When it comes to butt plugs, most people who like them really, really like them. On the other hand, folks who have never tried an anal plug may not see the appeal. Buttplugs are one of those ‘if you know, you know’ things. Sure, there are many intrepid sexual explorers who have “use a butt plug” listed on their sexual bucket list, but others turn red and dissolve into giggles at the mere mention of these anal wonder sex toys. So today, we’re taking back to (butt) basics and answering the BIG question: Why do people wear butt plugs?
Whether you’re curious about butt play or have always wondered what butt plugs even do/are for, this one's for you. Read on to learn what butt plugs are, why people wear them, how to pick out a butt plug of your own, and how to play safe once you do. Hold on tight, folks, because it’s time to dive into the world of butt plugs!
What are butt plugs?
A butt plug is a toy designed specifically to go into the anus. Butt plugs often feature a tapered shape (thinner up top, thicker below), which makes insertion easier, but there are other shapes, including rounded, textured, and reverse-tapered, too. The larger, penetrable end of the anal plug is usually connected to a thinner neck or stem and finishes off with a flared base to keep the plug safely anchored outside the body. Though size and shape may vary from plug to plug, the format of insertable portion + neck + flared base is pretty standard.
That base, by the way, is crucial when it comes to butt plugs and any anal toy. Why? It’s very possible for items inserted into the anus to penetrate too far and require medical intervention to remove. Let’s just avoid that scenario, shall we?
Butt plugs are unique in that they can be used in conjunction with many other adult sex toys and during many sexual activities (intercourse included). Additionally, they can be used to stimulate the anus in preparation for anal sex. Depending on the shape, butt plugs can provide prostate or g-spot stimulation, and some even feature vibration or rotation.
Why do people like to use butt plugs?
The simplest answer here is probably the best one: people like to use butt plugs and anal beads because they feel good. That said, we can definitely talk a bit about why butt plugs feel good and what you or your partner(s) might get out of wearing one.
To understand where the sexual pleasure factor comes from, it’s important to remember that not only is the anus packed with nerve endings, but it is also conveniently adjacent to the prostate and the G-spot, depending on your internal anatomy. All of this means that stimulating the anus has tons of potential for tons of sexual pleasure!
Let’s get specific about some of the reasons folks might use a butt plug:
Prostate stimulation
If you’ve got a prostate (a small gland that is about the size of a walnut located between the base of the penis and the rectum), you might find that using a butt plug can stimulate it, which can feel really really good, and even lead to a prostate orgasm.Sound good? There are plenty of butt plugs - they’re usually curvy or strategically swollen - shaped to target the prostate.
Double penetration
There are many reasons someone with a vagina might enjoy a butt plug, and here’s a big one: it can provide the sensation of double penetration. Double penetration (being penetrated in both the vagina and anus simultaneously) is a popular sexual fantasy, but it’s an act that can be logistically tricky. Wearing a butt plug during penis (or dildo)-in-vagina intercourse is an easy way to deliver that DP sensation.
Anal sex prep
Lots of folks enjoy anal sex, but the anus can be very tight, and its skin can be very delicate. Using a well-lubed butt plug for bit of penetrative “warm up” before anal sex or deeper anal exploration can make things more comfortable.
Dominance and submission
For folks who are into BDSM, butt plugs can be a fun part of dominance and submission games. One example would be when a dominant orders their sub to wear a butt plug during the day under threat of (consensual) punishment if they remove it.
To add a little spice
Butt plugs are great for folks who want to add a little something to their sexual repetoire because they can be worn while you do the other stuff you enjoy doing. Think of butt plugs as a new spice added to a favorite dish.
Now that we know some of the reasons why someone might want to wear a butt plug let’s talk about how to go about choosing the plug for you or your partner.
Choosing a butt plug
Butt plugs come in a truly shocking amount of styles and aesthetics. Do you like bling? There are plugs for that. Want some badass steel? There are plugs for that, too. Rainbows, a horse (or bunny, raccoon, fox, or unicorn) tail, a peephole that allows your partner to look directly into you? These are all options. So, how do you start? Here are some things to think about that will help you zero in on your ideal butt plug:
Material
Like most other toys, including dildos and vibrators, butt plugs are made out of a whole lot of different materials. I advise choosing something nonporous (no little nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide in) and something easy to clean because, well, it’s going into (and coming out of) your butt. Silicone, glass (no, it won’t shatter, I promise), and steel are some of my top recommendations when it comes to butt plugs.
Size
Butt plugs come in sizes ranging from “comparable to a pinky” to “Good god! That’s going where?!?!” If you are new to plugs, it’s a good idea to start small. If you know you’ll want to go bigger eventually, there are plenty of anal training kits and plug collections that feature an assortment of different sizes. That said, you can also buy a single small plug and use that forever. It’s all up to you.
Shape
There is also variety when it comes to butt plug shapes. Some are slim and sleek, while others are rounder and fuller. Some plugs have long necks, and others have very short ones. Shape preference can be something you figure out by using different plugs.
Features
Do you want your plug to do other stuff? Vibrate? Light up? Expand? Look around to see what sounds fun to you.
Once you’ve picked a plug, how do you go about using it? Let’s talk about it!
Tips for using butt plugs
First off, you might be wondering Are butt plugs safe? Yes, they are. Using a butt plug is actually pretty straightforward, but here are some tips to make sure you’re safe and comfortable so you can get the absolute most out of your butt plug experience. Also, if you’re wondering Are butt plugs safe, the answer is that yes, they are, if used safely and correctly.
Relax
Earlier, I mentioned how the anus sphincter muscles are naturally tight. This is a good thing anatomically, but it requires a little/a lot of patience in terms of anal penetration. Plus, the automatic response to something approaching the anal sphincter is to clench. To avoid all that tension, take some time to relax. A warm bath or hot shower can work wonders.
Lube
You want to use lube. A lot of it. The anus does not self-lubricate, so in order to avoid damaging delicate butt tissue, lube is a must. For anal play with toys, I recommend a thick water based lube.
Take your time
Ease into anal play before you insert anything in your anus. Maybe use your fingers (or a partner’s fingers) to gently massage the area around your anus.
Exhale and push out
When its time to insert the plug, go slow and know that it might take some time. Also, use your breath and your muscles to make it a little easier. When it’s time to push the (well-lubricated) plug in, take a deep breath and then insert the plug as you exhale. Also, as counter-intuitive as it sounds gently pushing out like you would to poop can relax the muscles and make insertion more comfortable.
When you are done
When you want to remove the plug, you can add some more lube, grasp the base and gently ease the plug out as you exhale. Wash your plug with warm water and soap before putting it away. If you notice minor soreness, know that that is normal and should go away within a day. If you experience lingering pain, please consult a doctor.
So, that’s the story on butt plugs and why people wear them. From anal stimulation to domination and submission, there are a whole lot of reasons to give butt plugs a try. If, now that you know the what, the why, and the how, you think you might want to give it a try, check out Pink Cherry’s selection of butt plugs, anal toys, prostate stimulators, lubricants, and more!
