A method is disclosed for absorbing anal leakage, such as fecal material, blood or
flatulence. The method includes positioning an intergluteal absorbent pad external to the anal orifice of a subject such that the pad is retained between the
buttocks, and any
discharge from the
anus is absorbed by the
absorbent material of the pad. The pad has a smaller minor portion superimposed on a larger major portion, and the smaller minor portion is inserted as a
leading edge between the gluteals of the subject to facilitate
insertion by gradually moving the gluteals apart. The smaller minor portion of the pad is positioned against the anal orifice to minimize pressure exerted in this sensitive area, while the larger major portion is retained in the less sensitive intergluteal space. The major portion conforms to the
soft tissue of the gluteals, and is large enough to help retain the pad frictionally in place without any
adhesive or garment to hold it in place. The pad can have a variety of shapes, including
major and minor portions that are portions of spheres or ellipsoids, or which are elongated and have cross-sections that are circular or
ellipsoid.
Insertion and retention of the pad adjacent to the
anus helps alleviate symptoms of the
hemorrhoids, absorbs leakage (such as fecal material or medication), and can also be used as a reservoir to administer medication.