How To Use a Butt Plug:
A Beginner’s Guide

Butt plugs are versatile and genderless sex toys that open you up (pun intended) to a whole new world of pleasure whether you’re playing solo or with a partner.

You’ll find jewelled ones, vibrating ones, glass ones, and even some that have a fluffy tail attached. But what are they for, exactly? And how do you use one properly – preventing any vanishing acts (whelp) and getting your world rocked?

Whether it’s your first time looking to give your butt some lovin’ or the fifth, this guide will dive into all things butt plugs – the what, the why, and the how.

Butt plugs are sex toys that you insert into your anus. Our bootyholes are chock-full of nerve endings which like being stimulated. A butt plug does this job by applying pressure and offering new sensations to those nerve endings – such as vibrations, weight, or warmth.

Here are the most common uses of butt plugs:

• Anal sex prep: Anal sex can be a load of fun, but it’s not something to rush into. Your rectum has thin, sensitive walls which can tear easily if you don’t properly warm up before inserting something bigger – like a penis.

Starting with smaller plugs, you can relax and gently stretch your sphincter muscles, expanding your butt to be able to take larger toys or penises comfortably.

• Sexual pleasure: Lots of people find the sensation of wearing a plug arousing. A Lovehoney Forum user called Rockstar says, “When my wife uses one, she’s much wetter during foreplay and orgasms far harder.”

That could be because the plug creates a little internal pressure that intensifies the sensation of vaginal stimulation – or it could just be the novelty or taboo element of anal play.

Some anal plugs also stimulate the P-spot (aka the prostate) for those with a penis. For hands-free anal stimulation, get a plug that vibrates.

• The feeling of fullness: For some, the feeling of being “plugged” is pleasurable. If you’ve got a vagina, you might like the full feeling of double penetration. You could start with a butt plug and work your way up to a double dildo.

Whatever your anatomy, you can also plug yourself up while you go about your day to build up the anticipation for sexy times. Just be careful to take breaks and keep your toy clean.

• As part of BDSM play: These beginners’ anal sex toys can up the ante in Dom/ sub dynamics.

Keeping your partner or yourself plugged to show who that ass belongs to? Check. Getting a booty plug with a tail for some pet play? Check. Wearing a remote-controlled plug in public and handing the reins over to your partner? Check!

The first step to engaging in anal play is picking the right butt plug. The most important thing is to get one with a flared base (or a curve that firmly attaches the toy to the outside of your butt).

The base of the butt plug should be bigger than your anal opening to prevent your sphincter muscles from sucking the toy in and making it impossible to retrieve (without a medical intervention)!

The second important thing is to choose one that’s made of a body-safe or non-porous material, such as stainless steel, silicone, or borosilicate glass, as these can be thoroughly cleaned and won’t harbour any harmful bacteria.

Toys made of porous, jelly-like substances (such as soft plastic or rubber) can retain your bodily fluids and hold on to bacteria even after a cleaning sesh. Definitely avoid these materials when sharing toys with a partner.

What types of butt plugs are there?

Most butt plugs are vaguely carrot-shaped with a flared base and a body that starts off wide and slowly tapers off towards the tip. That said, you can choose from a few different types.

Here are the most common types of anal plug:

• Glass plugs: To jazz up your anal play session and make your booty look pretty. Glass butt plugs are elegant to behold – and can be heated up or cooled down for some temperature play.

• Metal plugs: Want your anal toys to have a little more heft? Metal butt plugs are the way to go as their sturdiness adds to the intensity of your pleasure. They’re also great for temperature play. If you’re choosing for a partner, surprise them with a jewelled metal plug or get foxy with a tailed one. But make sure you’re on the same page before surprising your lover with any anal toy.

• Vibrating plugs: For hands-free anal play or prostate orgasms, vibrating butt plugs are the one. They use vibrations to stimulate your internal hotspots while you touch yourself wherever it feels great. If power play is your thing, get a vibrating plug with a remote control and let your partner be in charge of it.

• Inflatable plugs: Need some anal training to prep your bum for sex? Inflatable butt plugs let you slowly increase the girth of the toy as you adjust to it.

Open the door to anal play: Explore butt plugs

What’s the best butt plug for beginners?

If it’s your first time with any kind of anal play, start with something small and simple like the BASICS Slimline Butt Plug to get your bum used to being stretched. The plug's narrow neck makes inserting it easier, which is perfect for anal newbies. And, hey, it’s super affordable, so you won’t be making a huge financial commitment.

If anal training is your goal, we recommend starting off with the Lovehoney Jewelled Silicone Butt Plug Set which comes in 3 sizes. Perfect for stretching out your ass as you work your way up from small to large.

As for materials, start soft and flexible. “Silicone is nice and flexible, so you won’t potentially hurt yourself,” explains Banannabelsplit, a Lovehoney Forum user. “Rigid materials [like glass and metal] feel a lot more girthy than they actually are.” Sound advice!

So, you’ve picked your butt plug and excitedly set some time aside for your anal debut. Now onto the main event.

1. Get yourself squeaky clean

The question of, erm...poo might have crossed your mind already. Faeces is stored high above your rectum in the colon, but there’s always a slight risk of a mess with any type of butt play. To reduce the chances of any poop-cidents and to put yourself at ease, clean up before your sesh.

