Digital Stimulation - Spinal Cord Connections

Digital Stimulation 

Digital rectal stimulation is a technique used to start a bowel movement when the 

nerves that allow a person to control bowel movements are impaired. By gently touching 

the wall of the rectum, it will relax and open the passage and trigger muscle 

contractions, which push stool out of the body. Digital stimulation is also known by other 

names like “digital stim” or “rectal touches”. 

Advantages 

• Your bowel can be trained to go at specific times, so it does not interfere with your 

daily activities 

• Prevents bowel accidents (also called involuntaries), constipation and bowel 

obstruction. 

Positions 

• Sitting on a commode or raised toilet seat with a side cut out: easier to reach and 

gravity can assist. 

• Lying in bed: lying on your left side is more comfortable and easier to empty due to 

the shape of your bowel’s anatomy. 

• Sitting on a regular toilet reaching to the side or reaching behind: gravity can assist. 

Contact your Nurse for more information. 

Created by: Sharon Ryan Updated: 2011-03-01 

Disclaimer: Information is provided for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified health professional regarding specific medical concerns or 

treatment. Toronto Rehab does not assume and disclaims any liability to any party for any loss or damage by errors or omissions in this publication. 

©2010 Toronto Rehab. Material may be reproduced for noncommercial 

purposes only. www.spinalcordconnections.ca 

Client Name: Date given: SEL-BOW02


Procedure 

1. Gather supplies: gloves, wet wipes, lubricant, suppository, disposable blue pads, 

toilet paper, and plastic bag for waste. 

2. Lay out disposable blue pads under your hips if you are positioned in bed. 

3. Wash your hands and double glove one hand. 

4. Position yourself properly so that you are able to reach your anus. 

5. Lubricate your index finger with lots of 

lubricant – about the size of a quarter. 

6. Gently insert your finger into the rectum 

and move your finger in a circular motion 

against wall of rectum, for about 30 

seconds. Remove your finger and wait for 

stool to pass. Repeat this procedure every 

5-10 minutes until bowel is empty. 

7. Wait a couple more minutes for mucous 

and lubricant to drain. 

8. Clean anus and rectal area with wet wipes 

and place all used supplies into a plastic 

bag. Dispose into waste can. 

Note: Always use plenty of lubricant and be gentle. If you push or rotate your finger too 

roughly, you can irritate or tear the lining of the rectum or the anus. 

Signs that your bowel movement is done 

1. No stool has come out after two digital stimulations at least 10 minutes apart. 

2. You find mucous without any stool on your gloved finger. 

3. The muscles in the rectum become tight again and close around your finger. 

Check your stool for changes. 

If you notice changes in the colour, quantity, or consistency of your stool there may be a 

problem with your bowel program. If your routine takes much more than an hour, or if 

you notice blood in your stool, this may also signal a problem. Contact your health care 

provider. 









Suppository insertion (if necessary) 

1. If you have an injury above T12, you may need to start your bowel movement by 

inserting a suppository. Before insertion, check first to see if the rectum is full of 

stool. If so, you will need to remove some by breaking it up with a lubricated finger 

and gently removing it by hooking. This is so you can make sure the suppository is 

touching the wall of the rectum. 

2. Lubricate the suppository and your gloved finger. Insert suppository into the rectum 

while lying on your left side in bed and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Inserting the 

suppository in bed is preferred because it may fall out if inserted while sitting up on 

the commode. 

Autonomic Dysreflexia 

If your injury is T6 or higher, you need to be aware of the risk of autonomic dysreflexia. 

This is a sudden increase in blood pressure and it can result from irritation during digital 

stimulation. Symptoms include headache, sweating and chills. If you become 

dysreflexic, stop until you are feeling better. You may continue digital stimulation by 

using a topical anesthetic such as xylocaine jelly mixed with lubricant (Xylocaine alone 

can be too harsh). 

If you have problems with discomfort or autonomic dysreflexia, you should contact your 

health care provider. If your symptoms do not go away, go to your emergency room. 

Tips for Staying Regular 

• Food high in fibre helps to move stool through bowel at a faster rate 

• Drinking water throughout the day helps to move stool through more easily 

• Regular exercise is important in order to prevent constipation 

Hemorrhoids 

A hemorrhoid is a small grape-sized swelling of tissue surrounding your anus. During 

digital stimulation, you may notice hemorrhoids with your finger. You may also have 

small amounts of blood on your finger or in your stool. If you experience hemorrhoids, 

talk to your doctor. You may need to use extra lubricant for digital stimulation during this 

period. 

Notes:________________________________________________________________ 

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Digital Stimulation - Spinal Cord Connections

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