62:. Fecal material such as feces are solid remains of food that does not get digested in the small intestines; rather, it is broken down by bacteria in the large intestine. Anal plugs vary in design and composition, but they are typically single-use, intra-anal, disposable devices made out of soft materials to contain fecal material and prevent it from leaking out of the rectum. The idea of an anal insert for fecal incontinence was first evaluated in a study of 10 participants with three different designs of anal inserts.
157:. There is not a lot of evidence reported on the efficacy on the different types of anal plugs, so the choice of plug can be up to people and their doctors. 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. Anal plugs of smaller volume may resolve some people's discomfort, but still provide coverage for leakage.
124:
healthcare, like
Germany, buy anal plugs for people who need them. During the development and approval of the Renew Insert, which is one of the types of anal plugs that have been developed, researchers found that on average people used 2.6 inserts per day. However, this plug is designed to be worn for twelve-hours; the number of inserts needed per day increases when products that have to be changed four times a day are considered.
208:
31:
220:
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. The different shapes can address different concerns, based on anal sphincter muscle function, remaining muscle tissue,
263:
The SURGISPON anal tampon is made of a gamma-sterilized gelatin sponge and, unlike the previously mentioned products, is used to stop bleeding in anal and rectal surgeries and post-surgery bleeding and pain. The sponge can absorb up to 45 times its weight, liquefying and eventually being excreted in
75:
Anal plugs may be beneficial to certain risk groups including, but not limited to, frail older people, women following childbirth, people with some neurological or spinal diseases, severe cognitive impairment, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and so on. Typically, anal plugs are used in
284:
and maintaining healthy hygiene in a person's rectal area. It is usually done post defecation. From a science perspective, it helps prevent pathogen exposure, which could lead to infections or diseases. The cleansing process involves rinsing the rectal cavity with water and usually wiping the area
237:
plugs that come in two sizes and require a prescription. The large size is recommended for adults, while the regular size may be used for children and young adults. Each plug is made of two attached disks and comes connected to a fingertip applicator which is disposed after insertion. The top disk
148:
found that anal plugs may be helpful in treating fecal incontinence, provided that they are tolerated and that people actually use them. A 2001 study found that a majority of people could not tolerate an anal plug due to discomfort. Although only 20% decided to continue using the plug on a regular
254:
to escape. The catheter is inserted into the anal canal and the balloon cuff is inflated with water or air through a syringe attached to the exposed portion of the catheter. Once inflated, the exposed end of the catheter is pulled until the balloon cuff is met with resistance within the anus. An
160:
Due to the complexity of fecal incontinence, the use of anal plugs are not well defined in guidelines and treatment pathways, which decrease the comfortability of medical professional on prescribing and usage of anal plugs. Therefore, more studies are needed in order for healthcare providers and
110:
The one common feature of people who use anal plugs is they all experience fecal incontinence, which is both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Some people may use it temporarily during certain events or while they have certain temporary medical conditions, such as women recovering from childbirth;
123:
The plug allows individuals control over their bowel movements and may decrease negative side effects due to leakage. People have reported suffering from fewer of anal rashes, decreased soreness, and improved hygiene. Anal plugs can also be an affordable option: some countries with universal
135:
People who have to pay for anal plugs out of pocket may find them to be expensive. Although some countries, such as
Germany, may subsidize the cost for people, private insurance may not cover anal plugs. Plugs have to be changed a minimum of twice a day, some up to four times per day.
255:
infrared photo-interruptor sensor in the catheter senses stool in the anal canal, sending a notification to a pager. To remove the device, the catheter is cut to allow the balloon to deflate before pulling it out. Each device is made for single-use only.
92:. Nerve stimulation involves the placement of electrodes near the nerves that travel through a person's hips and down their legs. Colostomy bags are bags that collect feces from their intestines through a surgically created hole in a person's belly.
