Rectal dilator

{{short description|Medical device}}

File:Glore Psychiatric Museum - Rectal Dilators retouched.png.]]

A rectal or anal dilator is a medical device similar to a speculum designed to open and relax the internal/external anal sphincter and rectum in order to facilitate medical inspection or relieve constipation.{{citation |pages=200–201 |title=Digestive Endoscopy in the Second Millennium: From the Lichtleiter to Echoendoscopy |author=Francisco Vilardell |publisher=Thieme |year=2006 |isbn=9781588904201}} One early version of a rectal dilator was Dr. Young's Ideal Rectal Dilators, invented in 1892.{{cn|date=May 2022}}

Rectal dilators are also used as sex toys.{{cite journal |title=Sensual, Erotic, and Sexual Behaviors of Women from the "Kink" Community |author=Jennifer Eve Rehor |date=2013-04-24 |journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior |doi=10.1007/s10508-015-0524-2 |volume=44 |issue=4 |pages=825–836 |pmid=25795531 |pmc=4379392 |doi-access=free }}