Pegging 101: A Doctor Answers Your Most Curious Questions

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What if you could ask your own family physician their recommendation for a good anal pegging experience? 

For most of you, that is an impossibility for your imagination, let alone your reality. It’s understandable. Most people aren’t comfortable discussing sexual topics, even with their own doctors. And, most physicians receive less than eight hours of sexual health training in medical school. Even then, the majority of their sexual health curriculum focuses on sexually transmitted diseases

Since the basis for my own PhD was specifically in human sexuality, I’m happy to share in-depth, helpful information about pegging. Are you curious? Let’s get started!


Pegging 101: The Basics

What is pegging? According to Wikipedia, pegging is a sexual practice in which a female performs anal sex on a male by penetrating his anus with a strap-on dildo. 

People are becoming more curious with their sexual adventures and as a byproduct of this exploration, practices that used to be considered kinky or off-limits are becoming more acceptable. The prevalence of pegging has helped many couples find new ways to expand their pleasure options.

Pegging might be an expected anal phenomenon considering the rectum has thousands of nerve endings that make it an enriched pleasure region. The more that people explore this erogenous zone, the more they discover how good anal stimulation can feel. Many couples have found that they both have stronger orgasms with anal sex play.

Another element of pegging’s popularity may be attributed to more and more millennials considering anal play on the same level as oral sex and prefer it to vaginal penetration since there’s no danger of pregnancy. 

At the other end of the spectrum, many Baby Boomers are discovering that anal play focusing on prostate massage has health benefits. Prostate play can help keep sperm healthy, as well as extend ejaculation and create stronger erections. Plus, according to the Boston University School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School studies, men who ejaculate 21 times or more during a one month period were less likely to develop prostate cancer. 

  

Pegging 101: Start Here 

You want to try pegging – but where do you start? Just like with anything else new – start slow. 

Before you even think about putting on a strap-on harness, start your initial anal exploration with a well-lubricated finger or a very slim anal plug. The better prepared you are, the more pleasurable your experience will be. That’s why all anal exploratory sessions should start with foreplay. 

I’ve found with my own patients that communication is as important as foreplay. 

Discuss your desires, expectations, and possible reservations with your partner well before your first attempt at pegging. Talking about your upcoming pegging experience can also serve as mental foreplay leading up to the event itself. By the way, this process can be a huge turn-on in itself!


#1 - Choose Your Anal Pegging Sex Toy First

This is your first step because the right size and shape for you and your partner is the most important decision you’ll make. I suggest starting with a small, beginner anal plug or anal trainer set with graduated sizes, but really this decision depends on your personal preference. 

Make sure you choose a shape that has a flange or suction cup bottom that is strap-on compatible. 

Flanges are particularly important for anal toys since there is a great deal of suction at the entrance to the anus and rectum, and once something passes sphincter muscles it can be drawn up further into your body via this vacuum effect. 

For those above-mentioned health benefits, consider an anal plug with a curve that can massage the prostate gland. The prostate gland is considered the male version of the G-spot and stimulating it can be extremely pleasurable. 

Factor in material choice as well. While flexibility is important, choosing plugs made of silicone can add additional comfort and hygiene. Silicone is easy to clean, quickly warms to body temperature, and is known to be practically poreless, making it less likely to harbor bacteria. 


#2 – Select Your Strap-on Harness

Once you find the right size, shape, and material of your pegging toy, then you can determine which strap-on harnesses will work with your choice.

Many people are so focused on the attachment that they forget to spend time finding the appropriate pegging strap-on for their needs. But, you’re in luck! Today’s harnesses are both stylish, functional, and adaptable to fit a variety of body sizes and sex toy options. 

Keep in mind that the goal of your harness should be to sturdily hold the pegging attachment in a comfortable, hands-free manner. And the fit should hold the pegging toy against your body strongly enough to support thrusting – even gentle thrusting. 

One of my personal favorite strap-on recommendations for comfort and control is a harness brief. They slip on like a pair of sexy boyshorts, while keeping your pegging toy comfortably secure. 

While boyshorts are definitely an alluring option, there are other strap-on harnesses that offer body-complimentary designs, such as a Everlaster Stud Strap-On Harness , or unique color options, such as a purple color

Feeling sexy and confident when wearing your strap-on harness can elevate your arousal, which translates into a better partner experience for both of you. 