107:; either the spinal cord is still in the back, just not surrounded by the vertebral bones, or it can be bulging out in a sac. Anal atresia is another birth defect where the rectum and/or anus is deformed: fecal incontinence is a side effect.
149:
basis, anal plugs were generally successful at controlling fecal incontinence. Since anal plugs are considered an invasive strategy, they can result in pain, soreness, irritation, fecal urgency, and societal embarrassment. Bleeding
176:, which can expand and absorb substances to prevent leakage. Inserts provide a physical blockage, and are inserted into the rectal cavity to stop feces from escaping. Plugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials.
238:
blocks the stool, while the bottom disk secures the insert in place to prevent displacement. It can be removed either by pulling it out or through defecation, removing the concern of losing the plug in the anal canal.
225:. While the plugs are single-use, the applicator may be used multiple times. Changing out the plug three times a day every 6-8 hours and anal hygiene are also recommended. A prescription is needed for this product.
103:, may struggle with leaks even after physical therapy and other interventions, so they may benefit from using anal plugs. Spina bifida is a birth defect where a part of the spinal cord is not surrounded by the
1066:"Anal cleansing practices and faecal contamination: a preliminary investigation of behaviours and conditions in schools in rural Nyanza Province, Kenya: Anal cleansing practices and faecal contamination"
321:- anal fissures are very small tears around the anus. This could be very uncomfortable and painful to an individual. Assuring proper hygiene of the anal area will help reduce the chance of fissures.
314:
is a urinary infection in any part of the urinary system. By ensuring proper wiping and good anal hygiene, the risk of bacteria spreading from the anal area to the urinary tract will be reduced.
331:
Assisting in sexual health and products - anal hygiene is very important for individuals that are sexually active, as well as for those using anal products. It helps reduce the risk of a
184:
plugs, and are also associated with less plug loss. For all plugs that become stuck in the rectum, it is recommended to see a doctor if it does not come out in the next bowel movement.
1000:
Giamundo P, Welber A, Weiss EG, Vernava AM, Nogueras JJ, Wexner SD (2002). "The procon incontinence device: a new nonsurgical approach to preventing episodes of fecal incontinence".
127:
Whether anal plugs are a good choice varies based on the person. Trials have shown anywhere from 25 to 80% of people were satisfied enough with plug to continue using it.
289:
could be used instead. 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.
200:, the film dissolves, allowing the plug to expand. It has a conical tip and a cord to tug on for removal. It comes in two sizes, and is inserted similarly to a
264:
a bowel movement within 1-2 days. It also has an opening in the middle for gas to escape, and may be used as a carrier for delivery of antibiotics,
307:- maintaining anal hygiene reduces the risk of fungal infections and other bacteria entering the anal area, and eventually entering the whole body.
115:
to prevent the soiling of oneself. Management of fecal incontinence is very person-dependent, as anally inserted devices may not be for everyone.
900:"Japanese Practice Guidelines for Fecal Incontinence Part 2-Examination and Conservative Treatment for Fecal Incontinence- English Version"
111:
others may need to use anal plugs for the rest of their lives. Others may opt to also use perineal pads or undergarments such as
246:
The ProCon2 device by
Incontinent Control Devices, Inc is composed of a blow-up balloon cuff attached to the end of a silicon
947:
285:
with toilet paper or baby wipes. Sometimes, a hand is used for rubbing the area while rinsing it with water. Other times,
76:
people whose symptoms do not improve with to typical treatments: this may include changes in diet, physical therapy,
328:; unpleasant smell - having a regular cleansing routine of the anal area will help regulate odor with fecal matter.
144:
At the same time, discomfort, side effects, and occasional leaks from using anal plugs have been reported. A 2015
332:
196:
is a disposable polyurethane insert coated in a water-soluble film. When exposed to warmth and moisture in the
594:"Is an Anal Plug Useful in the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence in Children With Spina Bifida or Anal Atresia?"
