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Anyone with an anus can use a butt plug, which is a type of anal sex toy. They’re safe to use as long as you follow some precautions like using lots of lube.

Oh, glorious butt plugs! A sex toy that can be enjoyed by anyone with an anus, regardless of genitalia, gender, or orientation.

A butt plug is an anal toy that essentially plugs your butt — in a good way. They’re shaped like a teardrop and have a wider base that prevents them from getting sucked in too far.

Pleasure for starters. Your anus is chock-full of sensitive nerve endings that feel fant-ass-tic when stimulated. Your butt hole is also the gateway to the prostate — also known as the “male G-spot” — and roundabout to the vaginal A-spot and G-spot.

Orgasm

Yup, anal orgasms are real, anyone with an anus can have one, and a butt plug can help.

All the nerves just inside your backdoor are just part of what makes butt play feel so amazing.

Cisgender men and people assigned male at birth can use a butt plug to achieve a prostate orgasm.

Cisgender women and people assigned female at birth can use one to indirectly stimulate the A-spot or G-spot, which can lead to the phenom known as female ejaculation.

Kink

Into kink? Butt plugs are a versatile toy for your repertoire.

You can use them during submissive play, wear them in public, and engage in some DP action by wearing one during vaginal penetration.

Stretching

Butt plugs can be used to stretch your anus and get you primed for bigger things, whether that’s bigger toys, a penis, or gaping. All it takes is starting off small and gradually working your way up.

Tip: Buy a butt plug trainer kit, which you can find online. They’re often inexpensive and have everything you need.

Usually, as long as you take the proper precautions. This includes:

  • Using lots of lube. Lube isn’t optional when it comes to butt play. Not having enough can lead to irritation and tears. By tears, we’re talking tears in the delicate skin of your anus and the tears that run down your cheeks when you cry.
  • Proper handling. Washing and disinfecting any sex toy before and after use is a must. The reason is, well, poop. Even a super-clean bum contains microscopic fecal matter that can cause infections. Sexually transmitted infections can also be spread by sharing sex toys. Proper care and handling of sex toys can reduce your risk.
  • Your health. It’s a good idea to hold off on using butt toys if you have hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or a prostate condition. Check with a doctor or other healthcare provider first.

Too many. But we’re going to set the record straight and get you on your way to the wonderful world of butt plug fun.

Using plugs doesn’t mean you’re agreeing to anal sex

Consenting to one sex act doesn’t mean you’ve offered an open invitation to another. Using butt plugs doesn’t make your butt one big free-for-all and open to anal sex unless that’s what you want.

It shouldn’t hurt

A little discomfort as your butt gets use to being penetrated is normal, but it shouldn’t cause major pain.

Take things super slow and use lots of lube.

You aren’t going to poop

We promise you won’t, but it sure could feel like you might.

You’re stimulating a lot of the same nerves, so feeling the urge to poop is normal. To clear your mind — and your bowels — use the bathroom before you begin.

It can’t get stuck or lost — but other things could

While butt plugs are cleverly designed to stay put, other things are not. Don’t use anything that’s not specifically meant for your butt.

Foreign objects can do serious damage to your colon, not to mention inspire an episode Untold Stories of the ER.

Unlike other anal toys, like dildos and probes that are meant for in-out action, butt plugs literally plug your butt. A continuous feeling of fullness is their forte.

Plugs are usually tapered for easy insertion and flare towards the bottom. They come in different materials, each offering up different sensations for your pleasure. You can find smooth plugs, textured plugs, and vibrating plugs.

Small and flexible is the way to go if you’re new to butt play.

Here are some butt plugs that are perfect for newbies:

  • Small Silicone Anal Beads with a Two Hole Pull Ring. It’s not a plug, but anal beads are a great start if you’re not quite sure you’re up to a mini butt plug just yet. Don’t be intimidated by the length — you can insert one bead at a time and work your way up at your own pace.
  • Mini Buzzing Anal Rimmer. It’s adorably small but packs a lot of punch thanks to the removable vibrating bullet. You can use the bullet on your erogenous zones while your butt’s busy. Its tiny size also makes it the perfect sidekick for rimming, if you’re into that.
  • b-Vibe Novice. This plug offers a lot of bang for your buck — literally. It’s small, tapered, and made of silicone for a little give. It’s also got some bells and whistles like 15 vibration settings and a remote control that’s fun for solo or partnered play.
  • Lovehoney Classic Silicone Extra Petite Beginner’s Butt Plug. This one gives you pinky-sized pleasure. This simple plug is small, narrow, and smooth, and made with newbies in mind. Perfect for your bum and budget.
  • Rocks Off Teazer Petite Sensations Beginner’s Vibrating Butt Plug. This slimline butt plug is silky smooth and easy to insert. It’s also waterproof for tub and shower play, and has a removable vibrating bullet that can be used to pleasure your other sweet spots.
  • Itty-bitty booty delight – beginner butt plug. This one’s short, sweet, and to the point. Its size and pliable jelly-like material ensure a comfy fit. It’s also ridiculously affordable.

Being aroused and relaxed will make using a butt plug more enjoyable. Incorporating one into other play, like masturbation, oral sex, or vaginal penetration is a great way to get your feet wet.

Here are some tips to help make insertion easy and enjoyable:

  • Take a hot bath or start with some foreplay to help relax tense muscles. This will make insertion less jarring.
  • Apply lots of lube around your anus and on the plug.
  • Press the tip of the plug against your anus and then very gradually increase pressure.
  • Stop right away if you feel any pain. Then, take a deep breath and try again using more lube, a different angle, or a smaller plug.

Most butt plugs can be washed with soap and water or sex toy cleaner, but always read the care instructions included with the butt plug to be sure.

Store your plug in a clean, dry place where it won’t get damaged. If it comes with a storage bag or box, use it.

Butt plugs can feel amazing, but they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. Be sure to go slow and play safe, and don’t give up at the first sign of discomfort — sometimes a tweak in your technique is all you need.

If it you’re still not feeling it, no biggie. There are plenty of other fun ways to get off!

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.