Editing Butt plug (section)

==Basics==
Unlike the [[vagina]], which is closed off by the [[cervix]], the rectum leads to the [[sigmoid colon]]. Objects that are inserted into the rectum can therefore potentially travel up into the [[bowel]]; the flared end on a butt plug exists to prevent this. Some dildos lack a flared end, and thus it is not advised to use such dildos anally since they may get stuck; [[rectal foreign body|rectal foreign bodies]] may require medical extraction.

In addition, the lower [[bowel]] above the rectum is easily [[Gastrointestinal perforation|perforated]]. For this reason, butt plugs tend to be shorter than dildos, and their marked size generally indicates the circumference of the device rather than the length. They must also be very smooth to avoid damaging the rectum or bowel. In order to get them into the rectum, they most commonly have a general profile of a round-ended cone which then narrows to a "waist" which locates itself at the anal sphincter, with the flared part outside the body, preventing the butt plug from slipping further into the body. The sphincter muscle will hold the plug in place by the waist, preventing the plug from slipping out unintentionally.

Butt plugs can be moved in or out for pleasure, so as to simulate the rhythmic thrusting of [[Sexual penetration|penetrative sex]], although some butt plugs are specifically designed for [[Prostate massage|stimulation of the prostate]].

As with other activities involving anal penetration, such as [[anal sex]], large amounts of [[sexual lubricant]] and a slow gentle approach are needed to insert or remove a butt plug.<ref>{{cite book|author=Morin, Jack|title=Anal Pleasure and Health|edition=3rd|publisher=Down There Press|year=1998|isbn=978-0-940208-20-9}}</ref>

Butt plugs are sometimes covered by [[condom]]s for hygiene and to allow for the easy disposal of any [[Human feces|feces]] with which they may come into contact.<ref>{{cite book|title=The First Year: Hepatitis C An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed|year=2009|publisher=[[Hachette Books]]|isbn=9780786732661|author1= Bruce,Cara|author2=Montanarelli, Lisa}}</ref> Nevertheless, they should not be shared with other people, due to the risk of transmitting [[Sexually transmitted infection|sexually transmitted infections]], including [[HIV]], from the transfer of body fluids from one person to another.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Is It Safe To Share Sex Toys?|url=https://www.lehmiller.com/blog/2014/4/28/is-it-safe-to-share-sex-toys|access-date=2020-06-13|website=Sex And Psychology|date=28 April 2014|language=en-US}}</ref>