299:
Maintaining good anal hygiene contributes to an individual overall health. Some of the key benefits include:
1164:"Prevalence and correlates of heterosexual anal and oral sex in adolescents and adults in the United States"
1043:
268:, or chemotherapeutics. It is inserted either dry or wet, but for surgeries, it is inserted dry using a
77:
1217:
1162:
Leichliter, Jami S.; Chandra, Anjani; Liddon, Nicole; Fenton, Kevin A.; Aral, Sevgi O. (2007-12-15).
1107:"Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage"
1232:
81:
1064:
McMahon, Shannon; Caruso, Bethany A.; Obure, Alfredo; Okumu, Fred; Rheingans, Richard D. (2011).
554:
311:
593:
335:(STIs); an infection transmitted through sexual contact, and maintain comfort during activities.
555:"Use of the Anal Plug in the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence in Patients With Meningomyelocele"
221:
and gassiness. The plug should be soaked in warm water before inserted, similar to some rectal
1222:
8:
1227:
428:
How P, Trivedi PM, Bearn PE, Thomas GP (2021). "Insert devices for faecal incontinence".
358:"The anal continence plug: a disposable device for patients with anorectal incontinence"
1139:
1106:
1025:
924:
899:
875:
850:
819:
794:
770:
745:
702:
505:
472:
453:
393:
55:
965:
Doherty W (2004). "Managing faecal incontinence or leakage: the
Peristeen Anal Plug".
609:
58:, the accidental passing of bowel moments, by physically blocking involuntary loss of
1193:
1185:
1144:
1126:
1087:
1082:
1065:
1017:
1013:
982:
929:
880:
824:
775:
680:
648:
621:
613:
574:
535:
510:
492:
457:
445:
385:
377:
373:
181:
145:
1029:
397:
169:
Anal plugs may come as tampons or inserts as detailed below. Tampons are similar to
1175:
1134:
1118:
1077:
1009:
978:
974:
919:
911:
870:
862:
814:
806:
765:
761:
757:
605:
566:
500:
484:
437:
369:
100:
866:
851:"Mechanical inserts for the treatment of faecal incontinence: A systematic review"
723:
281:
898:
Maeda K, Mimura T, Yoshioka K, Seki M, Katsuno H, Takao Y, et al. (2021).
672:
640:
570:
441:
357:
51:
24:
161:
regular people to understand when anal plugs are an option worth considering.
1211:
1189:
1130:
1122:
617:
496:
381:
154:
89:
810:
529:
1197:
1148:
1091:
1021:
986:
933:
915:
884:
828:
779:
684:
652:
625:
578:
539:
514:
488:
449:
318:
177:
170:
96:
85:
389:
591:
269:
222:
201:
59:
592:
Van
Winckel, M.; Van Biervliet, S.; Van Laecke, E.; Hoebeke, P. (2006).
251:
197:
150:
1105:
Chen, Ying; Bruning, Elizabeth; Rubino, Joseph; Eder, Scott E (2017).
304:
193:
20:
1180:
1163:
265:
247:
234:
104:
211:
An assortment of A-tam anal tampons produced by Med SSE-System.
207:
173:
112:
204:. This plug may remain inside the rectum for up to 12 hours.
1161:
553:
Shoshan, Levana; Ben-Zvi, Dvora; Katz-Leurer, Michal (2008).
286:
30:
325:
999:
88:
nerves, surgical repair of the anus, and utilization of a
552:
473:"Fecal incontinence: etiology, evaluation, and treatment"
16:
Medical device sometimes used to treat fecal incontinence
1063:
897:
192:
The
Peristeen (formerly Conveen) Anal Plug produced by
1104:
427:
527:
355:
848:
1209:
679:, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing,
647:, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing,
795:"Conservative treatment for anal incontinence"
743:
844:
842:
840:
838:
1070:Tropical Medicine & International Health
739:
737:
638:
95:Children with certain conditions, including
750:The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
639:Brea, Cristina M.; Munakomi, Sunil (2023),
180:plugs have been found to be preferred over
891:
835:
746:"Plugs for containing faecal incontinence"
670:
423:
421:
419:
417:
415:
413:
411:
409:
407:
1179:
1138:
1081:
923:
874:
818:
769:
734:
671:Singh, Meenakshi; Mehra, Kashish (2023),
504:
280:Anal cleansing is the practice of proper
1002:The American Journal of Gastroenterology
258:
206:
29:
964:
528:Mulita, F.; Lotfollahzadeh, S. (2023).
