematic review found that anal plugs may be helpful in treating fecal incontinence, provided that they are tolerated and that people actually use them.

Since anal plugs are considered an invasive strategy, they can result in pain, soreness, irritation, fecal urgency, and societal embarrassment.

[2] Some other challenges of the plug include occasional slippage with decreases the efficacy and increases discomfort, but people report more usage for occasions where anal leakage would be publicly troublesome.

[2][13] Anal plugs of smaller volume may resolve some people's discomfort, but still provide coverage for leakage.

[2] Therefore, more studies are needed in order for healthcare providers and regular people to understand when anal plugs are an option worth considering.

The Peristeen (formerly Conveen) Anal Plug produced by Coloplast is a disposable polyurethane insert coated in a water-soluble film.

The polyvinyl-alcohol anal tampons A-tam produced by Med SSE-System in Germany come in various sizes and shapes including cone, cylindrical, spiral, concave, convex, and ball-headed.

An infrared photo-interruptor sensor in the catheter senses stool in the anal canal, sending a notification to a pager.

[18] The sponge can absorb up to 45 times its weight, liquefying and eventually being excreted in a bowel movement within 1-2 days.

Anal cleansing is the practice of proper sanitization and maintaining healthy hygiene in a person's rectal area.

[19] A bidet is a plumbing device that is usually installed as a separate unit beside the bathroom tub to wash one's inner buttocks and anal area.