Why Men Over 50 Are More Prone to Rectal Object Mishaps
When a man in his fifties, referred to as Robert, visited Dr. Lawrence Cunningham's GP surgery complaining of abdominal pain, it took nearly an hour of careful questioning before he confessed the truth: he had a glass jar stuck in his rectum that he couldn't remove himself. This case is far from isolated, with the NHS spending approximately £3,172,200 over the past five years to extract foreign objects from people's rectums. In 2025 alone, 505 individuals were hospitalized for this reason, and 25% of them were men aged 51 or older, mirroring Robert's demographic.
The Financial and Medical Burden
Last year, the health service allocated an estimated £429,250 for removing various household items from rectums, averaging £850 per procedure, according to a Freedom of Information request by Erobella. Dr. Cunningham, with nearly 40 years of practice, notes that such incidents occur more frequently than many might assume. "As a GP, I've encountered this issue numerous times," he explains. "For Robert, immediate referral to A&E was necessary." The problem stems from the internal anal sphincter muscle, which contracts involuntarily to retain bowel contents. If an object without a flared base is inserted too deeply, the sphincter can contract and pull it further into the rectum, leading to entrapment.
Common Objects and Demographics
Dr. Cunningham reports seeing or hearing about a wide array of items discovered in rectums, ranging from household objects to purpose-made adult toys. "The most frequent culprits include bottles, light bulbs, and various kitchen utensils," he recalls. "A&E colleagues have mentioned mobile phones, remote controls, and even small tools. The diversity is quite remarkable." In a notable international case, a man in France arrived at a hospital with a World War One bomb lodged in his rectum. While women also experience these mishaps, with 111 cases last year, men are disproportionately affected. In 2025, 393 men had objects stuck in their rectums, with one-third over 50 and 26% aged 31 to 50.
Why Older Men Are More Susceptible
Sex educator April Maria attributes this trend to sexual maturation. "It's not about adventurousness but about growing comfort with oneself and one's body over time," she explains. "As people age, there's less pressure to conform to rigid sexual norms and more openness to exploring what feels pleasurable." She adds that men in their fifties and sixties, often grappling with erectile dysfunction—affecting over a third in their fifties and nearly half in their sixties, per Bupa—may seek alternative sources of pleasure. "They explore body parts that might offer more satisfaction if penile stimulation is challenging," April notes.
Psychological and Social Factors
Sex worker and dominatrix Melissa Todd observes that many men in their fifties and beyond request anal play monthly. "These men are often 'ordinary'—married, professional, traditional—but they arrive after years of contemplation," she says. "They're curious about prostate stimulation or fulfilling long-held curiosities." Melissa suggests that the fifties serve as a watershed moment due to a "why not now?" mindset, influenced by life changes like relationship shifts, stability, or awareness of mortality. "It's less a sudden interest and more a deferred exploration finally coming to the forefront," she adds.
Lack of Education and Risks
April highlights that mishaps often stem from inadequate education around anal sex. "Anal play is frequently stereotyped or omitted from discussions, leading many to learn through porn or trial and error, which isn't safe," she says. "There's little understanding of anatomy, preparation, or appropriate toys, increasing the risk of negative experiences." Dr. Cunningham notes that older men are particularly reluctant to seek proper equipment or advice. "They didn't grow up with easy access to sexual health information, unlike younger generations," he explains.
What to Do in an Emergency
Dr. Cunningham emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical help. "Go to A&E as soon as possible," he advises. "Treatment depends on the object's type and location; manual removal may suffice, but surgery under anaesthetic is often required for sharp or deeply lodged items. Avoid DIY attempts, as prompt professional intervention simplifies removal."
Potential Health Risks
The primary danger is bowel wall perforation, which can be life-threatening. "Sharp objects or forceful removal attempts can cause tears, leading to severe infections," Dr. Cunningham warns. "Internal bleeding is a concern with glass or metal, and infection risks escalate if objects remain for hours or days. Bowel bacteria entering the bloodstream can cause serious complications. Embarrassment-driven delays often exacerbate the situation, turning minor issues into major medical emergencies."