404:
356:Mortensen, N.; Humphreys, M.S. (1991).
1210:
792:
187:
1059:
1057:
1048:George & Georges MediSurg Limited
904:Journal of the Anus, Rectum and Colon
786:
718:
716:
697:
695:
693:
470:
351:
349:
215:
477:Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery
13:
1168:The Journal of Infectious Diseases
1054:
713:
14:
1244:
690:
346:
294:Reasons to maintain anal hygiene:
1083:10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02879.x
1044:"Anal Tampon Hemostatic Sponges"
1014:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2002.05987.x
849:Buono K, Davé-Heliker B (2019).
1155:
1098:
1036:
993:
958:
940:
275:
250:with vent holes at the tip for
228:
139:
979:10.12968/bjon.2004.13.21.17116
762:10.1002/14651858.CD005086.pub4
744:Deutekom M, Dobben AC (2015).
664:
632:
585:
546:
521:
471:Dm, Hayden; Eg, Weiss (2011).
464:
70:
1:
867:10.1080/2090598X.2019.1589776
610:10.1016/S0022-5347(06)00302-8
339:
333:sexual transmitted infections
233:Renew Inserts are single-use
559:Journal of Pediatric Nursing
430:Techniques in Coloproctology
374:10.1016/0140-6736(91)90428-r
130:
54:that is often used to treat
7:
164:
118:
10:
1249:
967:British Journal of Nursing
571:10.1016/j.pedn.2006.09.006
442:10.1007/s10151-020-02317-3
241:
18:
952:products.coloplast.com.au
1123:10.1177/1745505717731011
19:Not to be confused with
855:Arab Journal of Urology
799:Gastroenterology Report
312:urinary tract infection
948:"Peristeen® Anal Plug"
916:10.23922/jarc.2020-079
489:10.1055/s-0031-1272825
212:
65:
35:
811:10.1093/gastro/gou013
724:"About Renew Inserts"
259:SURGISPON anal tampon
210:
33:
703:"A-Tam® Analtampons"
188:Peristeen Anal Plug
673:"Imperforate Anus"
598:Journal of Urology
213:
56:fecal incontinence
36:
1174:(12): 1852–1859.
1076:(12): 1536–1540.
973:(21): 1293–1297.
793:Carter D (2014).
368:(8762): 295–297.
303:It helps prevent
216:A-tam Anal Tampon
182:polyvinyl-alcohol
146:systematic review
78:nerve stimulation
1240:
1218:Gastroenterology
1202:
1201:
1183:
1159:
1153:
1152:
1142:
1102:
1096:
1095:
1085:
1061:
1052:
1051:
1040:
1034:
1033:
1008:(9): 2328–2332.
997:
991:
990:
962:
956:
955:
944:
938:
937:
927:
895:
889:
888:
878:
846:
833:
832:
822:
790:
784:
783:
773:
741:
732:
731:
720:
711:
710:
699:
688:
687:
668:
662:
661:
660:
659:
636:
630:
629:
589:
583:
582:
550:
544:
543:
531:Intestinal Stoma
525:
519:
518:
508:
468:
462:
461:
425:
402:
401:
353:
1248:
1247:
1243:
1242:
1241:
1239:
1238:
1237:
1233:Medical devices
1208:
1207:
1206:
1205:
1160:
1156:
1103:
1099:
1062:
1055:
1042:
1041:
1037:
998:
994:
963:
959:
946:
945:
941:
896:
892:
847:
836:
791:
787:
756:(7): CD005086.
