How to Choose an Anal Toy

Not sure whether you want a butt plug, anal vibrator, anal beads or a prostate toy? This handy guide will explain the differences in anal toys and help you get started easily and comfortably with anal sex.

How to Choose an Anal Toy

by Alicia Guinn

Not sure whether you want a butt plug, anal vibrator, anal beads or a prostate toy? his handy guide will explain the differences in anal sex toys and help you get started easily and comfortably with anal sex.

Are you looking for ...	Try...
More education about anal sex?	Anal play is a learning process, especially if your goal is anal intercourse. Education is crucial! Check out a book like Anal Pleasure and Health or an article like How to Have Anal Sex.
A first-time butt plug?	Small butt plugs like the Little Flirt are another great introduction to the joys of anal play.If you're not ready for the butt plug, sexy black latex gloves and lube make for a great first anal sex experience.
The best lube for your butt?	Lube is absolutely essential for anal play. We love Maximus, which is thick, glycerin-free, and water-based; and Eros Bodyglide, a super-slick silicone lube.
Anal sex toys that are easy to clean?	Silicone is the material of choice for anal toys. It’s soft yet medical-grade which means it can be disinfected and safely shared with partners. However, keep in mind that you can’t use silicone lube with silicone toys.
An anal vibrator?	The slim Pandora plug is made for a man’s body but is strong enough for a woman’s! It’s the only anal vibrator that boasts pulsating vibrations.
Anal beads?	People love the opening-and-closing sensation provided by bumpy anal beads. Try out our hygienically-superior silicone versions -- Flexi Felix, Ripple, and the elegant Mini Popper.
A prostate massager?	Men especially love anal play because they can access the prostate (also known as the male G-spot or P-spot) anally. The Aneros is a patented toy that provides a hands-free prostate massage.
A hands-free, stay-put butt plug?	Butt plugs are made to go in and stay in–-hands-free! Both the Ryder and Big Flirt are medium-sized anal plugs for folks who want an anal sex toy that will stay put.
An inexpensive anal sex toy?	The Classic Plug is an inexpensive alternative to silicone plugs. Because these anal sex toys are made of a porous material, we recommend putting a condom on them when they’re in use.
A deluxe treat?	Both the Mars Plug and Pandora anal vibrator are deluxe toys. The Pandora pulsates as it pleases. The Mars Plug is crafted of heavy, non-porous stainless steel. A sumptuous treat!
A large butt plug?	Both the Pearl and Tristan are large butt plugs for experienced butts. Enjoy their generous size and the ultimate feeling of fullness.
An anal dildo?	Dildos are great toys for anal sex. The Silk series is slim and smooth, perfect for anal sex. The Mistress is also slim but longer and with a wider base. A great anal sex toy to put in a dildo harness.
A dildo harness kit (aka "strap on")?	The Bend Over Boyfriend Kit pairs the Silk 1 and 2 dildos with a comfy nylon harness. The Jaguar Harness and Leo Combo Kit pairs two premium sex toys at a $31 savings.

Anal Play Tips

Remember our butt mantra "relaxation, lubrication, communication" and you should be happily enjoying fun, pleasurable anal sex in no time:

Relaxation is crucial to anal play. Two anal sphincters surround and protect the anal opening. If you make friends with these muscles and learn to relax them, you’ll quickly discover why folks love anal play. Remember, if you feel any pain or discomfort at any time, slow down and relax!
Lubrication protects delicate anal tissues. It also makes yummy sensations even more delicious. Because butts do not create natural lubrication (like vaginas), lube out of the bottle is absolutely required.
Communication is another method of protecting yourself and your partner. Especially if you’re just starting to explore anal sex, it’s important that the partner being penetrated should always be in complete control of what’s happening – how fast, how much, how deep. Connect with your partner about what feels good and what doesn’t!