The Big Ass Guide to Butt Plugs & Anal Play

Have you heard the call? The call of booty? If you're reading this guide, there's no doubt that you have — and that you want to be fully prepared before bringing home a butt plug! This butt plug guide will tell you everything you need to know about butt plugs so you can use them confidently, safely and pleasurably no matter your level of experience. 

 

 

Butt plugs are anal sex toys that tell you exactly what they're gonna do: plug your butt. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from small tapered shafts to long stems of beads in varying girths, and they're usually made of silicone, glass or stainless steel. Butt plugs will always have a large base or handle on the bottom to prevent them from reaching the point of no return, and to make them easy to remove in the safest, most comfortable way possible. 

So...why would someone want to shove a plug up their butt? Because the anus (particularly the sphincter) is lined with super sensitive nerve endings that can deliver over-the-top pleasure when stimulated correctly — so much so that many people can get off on anal stimulation alone. Butt plugs are also toys that can be enjoyed across genders, but in totally unique ways. For example, a butt plug can be used for prostate stimulation or for providing additional pressure on the rear vaginal wall to increase sensitivity during sex.

Butt plugs are quite popular in the BDSM community too, with Dominants using butt plugs on submissives as part of foreplay. However, a butt plug can be used by anyone looking for extra stimulation or trying to build up to anal sex. Since butt plugs can start out very small (sometimes only slightly wider than two fingers), they're ideal for acclimating your anus to the sensation of penetration before letting your partner bust down your back door with their penis or a strap-on. 

Before you even commit to a butt plug, though, test out the sensation using a single well-lubed finger. If that feels alright, try another finger and continue building up in this manner until you're fully comfortable and enjoying the experience. Anal stimulation isn't for everyone — after all, it can sometimes straight up feel like you need to go number two. But if you find you really dig it, a butt plug can help you explore the feeling.

 

 

So, you've decided you want a butt plug — woohoo! These toys can take your bedroom adventures to a whole new level and help you get to know your body better. But you shouldn't just buy the first one that catches your eye because it comes in a fun color or has a tail on the end. Butt plugs are very much toys that require you to start small and work your way up. Luckily, many manufacturers understand this and sell anal training kits containing 3 or more sizes to help you rise to the big leagues. 

Aside from choosing a small plug or a variety of sizes to build yourself up, you need to invest in some good lube. The rectum DOES NOT self-lubricate. Thus, it's crucial for you to help it along so you don't wind up tearing your skin or causing unpleasant pulling or stretching — these sensations are what turn people off to anal penetration. When choosing a lube, stay away from oil-based products, which break down latex, and silicone lubes if you're using a silicone toy. Silicone lubes are fine to use with glass or steel butt plugs, but if you want to play it ultra-safe, pick a quality water-based lube. 

Now for the fun part: how to actually use the butt plug. Like we mentioned, there are a lot of different styles, but they all follow the same basic principles. Use these butt plug anal sex tips for a rockin' time:

 

 

 

Cleaning your sex toys is important no matter what body part they've been in contact with, even if you used them with a condom. This is doubly true for butt plugs, since there's all kinds of butthole bacteria that can seriously throw off the vaginal ecosystem. Not to mention the potential of spreading STIs. 

The best butt plugs will have some measure of protection built right in. The three main materials used to make butt plugs (glass, stainless steel and silicone) are all nonporous, so they give bacteria far fewer places to hide and multiply. All three can be completely sanitized by boiling for a few minutes in water, as long as they don't have electronic components. Silicone can even be run through the dishwasher! If all else fails, use a good toy care fluid or foam, or wash them well with warm, soapy water. Finally, store your butt plugs in a safe place where they won't collect dust or bacteria. And remember to always store silicone toys apart from each other so they don't break each other down!

 

 

For Beginners 

For those of you who are a bit green to the anal experience, here's something pink: the Ouch! Pink Heart Gem Plug in Small. This modestly sized butt plug is 2.75 inches long and 3.5 inches in girth with a 3.6 inch base to easily insert and pull back out. It's also phthalate free and made of seamless aluminum alloy with no irritating nickle to worry about, so it's super body safe and easy to clean. It's a simple, totally beginner-friendly butt plug that anyone can get on board with — just look at the reviews!

 

 

Training Kits

Ready for an upgrade? Have the variety you need built right in with the Tailz White Fox Remote Vibrating Anal Plug. This colourful trio of butt plugs come in small (.9 inches), medium (1.1 inches) and large (4.9 inches) in diameter, and have a classic tapered shape that's sure to please. They also have circular bases to guard against too-deep penetration and make removal a breeze. Plus, they're so colorful! These butt plugs are great for taking your time and building your way up to bigger pleasures than you've ever experienced before. One 5-Star reviewer said:

 

 

Glass Butt Plugs

Want to experiment with new materials? Try out a glass butt plug! The Icicles No. 798 is made of skin-friendly, non-toxic, hypoallergenic Pyrex glass that can give you a little extra room for experimentation. How? Temperature play! Glass is super sensitive to temperature, so you can dunk the plug in either cold or warm water before using it to create exciting sensory variations. After you're done, this pretty plug can be boiled or run through the dishwasher (no soap) to totally sterilize it and have it ready for next time. Several reviewers have found the glass plug to be a perfect fit:

 

 

Aluminum/Steel Butt Plugs

If you're someone who's a little metal, you need a butt plug to match. The PinkCherry I Heart You Anal Plug is made of a seamless aluminum alloy that's safe for sensitive skin, ultra smooth and luxuriously weighty. The classic egg-like shape gradually swells to maximum thickness before tapering into a slim neck with a circular base topped with a sparkling pink gem. You're sure to feel full and fulfilled when you use this plug. And when you're done, just use warm soapy water and antibacterial toy cleaner to have it squeaky clean and ready for more fun. One 5-Star reviewer says:

 

 

Anal Beads

Anal beads are an extremely popular butt plug style that put anal stimulation into overdrive with their steadily increasing widths. PinkCherry Graduated Beads Anal Beads in Black  are perfect for those who are familiar with butt-play, as well as for those seeking out prostate stimulation. They have a wide handle for fantastic grip and are made of silky silicone for a supple, sensual experience. Get it nice and slick with your favorite water-based lube, then toss it in the pot to boil for an easy clean when you're all finished. The sensations these beads provide as they're pushed in and pulled out are, as one reviewer put it, "Wonderful":

 

 

Vibrating Butt Plugs

Want a butt plug that's extra titillating? The Ace Remote Vibrating Butt Plug, is a thick, silicone plug that glides effortlessly inside and buzzes away to utterly rock your world. The Ace Remote Vibrating Butt Plug features 6 patterns of throbbing backdoor vibration. The silicone warms naturally to your skin and is ultra-hygienic — just clean with warm soapy water to get it ready for your next round of playtime. One 5-Star reviewer wrote:

 

Butt Plugs with Tails

Who doesn't love the chance to be an animal in the sheets? With the Tailz White Fox Remote Vibrating Anal Plug, you can instantly send the sexiness of any moment through the roof. The super smooth, tapered metal plug is topped with a puffy black bunny tail that poofs out between your buttcheeks for a look that is downright...well, cheeky! Couple this plug with your favorite water-based lube for a silky, sexy experience you and your partner won't soon forget. It's also great for beginners, as one reviewer says: