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 don’t 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 - they’re 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 “lost” 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 T‑bar anchor, choose reputable brands, and never improvise with household objects.
Quick tip: If you’re worried, buy a T‑bar or long‑stem base - they’re designed to stay put.
Which base design is safest: rounded bottom, flat base, or T‑bar?
T‑bar (anchor) and wide flared bases are the gold standard. They’re wider than the anal opening so the toy can’t be fully drawn in. Some well‑made circular or heart‑shaped bases can also be safe if they’re 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?
Non‑porous, body‑safe materials like 100% medical‑grade silicone (soft), borosilicate glass, and stainless steel (hard) are best - they’re easy to clean and don’t harbor bacteria. Avoid porous jelly/rubber toys and products with unknown materials or phthalates.
Quick tip: If a product description doesn’t list the exact material or says “novelty” or “skin‑safe” vaguely, skip it.
Which lubricant should I use?
Always use plenty of lube. For silicone toys, use water‑based lube (silicone lubes can degrade silicone toys). For glass or metal plugs, silicone lubes are safe and long‑lasting. Never skimp - friction increases the risk of microtears.
Quick tip: Keep a bottle of anal‑specific water‑based lube handy - they’re 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 don’t share without sterilizing.
Quick tip: If you travel with toys, a little toy‑safe spray and a fabric pouch go a long way.
What if my plug slips in or I can’t 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 it’s reachable. If it’s not coming out, you’re in pain, or there’s bleeding - go to the ER. Don’t delay and don’t try extreme DIY fixes.
Quick tip: Prevention beats panic - pick plugs with a substantial base and don’t wear them unsupervised for long periods unless they’re explicitly designed for extended wear.