742:
735:
722:
721:
714:
701:
700:
691:
669:
665:
657:
655:
637:
633:
590:
586:
551:
547:
534:. StatPearls .
526:
522:
469:
465:
426:
405:
354:
347:
342:
310:Prevent UTIs -
278:
261:
244:
231:
218:
190:
167:
142:
133:
121:
73:
68:
28:
17:
12:
11:
5:
1246:
1236:
1235:
1230:
1225:
1220:
1204:
1203:
1181:10.1086/522867
1154:
1111:Women's Health
1097:
1053:
1035:
992:
957:
939:
890:
834:
785:
733:
712:
689:
663:
641:"Spina Bifida"
631:
604:(1): 342–344.
584:
565:(5): 395–399.
545:
520:
483:(1): 064–070.
463:
436:(3): 255–265.
403:
344:
343:
341:
338:
337:
336:
329:
322:
315:
308:
277:
274:
260:
257:
243:
240:
230:
227:
217:
214:
189:
186:
166:
163:
141:
138:
132:
129:
120:
117:
80:targeting the
72:
69:
67:
64:
60:fecal material
52:medical device
25:Rectal dilator
15:
9:
6:
4:
3:
2:
1245:
1234:
1231:
1229:
1226:
1224:
1221:
1219:
1216:
1215:
1213:
1199:
1195:
1191:
1187:
1182:
1177:
1173:
1169:
1165:
1158:
1150:
1146:
1141:
1136:
1132:
1128:
1124:
1120:
1116:
1112:
1108:
1101:
1093:
1089:
1084:
1079:
1075:
1071:
1067:
1060:
1058:
1049:
1045:
1039:
1031:
1027:
1023:
1019:
1015:
1011:
1007:
1003:
996:
988:
984:
980:
976:
972:
968:
961:
953:
949:
943:
935:
931:
926:
921:
917:
913:
909:
905:
901:
894:
886:
882:
877:
872:
868:
864:
860:
856:
852:
845:
843:
841:
839:
830:
826:
821:
816:
812:
808:
804:
800:
796:
789:
781:
777:
772:
767:
763:
759:
755:
751:
747:
740:
738:
729:
728:Renew Medical
725:
719:
717:
708:
707:www.medsse.de
704:
698:
696:
694:
686:
682:
678:
674:
667:
654:
650:
646:
642:
635:
627:
623:
619:
615:
611:
607:
603:
599:
595:
588:
580:
576:
572:
568:
564:
560:
556:
549:
541:
537:
533:
532:
524:
516:
512:
507:
502:
498:
494:
490:
486:
482:
478:
474:
467:
459:
455:
451:
447:
443:
439:
435:
431:
424:
422:
420:
418:
416:
414:
412:
410:
408:
399:
395:
391:
387:
383:
379:
375:
371:
367:
363:
359:
352:
350:
345:
334:
330:
327:
323:
320:
319:anal fissures
316:
313:
309:
306:
302:
301:
300:
297:
296:
295:
290:
288:
283:
273:
271:
267:
256:
253:
249:
239:
236:
226:
224:
223:suppositories
209:
205:
203:
199:
195:
185:
183:
179:
175:
172:
162:
158:
156:
155:adverse event
152:
147:
137:
128:
125:
116:
114:
108:
106:
102:
98:
93:
91:
90:colostomy bag
87:
83:
79:
63:
61:
57:
53:
49:
45:
41:
32:
26:
22:
1223:Incontinence
1171:
1167:
1157:
1117:(3): 58–67.
1114:
1110:
1100:
1073:
1069:
1047:
1038:
1005:
1001:
995:
970:
966:
960:
951:
942:
910:(1): 67–83.
907:
903:
893:
861:(1): 69–76.
858:
854:
805:(2): 85–91.
802:
798:
788:
753:
749:
727:
709:(in German).
