Hi Jake,
A bunch of my gay friends are planning to get “HoleTox” (a.k.a. Botox for the, um, backside) together and asked me if I wanted to join. At first I thought it was a joke but then I learned, actually, it’s a real thing that gay men are doing, especially in places like NYC and L.A. Apparently it can help bottoms who have a difficult time relaxing, especially if their partners are on the larger side. I need to know… Is this a real legit thing, or just some crazy fad being peddled by plastic surgeons and the Botox industry? Also, am I totally insane to want to try it?
Hole’ Lot of Uncertainty
How about we take this to the next level?
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Dear Hole’ Lot of Uncertainty,
Believe it or not, “HoleTox” is a real thing (they even did an exposé about it on the Howard Stern Show last week).
Originally, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the anal sphincter were found to help treat anal fissures, by relaxing the muscles and improving blood supply to the area. Of course, in doing so, some gay men realized secondary benefits to the practice that may increase sexual pleasure. (Who ever said the gays were not resourceful?!)
Botox temporarily blocks the signals between nerves and muscles, allowing the muscles relax so they can’t contract and cause wrinkles to form or deepen. When applied to the backside, a bottom won’t contract as much during penetration, potentially allowing for a less tense and more pleasurable experience, especially if their partner is, as you put it, on the larger side.
One of New York Cities top “HoleTox” providers, known as “Injector Chris“, sees multiple gay men every single week for such injections. He describes the treatment on his website as the following:
“Patients receive HoleTox, otherwise known as anal botox, to make receiving anal sex (bottoming) easier. Anal botox can be used to prevent anal fissures and hemorrhoids, both of which are common occurrences in the bottoming community. Anal fissures are tears or ulcers in the lining of the anus that cause extreme discomfort, Botox for anal fissures can help treat and ease this discomfort.”
He goes on to outline their approach to the cutting edge practice:
“Anal botox allows relaxation of the internal anal sphincter muscles and the overlying skin. This relaxation can aid patients who suffer from recurring fissures and/or allow for easier dilation during penetrative anal sex (bottoming). Botox for anal fissures can help prevent future damage to the anal cavity and can result in a more enjoyable sexual experience.”
So, partly medical, partly pleasurable, partly… insane? That’s up to each individual person, including yourself, to consider before proceeding.
Like any voluntary procedure that involves altering one’s body or body mechanisms, it’s important to take a look at the why, and truly unpack it. If bottoming with less discomfort is really important to you, and you’ve struggled with it, then maybe “HoleTox” makes sense for you. If you’re doing it to please others or go along with your friends, but it’s not actually something you care much about, that’s another story.
Like any medical procedure, there’s bound to be some risks, including potential loss of control of the sphincter, (causing mild incontinence or difficulty controlling gas), infection, and of course it’s temporary nature (effects typically last 3-6 months). Then, there’s also the cost. Inspector Chris’s website touts a hefty fee of $900 for 100 units.
So, while “HoleTox” is not illegitimate, I would strongly consider your priorities before proceeding.
Bottoming can also be made easier in other ways, besides shooting toxin into your hole, including taking it slow, feeling comfortable with your partner, lube, etc. And of course, there’s many other ways to enjoy sexual activity with a partner besides receptive penetration.
As with any decision, take the time to do your research. Talk to friends who’ve gone through it and ask about their experiences, and most importantly, check in with yourself. Is this truly something you want or need? If the answer is no, remember that injecting this toxin might not just affect your body—it could also poison your mental health.
Ask Jake is our advice column by Queerty editor and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Jake Myers. If you have a question for Jake, email [email protected], or contact him through his LGBTQ therapy platform.
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