If you’re a newcomer, try a small, tapered anal toy such as a butt plug, anal beads or a curved prostate stimulator. We recommend starting with a toy not much bigger than your finger. Make sure to check size specifications before your purchase to make sure the size is right for you. Vibrating anal toys may also help your body relax and ease the way into pleasurable anal play.

While you can use both for anal play, butt plugs are designed for the user to feel full, to practice for anal sex and/or to enjoy different sensations, like vibration, thrusting, inflation, rotation and more! They’re suitable for all bodies and come in a variety of sizes, materials, shapes and functions. Anal beads are another way you can explore anal sensations. The beads graduate from smallest to largest, and some folks enjoy pulling the beads out during climax. Both can help you unlock the pleasures of anal play.

Anal should never hurt, and if it does, you’re definitely doing it wrong. When exploring anal as a beginner, it’s very important to be patient and understand your own limits. Start small, with plenty of lubricant, and try to relax as much as you can. If you feel any discomfort or pain, back out and wait a little. It could take some time for anal to start feeling pleasurable, but the wait is definitely worth it!

You can clean your anal toys with toy cleaner or mild soap and hot water. We recommend gentle cleansers and washing before and after each use for the best results. Store away from children and pets and out of direct sunlight.

If you have a douche, fill the squeezable bulb with lukewarm water or a body-safe saline solution, attach the nozzle and squirt the liquid inside the rectum before expelling it. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. Wait 10–20 minutes before anal play, as some liquid may get trapped inside and you may wish to expel that too.

Medical grade silicone, latex, rubber, TPE, metal, and glass are all okay to use for anal play. Make sure your toys are smooth, tapered, and come with a flared base to prevent the toy from slipping inside. Don’t overstretch or exert yourself. The anal cavity is sensitive and prone to tears, which may lead to discomfort and/or infections, so we recommend using lots of lubricant, clean toys and appendages, and taking it slow.

Anyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation can use anal toys. Many people both male, female and non-binary enjoy anal play. Using anal toys or having anal sex does not change your orientation and is simply another form of sex and pleasure that any consenting adult may take part in if they so choose.

Weighted anal toys have a more noticeable presence and are often used in preparation for anal sex. Some users find weighted plugs more pleasurable as it increases the sensation of feeling full and can provide unique sensations during sex.