Botox has a whole host of uses beyond smoothing out wrinkles, helping with everything from excessive sweating to jaw clenching.

Now, it’s also being employed in more innovate (and intimate) ways, with so-called ‘HoleTox’ serving to improve people’s sex lives and combat a range of uncomfortable health issues.

As the name suggests, this procedure involves the botulinum toxin being injected into the anal sphincter, either under anaesthesia or with localised numbing agents.

The thought may make you clench, but it’s not the back door Botox you’ve been warned about. In fact, aesthetic doctor Dr Richard Devine describes it as ‘a quick, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in a clinic setting.’

Some people get HoleTox – the trademarked name owned by Lushful Aesthetics – for strictly medical reasons, primarily as a treatment for chronic anal fissures (small tears in the lining of the anus).

Although surgery and topical creams or ointments are typically offered first, studies show that fissures heal in around six to eight out of 10 people who have Botox injections, and the NHS considers it an ‘off-label’ treatment option.

‘The toxin works by temporarily relaxing the muscle, which helps ease tension,’ Dr Devine tells Metro. ‘This increases blood flow to the area, which can help with healing of anal fissures or sores.’

This relaxant effect can also be beneficial for constipation, and in some cases alleviate anorectal and pelvic pain or haemorrhoid-related discomfort.

For others though, HoleTox ensures pleasure doesn’t turn to pain when it comes to anal sex.

Lushful Aesthetics, a US-based clinic chain offers it as a signature procedure to ‘aid patients who suffer from recurring fissures and/or allow for easier dilation during penetrative anal sex (bottoming).’

‘Botox for anal fissures from an aesthetic clinic can also help prevent future damage to the anal cavity and can result in a more enjoyable sexual experience,’ it adds.

In the past, this effect would be achieved through a course of anal dilation, which can take anywhere between several weeks to several months. But HoleTox results take full effect about two weeks after treatment, with effects lasting up to four months, making this a preferable solution for some (albeit alongside regular dilation and using lubrication during sex).

However, it’s a fair bit more expensive than a set of butt plugs. According to Dr Devine, anal Botox will typically cost between £400 to £800 per session, depending on the clinic and purpose of the treatment.

It’s not without risk either, from temporary loss of bowel control to mild flu-like symptoms. In most cases, side effects are minimal, but like any other medical procedure, HoleTox shouldn’t be taken lightly.

If you’re considering having this treatment, make sure it’s administered by a trained professional in a clinical setting. It’s also a good idea to speak to your GP or colorectal specialist first, as they can help you decide whether it’s the right option for you.

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