Anal sex

How to Insert a Butt Plug: A Beginner’s Guide

Published: AUGUST 13, 2024

Hey there, fellow pleasure seekers! Are you ready to go on an exciting deep dive into anal discovery? The anus is a universal sex organ that everyone can enjoy – and the butt plug is not just any sex toy; it's your best flared friend waiting to show you what's waiting for you at the back door.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, these sex toys are designed to bring a whole new dimension to anal pleasure. With a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials to choose from, butt plugs are the ultimate tool to make your ass feel really good.

And you don't have to go all-in, aka penetration, for anal play to tap into all those yummy nerve endings. External stimulation, like rimming or playing with the perineum, also feels fantastic.

So why not take the plunge and explore the stimulating world of anal play? Let's learn how to use a butt plug!

Read More: What is a Butt Plug?

Why use a butt plug?

Why do people use butt plugs? Emily May, AASECT certified sex therapist and writer at Private Sugar Club, says butt plugs can provide incredible new sensations and make your orgasms even better.

"The sensation of fullness can be incredibly arousing and, when paired with other forms of stimulation, can lead to mind-blowing climaxes."

Anal plugs are also a great introduction to anal sex for those who are curious but hesitant, allowing them to experiment with anal play before diving in (or letting someone else dive in).

"They help your body acclimate to the sensation of anal penetration," Hewitt says. She adds, "They're incredibly pleasurable on their own or as part of a more complex play."

These experimentations can make subsequent anal experiences smoother and more enjoyable. Butt plugs are excellent tools for anal training as well. Gradually increasing the size of the butt plug helps prepare the anus for penetration by a penis or a sex toy.

Certified sex educator with Adulttoymegastore and host of the Electric Rodeo podcast Emma Hewitt advises those with a prostate, "Choose a plug with a curved or bulbous tip to target the prostate effectively."

Butt plugs definitely aren't just for penis owners, though. The internal structure of the clitoris, which extends far beyond the visible nub, can also be indirectly stimulated through anal play.

"The clitoris is like an iceberg," Hewitt explains, "with its internal legs and bulbs enhancing the pleasure of vaginal and anal stimulation alike."

For women and other people with vaginas, butt plugs are also an excellent way to explore double penetration.

Types of Butt Plugs

Butt plugs come in a range of sizes, materials (silicone, metal, glass), and shapes (round, tapered, flared) to suit every desire. Some vibrate, pulse, or feature textured surfaces, while others sport tails or attachments. With so many options, you'll find the perfect plug to elevate your bum fun.

Read More: Anal Sex Toys 101

How to use and remove a butt plug

Now that you know a little more about butt plugs, let's talk about how you can actually use one, solo or with a partner.

Prepping

New to butt plugs? Opt for a smaller size, gradually increasing as you become more comfortable. Remember, it's all about gentle exploration and building confidence. A smaller plug will help you ease into the experience, ensuring a pleasurable and pain-free introduction to the world of butt play.

For butt plug play, choose a thick, silicone-based lube specifically designed for anal play that won't dry out quickly. This will ensure a comfortable, smooth ride and reduce friction.

Apply a generous amount to the plug and your anus, but avoid overdoing it to prevent a mess. Remember, you can always add more.

Insertion

Hewitt emphasizes the importance of safe techniques when using a butt plug.

"Anal play can be dangerous as the skin inside the anus is so delicate," she warns, citing the risk of tears or fissures from using a toy that's too big or without proper lubrication.

To make insertion easy, Hewitt recommends getting aroused and relaxed, which will help relax the sphincter muscles. For a smooth insertion, she recommends stimulating the anus gradually, starting with the outside and working your way in with a finger or smaller toy. Don't jump straight to a large plug, and consider using an anal training kit to prepare your body beforehand.

Read More: Plugs and Beads: How to Get Started With Anal Sex Toys

When you're ready to actually insert the butt plug, slowly increase the insertion depth over time, allowing your body to adjust and relax with each gentle push. How your body is positioned during insertion is key. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you.

Lying down on your back or side can provide easy access and relaxation while squatting can help you feel more in control. Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart can also work well, especially if you're using a mirror to guide you.

And if there's any semblance of pain, Jones says stop immediatelyanal play shouldn't hurt. Oh, and don't forget to use a lubricant specifically designed for anal play.

Sex expert Carmel Jones at The Big Fling, says the most important parts of butt plug play aren't even about the insertion, though.

"Remember to take your time, breathe deeply, and communicate with your partner (if you have one) to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience."

Removing a butt plug is a lot easier than inserting it. Just relax in any position you are most comfortable in, grab the flared base, take a deep breath, and pull gently until the plug pops out.

It's crucial to clean the plug thoroughly after every use, washing it with soap and warm water to prevent bacterial buildup and maintain optimal hygiene.

Anal Aftercare

Hewitt notes that anal play can be intense, especially for newcomers, and recommends prioritizing aftercare to decompress and relax afterward.

"Take care afterward to ensure you can decompress from the experience with whatever makes you feel happy and relaxed," she advises.

Read More: 5 Ways to Use Butt Plugs to Take Your Sex Life to the Next Level

The Bottom Line

Butt plugs are a game-changer for pleasure seekers, and they're excellent tools for anal training, helping to gradually stretch and prepare the body for more comfortable anal play.

In short, butt plugs offer a double whammy of pleasure and practicality. What's not to love?

Ready to get started? Here are our favorite butt plugs for beginners:

Ryn Pfeuffer

Ryn Pfeuffer is a versatile print and digital writer specializing in sex, lifestyle, and relationship topics. She got her start in the mid-90s at the Philadelphia Weekly, managing a 10-page section of the newspaper and more than 500 lonely hearts.Her professional stock skyrocketed when she started writing a saucy (and pre-Carrie-Bradshaw-era) dating advice column called “Ask Me Anything.” She appeared regularly on local radio stations and late-night TV as an expert on everything from grooming...

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