There are many different kinds of toys for pleasurable ass play. The few hard and fast rules follow. Never insert anything in your anus that does not have a base or ring to keep it from sliding all the way inside. Don't insert inflexible straight objects into your butt because the rectum has a curved shape, so toys that are hard and straight can be painful if pushed too far inside. We suggest using shorter toys—if you are using a longer butt toy, make sure it is pliable. And don't forget the lube!
Butt plugs are charming toys that have a recessed neck and a flare at the base, so that the sphincter muscles will close around it, and the plug will stay inside the rectum. Some plugs are better at staying inside than others, and some people prefer toys that they can slide in and out. Plugs that are more diamond-shaped (Pendant, Tail Light), are better for staying in, while those with ripples and other textures can be fun to slide in and out during play (Protouch, Ripple).
For that unmatched in-and-out sensation, you can use dildos by hand or strap them into a harness for thrusting thrills. The Siren 3, Mistress, and Boyfriend are good beginner anal dildos and the Bend Over Beginner Kit is an all-in-one butt package.
The repeated opening and closing of the anal sphincters from inserting and removing anal beads is a sensation that, in and of itself, can put many people over the edge into orgasm. Beads come in all sizes and materials, and are a series of beads knotted into place along a string with a ring on the end, or beads along a stem of plastic or silicone. We recommend Blue Beads, Silicone Anal Beads, and Flexi Felix (this silicone toy can be disinfected).
The outer portion of the anus is highly sensitive and rich in nerve endings. Vibration is an exquisite addition to the feeling of fullness and internal pressure created by a plug. Some of our favorites include the Tulip Plug and the silicone Protouch. The Remote Plug takes the thrills one step farther by adding a remote control switch so your partner can turn your plug on and off wherever you are!
The prostate gland is a sensitive spot in men that is about two inches inside the rectum, pointing towards the belly. To learn more about the physiology of the prostate read our male anatomy article. The P-spot is in the same location as the G-spot is in women (in fact, women can enjoy G-spot stimulation when they use curved anal toys, too!) Plugs that offer a firm forward curve are designed to stimulate the prostate. A perfect example is Aneros.
The finger test is the best way to figure this out. Do you know off-hand how many fingers feel good in your butt? You can do this alone or with a partner: When you are feeling relaxed and turned on, lube up a finger and slide it inside. Then try another. When you feel satisfied, take a look at the circumference of the fingers you used—this describes the diameter of the anal toys that will feel good for you. Anal toy size may be the only area we preach conservatism—but it is better to start smaller and work your way up.
The materials used in anal toys are similar to those used in vibrators and dildos.
Be sure that any toy you insert anally not only has a base or ring to ensure easy removal, but also a smooth surface.
Silicone
Silicone is the pliable material that is longest
lasting and easiest to clean. Silicone butt toys are among our most
popular and include the Flirt, and the Ripple. Silicone also carries
vibration remarkably well: try a Protouch with removable battery vibe.
Rubbers and Vinyl
The soft, flexible cushion of rubber
materials make for a variety of sensuous butt toys, from beginner plugs
like the Tuxedo Plug to the more sizable vibrating Sparkle Plug. Many
people choose the less expensive rubber material plugs for starters to
experiment with butt toys.
Metal, Lucite & Glass
These firm, solid materials feel
smooth and great as anal toys. The Tail Light is a great example and stays in particularly well. The Cascade Wand is
not only good-looking; it is a plug on a hand-held stem, made for
sliding in and out rather than wearing.
Any water-based lube is fine for anal play. But lots of people prefer thicker lubes that provide more cushion and appreciate those that stay wet longer. Maximus is thicker water-based lube and a strong recommendation and Eros Gel is a favorite silicone lube. We also recommend the thick water-based Probe for anal play.
Sheath your anal toys in latex if you are going to share them, or make sure you boil them (if they are silicone or metal) in between uses. It's possible to pass HIV, hepatitis, and bacteria by sharing anal toys. When putting a condom on a butt plug, we recommend tying it in a knot at the base of the plug to prevent the condom from slipping off in your butt. Shit happens, as they say. But for those of you who wither at the thought of a small bit of fecal matter making an unwelcome appearance, check out the easy to use Anal Douche. Latex gloves and condoms are of course essential for clean safe sex, and dental dams prevent oral-anal bacterial or viral transmission during rimming.
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