Butt Toy Basics

Every year at the Pleasure Chest, we celebrate #AnalAugust. It’s a great opportunity for us to educate and celebrate the often misunderstood backdoor and all of it’s wonderful pleasure opportunities. When people think of “anal sex” they often assume it to mean penetration with a penis or dildo. We like to define sex much more broadly to cover any kinds of stimulation that create pleasure. Although some people may work up to and find great pleasure from being penetrated anally with a penis or a larger toy, there’s also a wide array of toys for the rest of us who aren’t quite there yet.

Butt are you ready??

We’ve assembled this handy how-to for anyone looking for an anal toy. Remember, this orifice is pretty picky about who and what gets inside it, so relax and choose wisely.

Where to start?

A long-lasting lubricant is the first purchase anyone looking to explore backdoor play should make. Why? Because the ass does not self lubricate. Let’s say it together – THE ASS DOES NOT SELF LUBRICATE! There is a mucus membrane in the rectum that provides some very light lubrication at first but with friction or movement it wears off and lube is essential for a pleasurable anal play experience. When picking a lubricant for your ass, make sure to get something that will not absorb into the skin too quickly. The best options are silicone lubricants that do not absorb into the skin at all. A Pleasure Chest fave is Uberlube because it does not have unnecessary ingredients or byproducts added to it and it comes in a classy glass bottle. Thick water-based lubes, like Sliquid Sea are also great because they last longer than thinner formulas. Some folks even love oil-based lubricants for anal play because they also last a long time.

Need more info on lube for anal sex? Read more here!

Choose the right lube!

What exactly can I put in my ass?

There are a few different types of anal toys. The most important rule of butt toys is to never put anything in your ass that doesn't have a flared base! Like we say: without a base, without a trace! The suction that is created by the contraction and release of the sphincter muscles can pull something without a base into your rectum. Please trust us. We don’t want anyone stuck at the ER trying to explain how they "accidentally" slipped and fell ass-first onto a cucumber.

HERE'S A BRIGHT IDEA: DO'T DO THIS.

Why use a butt toy?

The highest concentration of nerve endings in the ass is right around the anus and just inside. Toys can feel amazing on those oft-neglected nerve endings around and inside the asshole. Stimulation brings blood to the area, which makes for a healthier hole. In fact, prostate massage is pleasurable and beneficial to physical health because it helps maintain the elasticity of the tissue. Plugs and beads are great preparation for anal sex with a penis or dildo. And, last but not least, the anus is our equal-opportunity orifice in that everyone has one, and inside all of us is the potential to enjoy ass play.

How do I use an anal toy?

You can use anal toys solo, during intercourse, during oral sex, as prep for anal penetration or wear a butt plug to your ceramics class at the learning annex. It’s kind of your call. Never rush your partner or yourself, and don’t go jamming things inside you without any lube or warming up (you know, with backdoor foreplay likerimming, or gently inserting a finger).

Butt plugs are a great place to start. Plugs are designed to be worn in the ass for a period of time, giving it a sense of fullness. They come in a variety of shapes, but the main things to look for are a tapered bottom to help it stay in and a flared base. Even better, look for a base that is designed to be hugged perfectly by your cheeks, like the silicone Fun Factory Bootie, Njoy Pure Plugs, or the Tantus Little Flirt. The really fun thing about plugs is that they can be worn during sex or other kinds of play to increase sensation and orgasmic response (or during that boring budgeting meeting to add a little spice to your day)!

Plug life.

Anal beads please on the way in and delight on the way out. Use them for an anal sex warm-up, getting accustomed to the feeling of in and out penetration, or to enhance your climax during intercourse or oral. We don’t recommend anal beads with string because the fabric can cause small tears that can lead to irritation and increased risk of infection. Anal beads come in all sizes, from small for beginners, like Casanova, to extra large, like Tantus Cowboy. Some even have graduated sized beads to work your way up, like the B-Vibe Triplet. The main attraction to anal beads is the feeling, texture, and anticipation of each bead upon insertion or removal. Some people like to have sex with anal beads inserted and pull them out at orgasm for extra sensation. This is fine, in theory, but don’t pull on it like you’re starting a lawn mower. The rectum will not be pleased.

The need for beads.

Any dildo with a flared base is also great for anal play because you can customize the size, but we super-highly recommend non-porous materials, like silicone and stainless steel. You can utilize dildos in a strap-on for an added dynamic in your play. A good place to start for anal dildos is the Vixen Mistress because of its slim shape, ideal length, and silicone material. If you're curious about pegging (bending your partner over and fucking them in the ass) but aren't sure where to start, the Tantus Bend Over Beginner Kit has everything you need. Or, you can explore temperature play with the handheld Njoy Fun Wand, which is curved on one end for G or P-spot play and features graduated bulbs on the other for a unique anal experience.

The Real Dil!

Vibrating anal toys may sound like the best thing ever, but with butt toys it can be more about the material, texture and shape for good stimulation of the prostate or anal nerve endings. The good news is that quality toys made of non-porous materials, like B-vibe Twist Plug are just as good with the vibrations off and can be safely sanitized for vaginal use as well. B-Vibe’s Rimming Petite Plug also creates a unique experience with rotating beads located in the flange of the toy, which maximizes the sensation at the center of the nerve endings.

Fun vibes.

Prostate toys are anal plugs, dildos, or vibrators that are curved to stimulate the prostate, like the Aneros Helix Trident, a consistent bestseller. Prostate massage can create an intense all over orgasm and now that prostate play is becoming more popular, there are many great vibrators designed to stimulate the P-spot, like the Lelo Loki Wave. Fun fact - any toy designed for prostate play can also be used on the G-spot (just be mindful of cleaning rules if you plan to use your toy for both)!

Prostate pleasure.

What about cleanliness?

Because our butts can harbor bacteria, we recommend using non-porous toys in your butt, like those made of silicone, stainless steel, or glass. It can also help with peace of mind to have a light cleaning routine as part of your anal play, which can be something as simple as lathering your finger up with body safe soap and cleaning around the anus or using a douche, like the Cal Exotics Ultimate Cleansing Douche, filled with warm water to clean more deeply in the rectum. Or better yet, try TUSHY’s easy to use bidet system whenever your ass needs a freshening up!

HELLO TUSHY! Keep it clean.

When sharing toys between partners or from ass to vagina, use a fresh condom for each partner or before each use. Once porous toys (like most soft rubber and non-medical grade plastics) are used as butt toys, they need to stay butt toys forever, unless you’re using a condom. Non-porous toys should be washed thoroughly before and after each use, when switching from ass to vag, and before each use between non-fluid bonded partners.

Any parting words?

As in cheek parting? Well, the most important thing to mind when engaging in ass play is comfort, communication, and safety. If those factors are there, then pleasure isn’t far behind!

Happy Anal August from Pleasure Chest!