Why did the butt needle disappear?

Title: The Disappearance of the 'Butt Needle': A Shift in Medical Practices Raises Concerns Among Netizens

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17 October 2023

In recent years, an increasing number of people have been expressing their concerns about the seemingly sudden disappearance of rectal injections – commonly referred to as "pocket needles" or "butt needles". This method of administering medication involves directly injecting drugs into muscle tissue for rapid absorption and distribution, offering advantages such as efficient drug delivery and larger dosages. However, it has been observed that the practice is being replaced by other methods, sparking discussions among netizens on Weibo about its potential drawbacks and the reasons behind its disappearance.

As soon as the phrase "pocket needle" appears, a sharp pain sets in for many individuals born between the 1980s and 1990s. The memory of this method is not only emotionally charged but also physically so, as it has often been associated with discomfort and pain. This sentiment is reflected in numerous Weibo posts expressing resistance to hospital visits for injections, fear of the painful experience, and resistance to change in medical procedures.

One netizen shares their personal experience: "When I was little, the most frightening thing was a needle in my buttock, and there wasn't such a painful feeling on the arm." They express concern about the disappearance of rectal injections, questioning whether it is a real improvement in treatment methods or simply a change for the sake of change.

Another netizen recalls their previous experience with an allergic reaction to an injection: "Before being injected as a child, please tell the nurse auntie to give me a light injection." They lament the fact that rectal injections have become too painful over the years and express a desire to avoid such procedures in the future.

Despite the disappearance of rectal injections, their use has been highlighted as effective in certain situations. A netizen shares their recent experience with flu A and high fever due to a positive infection: "In March this year, the flu A and high fever caused by a positive infection could not be reduced. I had to go to the hospital and inject this medication. It is very useful, but especially painful! Painful when injected and after injection for days on end!"

The disappearance of rectal injections has led to discussions about where alternative injections should be administered, with some netizens expressing concern over the choice of location: "Where should I inject now?". Others have shared experiences from their youth, detailing holes left from previous injections and their lingering discomfort.

In conclusion, while rectal injections remain a useful method for administering medication due to their efficiency and larger dosages, the shift towards other methods of administration has been met with resistance from many netizens who remember the practice as particularly painful. As medical practices continue to evolve, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to consider patient comfort and preferences in treatment decisions. The discussion on Weibo highlights the importance of open dialogue between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that advancements in medicine are made with the best interest of the patient in mind.