There are those who believe the anus is a one-way street. And then there’s everyone else — those who aren’t afraid to expand their minds (and their orifices).

In many ways, that expansion is precisely what a butt plug is for. It dilates the sphincter to prep for anal play. But the beauty of the butt plug is in the anus of the beholder. With a few helpful tips, you’ll be surprised at the range of pleasure these simple sex toys can unlock.

What’s a butt plug?

Butt plugs, also known as anal plugs, are a type of sex toy made for training and stimulating the anus. Most have a tapered end for easy insertion, a wider middle for stimulation, and a flared base to keep the device from going in too deep.

Sex-savvy people celebrate butt plugs for their ability to stimulate the sensitive nerve endings in the anus, providing sensations you won’t get from any other erogenous zone. The best part? Everyone has a butt, so everyone can give this toy a try.

What are butt plugs used for?

We’ve already covered one of the key things a butt plug does. But what do they help with beyond stretching out the sphincter for anal sex? Here are some of the highlights:

Anal training

If you’re new to anal play, accommodating something penis-sized takes a bit of practice. You can do this through anal training. Use a graduated butt plug set, which includes a small starter plug and several incrementally larger sizes, to ease your way into something bigger. Training provides a more gentle introduction to anal play, reducing the discomfort of larger butt plugs or anal sex.

Pleasure enhancement

As you might expect, wearing a butt plug creates a familiar sense of fullness in the rectum. And while replicating the passing of a bowel movement might not sound sexy, that fullness puts pressure on other erogenous zones like the prostate and G-spot. For many people, this feeling greatly increases the intensity of orgasms.

Muscle strengthening

Looking to tighten up your glutes? Try working out while wearing a butt plug — yes, really! Much like the benefits of Kegel exercises go way beyond sex, wearing an anal plug on leg day helps laser-focus on keeping your glute muscles tight. It’s a win-win if we’ve ever heard one. 

What to keep in mind when shopping for a butt plug

Like dildos, butt plugs come in vibrating and non-vibrating variations. But the options don’t stop there. You’ll also have some choices to make when it comes to:

• Material: Silicone butt plugs are a good flexible, body-safe option. Metal and glass butt plugs offer a weightier feel, plus more opportunities for temperature play. Look for a material that’s safe and non-irritating. Compatibility is key — if you have a silicone allergy, for example, opt for a glass or metal plug.

• Shape and texture: Some anal plugs feature curves or bulbs to enhance stimulation, while others have textures like ridges or bumps for added sensation.

• Specialty features: The world really is your oyster when it comes to butt plugs. You can expand inflatable plugs after insertion for adjustable sizing. And jeweled butt plugs are perfect for people wowed by a little sparkle. 

• Size: Don’t start with the biggest one on the shelf — no matter how fun it seems. If you’re a beginner, go for small, smooth plugs for easy use. Then move on to more sizeable adventures.

How to use a butt plug

Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the area

We don’t like to make assumptions about other people’s bodies, but there’s one thing we know for sure — some of the activities happening in your anal area don’t mesh well with sex (with the exception of certain extreme kinks). 

Reduce the risk of infection by ensuring you’re clean down there before playtime starts. Whether it’s a shower, a gentle sponge bath, or an anal douche, a little prep goes a long way toward a more hygienic experience.

2. Set the mood

As with any type of anal play, you’ll be much more comfortable if you’re relaxed. Foreplay will help you get in the mood, but if you need some extra relaxation beforehand, kick things off with a warm bath, gentle massage, or another activity that releases tension and puts you in the right frame of mind.

3. Lubricate

Unlike the vagina, the anus isn’t self-lubricating. Use a high-quality lube to prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of tissue damage — spit isn’t enough. Choose a lube that’s compatible with the material of your butt plug (pro tip: silicone lubes can damage silicone sex toys). Keep it on hand to reapply as necessary.

4. Find the right position

Most positions work for butt plug sex. It’s all about finding what feels the best for you. Experiment to see what’s most comfortable for insertion, whether it’s lying on your side, squatting, or bending over the bed.

5. Gently insert the plug

Emphasis on “gently”! Start by massaging the anus with a lubed finger. You may even want to insert the finger before moving to the plug. When you feel ready, insert the plug slowly. If you feel discomfort, take a break to give your body time to adjust to the sensation.

6. Listen to your body

Once you fully insert the butt plug, that sense of fullness we mentioned earlier could take a little getting used to. That’s normal. But if it hurts, you might need to try again with a smaller size or warm yourself up a little more. 

If things feel right, enjoy the sensation for as long as you want. You can keep the butt plug in throughout the day or engage in whatever other sexual activities you desire.

7. Remove the plug slowly

When you’re ready to take the butt plug out, relax your muscles and gently pull on the base of the plug to remove it. If you encounter resistance, pause, try to become more relaxed, and try again. Don’t rush it. 

8. Practice aftercare

There are two types of aftercare to practice here: one for your body and one for your toy. Engage in sexual aftercare to ensure the comfort and well-being of both you and your partner. And take care of your toy by cleaning the plug according to its material-specific instructions. 

How to clean a butt plug

Butt plugs are safe to use — but only if you make hygiene a priority. Choose a plug that’s easy to clean thoroughly to prevent bacterial build-up. You can even pop a condom on the plug to make clean-up a little easier.

Clean your butt plug immediately after use with soap and water or a sex toy cleaner. Depending on the material, consider boiling it or using a dishwasher for a deeper clean. Read the label for exact instructions, because every toy is different. Dry your plug thoroughly after washing, and store it in a clean, dry place to avoid contamination.

Get in the mood with Quinn

Remember when we stressed the importance of getting relaxed before inserting your butt plug? Listening to erotica can be a big help. That’s why we made Quinn, the audio erotica app created by women for the world. If you’re interested in butt stuff, fingering, or guided vibrator sessions, the wide range of erotic content on Quinn is a great place to start.

To access thousands of audio stories and guided masturbation sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.