706:
676:
666:
656:, retrieved
644:
634:
601:
597:
587:
562:
558:
548:
542:. NBK565910.
530:
523:
480:
476:
466:
433:
429:
365:
361:
298:
293:
292:
291:
287:bidet system
282:sanitization
279:
276:Anal hygiene
262:
245:
232:
229:Renew Insert
219:
191:
178:Polyurethane
171:menstruation
168:
159:
153:were a rare
143:
140:Tolerability
134:
126:
122:
109:
101:anal atresia
97:spina bifida
94:
74:
47:
43:
39:
37:
270:proctoscope
202:suppository
151:hemorrhoids
71:Populations
48:anal insert
44:anal tampon
1228:Defecation
1212:Categories
677:StatPearls
658:2023-08-01
645:StatPearls
362:The Lancet
340:References
305:infections
252:flatulence
198:anal canal
34:Anal plug.
1190:0022-1899
1131:1745-5065
618:0022-5347
497:1530-9681
458:221381864
382:0140-6736
324:Minimize
194:Coloplast
131:Drawbacks
105:vertebrae
40:anal plug
21:Butt plug
1198:18190267
1149:28934912
1092:21906214
1030:10868008
1022:12358252
987:15580080
934:33537502
885:31258946
829:24759347
780:26193665
685:31747191
653:32644691
626:16753439
579:18804021
540:33351447
515:22379407
450:32870438
398:37641453
317:Prevent
266:thrombin
248:catheter
235:silicone
165:Products
119:Benefits
1140:7789027
925:7843146
876:6583709
820:4020129
771:9058784
506:3140335
390:1677121
242:ProCon2
174:tampons
113:diapers
50:) is a
1196:
1188:
1147:
1137:
1129:
1090:
1028:
1020:
985:
932:
922:
883:
873:
827:
817:
778:
768:
683:
651:
624:
616:
577:
538:
513:
503:
495:
456:
448:
396:
388:
380:
86:tibial
82:sacral
1026:S2CID
454:S2CID
394:S2CID
1194:PMID
1186:ISSN
1145:PMID
1127:ISSN
1088:PMID
1018:PMID
1006:9777
983:PMID
930:PMID
881:PMID
825:PMID
776:PMID
754:2015
681:PMID
649:PMID
622:PMID
614:ISSN
575:PMID
536:PMID
511:PMID
493:ISSN
446:PMID
386:PMID
378:ISSN
326:odor
99:and
84:and
1176:doi
1172:196
1135:PMC
1119:doi
1078:doi
1010:doi
975:doi
920:PMC
912:doi
871:PMC
863:doi
815:PMC
807:doi
766:PMC
758:doi
606:doi
602:176
567:doi
501:PMC
485:doi
438:doi
370:doi
366:338
66:Use
46:or
38:An
23:or
1214::
1192:.
1184:.
1170:.
1166:.
1143:.
1133:.
1125:.
1115:13
1113:.
1109:.
1086:.
1074:16
1072:.
1068:.
1056:^
1046:.
1024:.
1016:.
1004:.
981:.
971:13
969:.
950:.
928:.
918:.
906:.
902:.
879:.
869:.
859:17
857:.
853:.
837:^
823:.
813:.
801:.
797:.
774:.
764:.
752:.
748:.
736:^
726:.
715:^
705:.
692:^
675:,
643:,
620:.
612:.
600:.
596:.
573:.
563:23
561:.
557:.
509:.
499:.
491:.
481:24
479:.
475:.
452:.
444:.
434:25
432:.
406:^
392:.
384:.
376:.
364:.
360:.
348:^
272:.
1200:.
1178::
1151:.
1121::
1094:.
1080::
1050:.
1032:.
1012::
989:.
977::
954:.
936:.
914::
908:5
887:.
865::
831:.
809::
803:2
782:.
760::
730:.
628:.
608::
581:.
569::
517:.
487::
460:.
440::
400:.
372::
42:(
27:.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
