You asked:
Does anyone else worry about their butt plug slipping in completely during wear and then being hard to get out? Is this something that actually happens, or am I just being paranoid? And if it does happen, how do you deal with it? Are some designs better at preventing this?
Grace:
Nope, you're not being paranoid - this unfortunately can happen, and often results in a trip to the ER.
The best way to prevent it is to use butt plugs with a T-bar style base. If you do choose to go for a different style, make sure it is from a legit, high-quality brand that you can trust. You donβt want to mess around with cheap stuff when it comes to anal.
Thankfully, if you're shopping at The Sex Shed, we've already done that part for you, as we strive to make sure every plug on our site is safe for use. Personally I like to stick with b-Vibe - theyβre basically the brand for anal play and all their plugs feel super secure, even though they have a range of different base options.
Frequently asked questions about butt plug safety
Can a butt plug actually get βlostβ inside me?
Yes - it can slip past the anal sphincter and end up higher in the rectum, and that sometimes needs ER care. Prevention is the best medicine: only use plugs with a wide, flared base or Tβbar anchor, choose reputable brands, and never improvise with household objects.
Quick tip: If youβre worried, buy a Tβbar or longβstem base - theyβre designed to stay put.
Which base design is safest: rounded bottom, flat base, or Tβbar?
Tβbar (anchor) and wide flared bases are the gold standard. Theyβre wider than the anal opening so the toy canβt be fully drawn in. Some wellβmade circular or heartβshaped bases can also be safe if theyβre big enough - but small or flimsy bottoms are risky.
Quick tip: Sit on the base briefly in the shop (or check product photos) to see if the base looks sturdy and wide.
What materials are safest for butt plugs?
Nonβporous, bodyβsafe materials like 100% medicalβgrade silicone (soft), borosilicate glass, and stainless steel (hard) are best - theyβre easy to clean and donβt harbor bacteria. Avoid porous jelly/rubber toys and products with unknown materials or phthalates.
Quick tip: If a product description doesnβt list the exact material or says βnoveltyβ or βskinβsafeβ vaguely, skip it.
Which lubricant should I use?
Always use plenty of lube. For silicone toys, use waterβbased lube (silicone lubes can degrade silicone toys). For glass or metal plugs, silicone lubes are safe and longβlasting. Never skimp - friction increases the risk of microtears.
Quick tip: Keep a bottle of analβspecific waterβbased lube handy - theyβre thicker and last longer for anal play.
How do I clean and care for my plug?
Clean after every use with toy cleaner and warm water. For glass and stainless steel you can boil or use an appropriate disinfecting solution (follow manufacturer instructions); silicone toys can be washed thoroughly with soap and water or toy cleaner. Store separately and donβt share without sterilizing.
Quick tip: If you travel with toys, a little toyβsafe spray and a fabric pouch go a long way.
What if my plug slips in or I canβt get it out?
First, stay calm. Try relaxing, lying down, and bearing down gently - sometimes the sphincter will push it back toward you. Use lube and clean, gloved fingers to gently retrieve it if itβs reachable. If itβs not coming out, youβre in pain, or thereβs bleeding - go to the ER. Donβt delay and donβt try extreme DIY fixes.
Quick tip: Prevention beats panic - pick plugs with a substantial base and donβt wear them unsupervised for long periods unless theyβre explicitly designed for extended wear.