Empty your bowels at least an hour before playtime and wash your butt with warm water. You can get the job done with a plain old shower head (at its lowest pressure) or use an anal douche to rinse your anus and rectum till the water runs clear. After douching, wait 30 minutes before you play.

2. Lube up

On top of not self-lubricating, the ass is also super sensitive (both the rim and anal walls). So, to avoid any tearing or pain and make the slide easier, rub lube on your anus as well as the toy itself.

As for the type of lube, there are specific anal lubes that are thicker and give you a more long-lasting glide. Water-based anal lube is always a safe bet for beginners and can be used with all types of butt plugs (even those made of silicone).

If you want something that lasts longer and has a thicker consistency, go for silicone lube. Keep in mind, though, that your silicone-based lube should never meet your silicone butt plugs, as the former can destroy the latter over time.

3. Prep your hole and insert the butt plug

Even with plenty of lube, don’t just put the plug up your butt right away without any prep. To insert a butt plug, get into position first. Doggy style, on your side, or a starfish position where you’re lying on your back with a cushion under your butt are the most beginner-friendly anal masturbation positions.

Now, warm up by stroking your rim with a (lubed up) finger and inserting it. Slowly work yourself up to two fingers, all the while massaging the walls of your ass. Even better if you can bring yourself to orgasm before moving on to the next step, as this will get you nice and relaxed.

Once you feel relaxed enough, hold the base of the butt plug and position it at your rim in such a way that it’s angled slightly towards your belly button. Gently push the plug in till you feel the tip enter you. Pause.

Take deep breaths and get used to the sensation. Once you’re feeling comfortable, push a little more of the toy in. Repeat these steps till the plug is sitting securely inside your ass with the flared base resting outside.

Remember to go at your own pace and take breaks or stop if you feel a lot of pain or discomfort.

4. Use the butt plug for some solo anal pleasure

A butt plug puts pressure on your inner erogenous zones, whether that’s your P-spot or your vaginal walls, giving vulva and penis owners alike a delicious feeling of fullness.

Combine this with other forms of stimulation – such as nipple play or genital stimulation – for a much more intense orgasm. Thank us later.

You can add other sex toys into the mix, too, since the flared base means butt plugs are hands-free toys. Grab a bullet vibrator or penis stroker and see how long you can stand the heightened sensations. Just make sure not to cross-contaminate by taking your anal plug anywhere near your frontals and vice versa.

If you’re feeling naughty, do a grocery store run with a plug up your butt as some (discreet) foreplay. No one will know that you’re all plugged up, which can feel thrilling!

5. Introduce your butt plug into partnered sex

Whether you want to feel full during sex and mutual masturbation, or want to fulfil your double penetration fantasies, wearing a butt plug when playing with a partner is a good bet.

If you’re a vulva owner getting it on with a penis owner, you might enjoy the feeling of tightness that butt plugs give you. Ask your partner to rim or finger you before you insert your butt plug, adding a new dimension to your foreplay while you prepare your anus for penetration.

For penis owners, your thrusting movements while you penetrate your partner blended in with the pressure the plug places on your prostate can feel amazing! Alternatively, you might use anal plugs to prepare you for more advanced anal play.

Oldman, a Lovehoney Forum user, says: “The draw [of butt plugs] began when my wife first pegged me. The role reversal was a super turn on for us.”

6. Treat yourself to some aftercare

Aftercare isn’t reserved only for kink sessions; it can happen after any type of sexual act. It’s simply a way of grounding yourself. Check in with yourself or your partner and consider what you liked (or didn’t about the session) and what you’d try next time to make it even better.

After a sesh with your butt plug, your muscles can feel tired and overworked. If it was your first time, you may also be feeling mentally exhausted at having tried something new.

Make sure you’ve got time to rest afterwards. If you’re in a relationship, it can be nourishing just to lie down and cuddle together while you debrief. Draw in a long bath with some Epsom salts to soothe your backside – or take a long, warm shower if you prefer.

Butt plugs – and any sex toys, really – need to be cleaned immediately after use to get rid of your bodily fluids, lube, and any bacteria. Rinse the butt plug under warm water and sanitise it with a sex toy cleanser or mild antibacterial soap. Hand dry it with a towel or leave it out to air dry before you store it (separately from your other toys).

Before you go fulfil your plug fantasies, take note of this top tips for keeping your butt happy:

• Only ever use a butt plug with a flared base to avoid getting your toy stuck inside you (it happens more than you’d think).

• Choose toys from reputable, trusted brands as they can be both affordable and good quality.

• Always use lube whenever you insert something into your anus – and stick to water-based lube if your toys are made from silicone.

• Go slowly and get relaxed by gently fingering your anus while you masturbate. When you’re ready, you can insert your butt plug.

• Keep yourself (and your toys) clean to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Wash your hands and toys with soap and warm water before and after play.

• Avoid sharing anal toys unless they’re made from non-porous materials like borosilicate glass, stainless steel, or silicone, as you can safely sterilize these between uses. Or, cover them with a condom before insertion.