Sce2 Sb1 Digital Stimulation Rectal Touches

Digital Stimulation
(Rectal Touches)
After a spinal cord injury, it is common to no longer feel the need to empty your bowel. You
also might not be able to start your bowel movement like you used to. Digital stimulation
(rectal touches) is a technique where a finger is inserted into the rectum. Gently touching
(stimulating) the wall of the rectum can help trigger bowel movements. This helps move
stool (feces, poo) out of your bowel. By using this technique, your bowel can be trained to
go at specific times. This helps prevent bowel accidents and constipation.
Positions
Digital stimulation can be done alone on a regular toilet or commode. It can also be done
while lying in bed. Depending on your set up, you can reach to the side or behind.
Sitting on a commode or
raised toilet seat with a
side cut out makes it
easier to reach. Using this
If you need to lie down, do it on your
position, gravity helps with
left side. It is more comfortable and
stool removal.
easier due to the shape of your bowel.
Supplies
 Gloves  Toilet paper or wet wipes
 Lubricant  Suppository
 Blue pads (if in bed)  Plastic bag for waste
Contact your Doctor or Nurse for more information. SELF CARE

Originally written by: Sharon Ryan. ©2015 University Health Network - Toronto Rehab. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: Information is provided for educational
purposes only. Consult a qualified health professional regarding specific medical concerns or treatment. University Health Network does not assume and
www.SpinalCordEssentials.ca
disclaims any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in this publication. SCE2-Sb1-2015-06-09
Digital Stimulation
(Rectal Touches)
Procedure
1. Wash your hands. Put a glove on your stronger hand.
2. If you are in bed, lay out blue pads under your hips and behind your bum.
3. Position yourself so that you are able to reach your anus.
4. Lubricate your index finger with lots of lubricant (about the size of a quarter).
5. Gently insert your finger into your rectum.
6. Move your finger in a circular motion
against wall of rectum, for about 30
seconds.
7. Remove your finger and wait for stool to
pass. As stool comes out, it will go onto
the pad.
8. Repeat this procedure every 5-10
minutes until your bowel is empty.
Finish when no stool comes out after
two procedures 5-10 minutes apart.
9. Clean your bum and anus with wet wipes or toilet paper.
10. Place all used supplies into a plastic bag. Dispose of it into waste can.
Note: Always use plenty of lubricant and be gentle. This helps make sure you do not
irritate or injury your rectum or anus.
Using a suppository
You may need to start your bowel movement by inserting a suppository. This is often the
case if your injury level is at or above T12. For a suppository to work, it needs to be
touching the wall of the rectum. Before inserting, check to see if there is stool in the rectum
with a gloved finger. If there is stool, remove some of it by gently hooking it with your
finger. If you insert the suppository into the stool, it will not work.

Digital Stimulation
(Rectal Touches)
To insert the suppository, lubricate it along with your gloved finger. Insert the suppository
past the anal sphincter and against the wall of the rectum. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to
take effect. Inserting the suppository in bed can be preferred. Inserting it while on a
commode or toilet can cause it to fall out.
The term ‘digital stimulation’ is used since the word ‘digit’ is another word for finger.
Tips for Staying Regular

Eat fiber: Foods high in fiber help move stool through your bowel faster. It can also help
keep stools well formed. Try to eat at least 15 to 30 grams of fiber each day.
Drink water: Drinking lots of water helps to move stool through your bowel more easily.
Try to drink 2 to 3 liters of water each day.
Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help you stay regular and have easier bowel
routines. Try to do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise two times per week. Also, do
strength training at least 2 times per week.
Know your diet: Your diet can greatly affect your bowel routine. It often takes some trial
and error to find out what works for you.
Possible Problems
Changes in your bowel routine: Check your stool for colour, quantity, and consistency.
Your bowel routine can be affected by your diet or your health. Speak with your doctor if
you have major changes in your bowel routine or if you notice blood in your stool.
Hemorrhoids: A hemorrhoid is a small grape sized swelling of tissue around your anus.
During digital stimulation, you may notice hemorrhoids. They can cause small amounts of
blood on your finger or in your stool. If you have hemorrhoids, speak with your doctor.

Digital Stimulation
(Rectal Touches)
Autonomic dysreflexia (AD): Having a full bowel is one of the main causes of AD. AD
can also be caused by a full bladder or skin issues. If you have a complete spinal cord
injury at level T6 or above, you are at risk of having AD. AD is a dangerous rise in blood
pressure and is a medical emergency. If your blood pressure rises 20-40mmHg and you
have symptoms, you have AD. You need to do something right away. If not treated, AD
can cause stroke, seizures, and death. To learn more, check out the Spinal Cord
Essentials Autonomic Dysreflexia handout.
If you have symptoms of AD, you should empty your bladder and bowel as soon as
possible:
 Pounding headache  Nasal congestion

 Sweating or flushing of the face  Blurred vision
 Goose bumps  Seeing spots
 Increased muscle spasms  Nausea
 Metallic taste in your mouth  Difficulty breathing
 Feeling of anxiety  Slow heart rate
Sometimes digital stimulation can cause AD. Using a numbing gel can help. Speak to your
doctor about which gel is right for you.
For more about level of injury, check out the Spinal Cord Essentials Spinal Cord Injury
handout.


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Digital Stimulation

Contact your Doctor or Nurse for more information. SELF CARE

Contact your Doctor or Nurse for more information. SELF CARE

Tips for Staying Regular

Contact your Doctor or Nurse for more information. SELF CARE

 Pounding headache  Nasal congestion

Contact your Doctor or Nurse for more information. SELF CARE

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