#3 – Don’t Forget the Anal Lubricant!

Anal lubricant is essential. Period. 

The rectum doesn’t self-lubricate. So, it’s my recommendation to use a lot of lubricant and reapply as often as needed. And then, reapply some more. Trust me. 

Let’s explore your anal lubrication options. 

Silicone lubricants are more popular for anal play than water-based lubricant because they can last longer and have a slicker formula. However, because the rectal canal is a moisture permeable membrane capable of transmitting soluble chemicals into the bloodstream, I personally suggest you consider water-based lubricants that have less chemicals and are easier for clean-up with no residue. 

PinkCherry offers a unique, high-quality water-based anal lubricant. Being water-based, its formula is also compatible with silicone pegging toys. Just in case you didn’t know, using a silicone lubricant with silicone products can degrade the material. So, this lubrication formula is ideal for those of you who choose silicone sex toys. 

Lubricants are a personal preference, but I advise taking time to learn about the different options that are available. And, if you have questions – please send them my way! 


Pegging 101: Be Prepared 

Let’s quickly review your Pegging Preparation List-

  You’re selected a small, slender anal toy to initially experiment with?

√  You’ve chosen your pegging sex toy?

√  You’ve selected your strap-on harness?

√  You have plenty of anal lubricant on hand?

√  You’ve practiced good communication with your partner and you’re both ready?

 

If you’ve checked off everything on your Pegging Preparation List, you’re ready to try pegging!

  

Pegging 101: Most Common Questions 

What’s the best beginner’s position for pegging sex?

My go-to tip, especially for beginners, is to have the receiving partner back up onto their partner’s anal pegging toy. This way the receiving partner can be in control of the speed, depth, and movement, which will allow for a more enjoyable experience. 

Also, laying on your side with your legs bent at the knees and pulled forward slightly is the best position for rectal muscles to be totally at ease. Try a spooning position where your partner backs upthis may be the most comfortable option for a first-timer.


What’s an important thing to remember about pegging? 

I tell people to always go slow and don’t force anything – be it an anal plug, a pegging toy or a penis. 

There are two ringed sphincter muscles, internal and external, and just like any other muscle in your body, there is a possibility of a muscle tear or injury. This is why it’s very important to use ample amounts of lubricant, and to relax and take your time. 


Is there a sex toy that will help me prepare for pegging? 

I think it’s a great option to try wearable plugs. Especially anal trainer plugs where you can start small and go bigger over a period of time. It’s ok if it takes a few weeks to physically prepare yourself for partnered pegging. 

Another benefit of wearable anal plugs is that both partners may be mentally stimulated by knowing that one of them is wearing a small anal plug. There’s something incredibly arousing about wearing a slender anal plug during dinner that your partner will remove later as foreplay. And, ultimately, this type of preparation will also make anal sex play more comfortable as well. 


Pegging 101: I Saved the Best For Last – Anal Orgasms

Don’t be surprised if there’s an anal orgasm in your future! 

Many couples have found that they both have stronger orgasms with anal sex play and discover their bodies are very responsive to pegging. 

Pegging can be a way to share sex play experiences that are intense and bonding for both partners.


Pegging 101: One Last Detail To Remember

It’s important to clean your sex toys before and after each use. 

Especially with anal toys that can come in contact with bacteria, be sure to wash them prior to, and after, pegging. 

With an anti-bacterial cleanser or spray toy cleaner, it only takes a couple of minutes to keep your sex toys clean and hygienic. 

Have you tried pegging? Are you planning to? I would love to hear from you! Share your experiences and anal pegging adventures. Or, do you have a question about pegging? Let me know! I am here to help.

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Dr. Sunny Rodgers is a clinician, author, and speaker who has worked in the wellness industry since 2000. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality, a Master of Arts in Clinical Sexology, and is an accredited Sexual Health Educator. She is the Founder of The Institute of Intimate Health, an Ambassador for the American Sexual Health Association, regular lecturer for the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Sexual Confidence Coach for the Marigold App, and a professional Sex Toy Concierge™. Rodgers hosted a popular weekly show on Playboy Radio, has been an expert guest on several TV and radio programs, and is a regular contributor to HuffPost, Men's Health, Cosmo, Bustle, and many more publications.