A US government database has revealed some of the worst and strangest objects that people got stuck up their backsides last year, sending thousands to hospital.
While the topic may be awkward, it is far from rare. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, around 38,948 people each year were hospitalised with foreign objects lodged in their rectum between 2012 and 2021. The average patient age was 43, and 78% were male.
Many of these cases are recorded by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which tracks emergency room visits linked to consumer products. The data is anonymous, but it offers a clear picture of how often these incidents happen.
Most Shocking Objects Found in 2024
Based on the latest available data, the following items were reported as being stuck in people’s rectums:
- Nails and screws
- Baseball (reason given: “to see what it felt like”)
- Uncooked pasta
- Egg
- Dog chew toy
- Dryer sheet
- Sandal
- Door knob
- Marbles
- Eyeglasses
- Rock
More Bizarre ER Cases
Doctors also removed items such as:
- Beard clippers wrapped in plastic (used due to constipation)
- Turkey baster
- Plastic cleanser bottle filled with liquid
- Shampoo bottles (one patient said it slipped in the shower, another said they were bored)
- Lubricant and enema bottles
- Aerosol can
- Dental pick
- Wine stopper
- Corn cob holder
- Highlighter and invisible marker
- Two pencils
Attempts That Made Things Worse
Some patients tried to remove objects themselves, which caused further problems. These cases included:
- Pliers used to remove a dildo
- Tweezers used to remove a broken butt plug
- Plastic coat hanger, cut so the patient could still drive to hospital
Other Unusual Items Reported
The list also included:
- Film canister
- Battery-powered light
- Flashlight
- Penny
- Light bulb (glass side first, reportedly due to suction)
- Vape pen
- Rectangular travel toothbrush
- Baton
- Hair tie
Health Experts Issue Warning
Medical professionals warn that inserting objects not designed for internal use can cause serious injury, internal tears, infection, and life-threatening complications. They strongly advise people to seek immediate medical help rather than attempting removal at home.
The CPSC says the data is used to track injury trends and improve public awareness, even if the findings are shocking.
