There’s a joke that floats around the internet that says, “Anything’s a butt plug if you’re brave enough.” Funny? Maybe. Practical or safe? Definitely not.
Anal play has always been surrounded by curiosity, taboo, and misinformation. Even today, it’s often labeled as risky because the anus is delicate and does not naturally produce lubrication. That’s exactly why safe, purpose-built toys exist.
Among all anal toys, the butt plug has become one of the most popular and widely used. It’s designed to be worn comfortably, usually shaped like a tapered drop with a flared base that prevents it from slipping too far inside. Butt plugs can be enjoyed by anyone with an anus, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, and are used for pleasure, exploration, and preparation for larger forms of anal play.
But this raises an interesting question.
Who invented the butt plug, and how did it even come into existence?
The answer is far stranger than most people expect.
The Butt Plug Wasn’t Always About Pleasure
The earliest versions of what we now recognize as butt plugs did not begin as sex toys. Their origins go back to the late 1800s, when medical science was still filled with questionable ideas and so-called miracle cures.
One of the earliest recorded examples comes from a product known as Dr. Young’s Ideal Rectal Dilators, sold in the late 19th century. These devices were marketed as medical tools, not pleasure items.
Dr. Young claimed his rectal dilators could cure a long list of conditions, including constipation, headaches, acne, insomnia, and even mental illness. Looking back, these claims sound absurd, but at the time, there was very little regulation around medical products.
Why Were Rectal Dilators Prescribed at All?
In the 1890s, anal sex was illegal in many places under strict sodomy laws. Because of this, any device designed for anal use had to be justified as medical.
Dr. Young instructed users to self-administer the dilators at home, starting with smaller sizes and slowly moving up to larger ones. This gradual sizing method is something still recommended today for safe anal play, although the reasons given back then were entirely different.
Originally, these rectal dilators were marketed as a way to “strengthen and tone” muscles involved in bowel movement and were mainly promoted as a solution for constipation.
When Medical Claims Got Out of Control
Over time, the benefits promised by Dr. Young became increasingly unrealistic. He even published claims suggesting that rectal dilators could cure insanity in a large percentage of patients within weeks.
Unsurprisingly, these claims were not supported by evidence. As medical regulation improved, governments began stepping in.
In 1938, the Federal Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Act introduced stricter rules around medical devices and false health claims. Shortly after, in 1940, Dr. Young’s rectal dilators were officially banned in the United States. Authorities ruled that the products were unsafe and potentially harmful when used as instructed.
This effectively ended the era of “medical” butt plugs.
The Transition From Medical Tool to Sex Toy
Fast forward to the late 20th century, and these rectal devices quietly returned, but this time with honesty. They were no longer disguised as miracle cures. Instead, they were openly sold as sex toys designed for anal pleasure.
With better understanding of anatomy, hygiene, and consent, the modern butt plug was born. Materials improved, safety standards became clearer, and the flared base became a non-negotiable feature.
Today, butt plugs are widely used for pleasure, kink exploration, and anal training. Unlike their early ancestors, modern plugs are designed with comfort, safety, and enjoyment in mind.
Why Butt Plugs Are Popular Today
Modern butt plugs serve many purposes:
- Exploring anal pleasure safely
- Preparing the body for larger toys or penetration
- Enhancing orgasms through internal stimulation
- Supporting kink and power-play dynamics
Most importantly, they are designed to be used with consent, proper lubrication, and hygiene.
A Few Safety Basics Worth Remembering
If someone is exploring anal play, a few rules always apply:
- Always use plenty of lubricant
- Choose toys with a flared base
- Clean toys before and after use
- Start small and increase size gradually
- Never rush comfort for curiosity
Anal pleasure, like all pleasure, works best when it’s approached patiently and safely.
So, Who Really Invented the Butt Plug?
The honest answer is this: no single person invented the butt plug as we know it today. What started as questionable medical devices in the 1800s eventually evolved into modern pleasure tools once science, sexuality, and safety caught up.
The butt plug’s journey from fake medicine to legitimate pleasure product is a reminder of how far sexual wellness has come.
And honestly, that’s a history worth knowing.