The world of butt plugs is not as well-known as that of dildos and vibrators. But in all honesty, they are very popular to those who are more well-versed with sex toys. In fact, did you know that despite being perceived as a gay sex toy, the butt plug just as popular with females, if not more popular?
This is the first of two guides on anal toys that can be used to fulfilled the anal stimulation you’ve always been missing (the second guide which focuses on anal beads can be found here). We’ll be covering the basics of butt plugs, so with that being said, let’s get right into it!
What is a butt plug?
Simply put, a butt plug is a sex toy designed for anal insertion. Like all sex toys, butt plugs are meant to provide sexual pleasure, in this case via anal stimulation. However they are also used to prepare for other forms of anal play.
Unlike some other anal toys like anal beads, butt plugs are almost always one solid shape, meaning that they are not inherently meant to flex or bend at will. But to be more specific, butt plugs also have very unique characteristics when it comes to how that shape is defined, all of which when put together are conducive for effective and safe anal stimulation.
Key features of butt plugs
Although there is a very wide range of anal toys available in the world of sex toys, butt plugs do have a few distinct features that distinguish them from other anal toys. Overall, butt plugs are often easily identifiable by the following:
- Tapered tip: Having a tapered tip makes insertion into the anus much smoother and more comfortable than if the tip was shaped otherwise. Especially when it comes to this orifice which is much tighter than the vulva, this characteristic is extremely important. Just about all butt plugs will have this feature in some capacity!
- Narrow neck: Beyond the insertable portion of the butt plug is a narrow neck, which helps the butt plug stay in place once fully inserted. In addition, this narrow portion helps keep the rim of your anus under minimal tension while the rest of your rectum is stretched out by the main body of the butt plug internally.
- Flared base: This is perhaps the most distinguishable part of a butt plug, which prevents the toy from getting lost inside the rectum. The most common base is a flat base that enables the butt plug to stand upright on its own, but other bases such as a ring base are also fairly common as well. As long as the base is larger than the narrow neck, the base will act properly as an important safety feature!
The material of butt plugs vary by product, but most typically butt plugs will be made out of silicone, glass or even stainless steel! And in terms of size, while dildos and vibrators can be up to 8 inches long, if not longer, butt plugs are typically much shorter, on the order of just three to four inches, although they can sometimes reach even six inches or more!
How to use a butt plug
If you’ve already read our anal beads guide, then you already know that the sphincter muscles at the anus are the ones that create the pleasing sensation. For anal beads, these sphincter muscles are much more relevant as sliding the string of beads one-by-one over these muscles is a sensation all on its own. Butt plugs however, are slightly different.
The sphincter muscles in this case are under constant tension due to the shape of the butt plug. In general, this means that you don’t have to constantly insert and remove the butt plug for pleasure. Simply leaving the butt plug in place will feel amazing!
Because of the many nerve endings in the anus, the gentle pressure of a butt plug can feel amazing – in fact it can even help intensify vaginal or penile orgasms as well!
For those who are looking for a controlled low-pressure scenario to experiment with, butt plugs are also great for sexual exploration, especially in the context of BDSM or kink and power play. This includes experimenting with double penetration (but more on that later).
Just remember that because the anus does not have its own natural lubrication, it is highly recommended to apply plenty of lube before inserting your butt plug, especially for those new to using anal toys.
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How do butt plugs feel?
We’ll get straight to the point on this one: amongst many other sensations when using butt plugs, one common theme when people describe the sensation is that butt plugs make your body feel “full”. And this is honestly the best way to describe the feeling of having a butt plug inside of you.
The sensation is due to the fact that your body is simply not used to something that big and heavy sitting in your anal cavity. Just leaving the butt plug in your body while you masturbate regularly is a great way to use butt plugs.
But when you have a partner involved to penetrate you vaginally, that is where the real value of butt plugs come into play…
Simulating double penetration: the top use case
This is definitely our favorite use of butt plugs, and one of the most popular ways to use sex toys to enhance sex overall. If you are a woman, then you definitely need to experience it yourself. Just note that it will typically require a guy to help penetrate you vaginally.
Basically, while your butt plug is inserted, have the guy have regular vaginal sex with you. Due to the thrusting motion of the vagina, which is right next to the anus, it will almost feel like having double penetration! Also known as a gang bang!
However, it will just be with one guy! And it will not be as intense as having two dicks penetrating you at the same time. This is because there is no actual thursting happening in the anus. The constant tension of the butt plug will feel like a second dick is penetrating you from behind. But without any pain that typically accomodates anal sex!
Being able to feel like I am being gang banged, without the akwardness of a second guy, and without the pain of true anal sex, makes this “position” my favorite use of the butt plug. Well worth getting just to try “simulated double penetration” at least once!
Other ways to use butt plugs
Simulating double penetration is in our opinion the most exciting use-case for butt plugs. But even when you aren’t looking to use butt plugs during sex, there are plenty of other great applications for butt plugs worth highlighting:
- Public butt plug use: Using a butt plug in public is great for feeling sexually stimulated throughout the day (very similar to how people often use egg vibrators). And there is definitely an element of kinkiness involved with receiving sexual pleasure in the presence of other people, especially when they have no idea you are in this state of sexual bliss. You can literally go about your entire day with a butt plug filling you up if you really wanted to – just slip it in before you leave your house, and remove it once you get home!
- Vibrating butt plugs: Using a custom butt plug fit with a mini vibrator is all it takes to allow your rectum to receive even more intense sensations than a standard butt plug alone. The combination of feeling “full” inside while also receiving high-frequency vibrations is an intense sensation that really takes butt plugs a step forward in the pleasure department.
- Incorporate temperature play: Stainless steel butt plugs are perfect for the additional sensations that come with sex toy temperature play. Depending on the temperature of the ambient environment, use heated or iced water to adjust your butt plug before letting it make contact with you or your partner’s skin!
Purchasing your first butt plug
When making that first purchase, we have one tip to make. And it’s the exact same as our tip for anal beads: Start out small. Especially if you’ve never had anything up your anus before!
Alternatively, what you could do is to insert one or two fingers up your anus to see how much you can handle. If you had any serious discomfort, we would recommend ordering butt plugs on the smaller side. At least for now.
Even though some pain is common with anal play, it is better to start smaller and build up to bigger and better butt plugs. It also just makes the journey a lot more enjoyable!
Important safety tips
There are a lot of common elements when it comes to sex toy safety so we’ll let you read up on that here if you are serious about safety (which you should be). But when it comes to butt plugs specifically, here are a few specific tips to keep in mind:
- Use lots of lube (and often): We mentioned this earlier but it definitely bears repeating. Since the anus does not self-lubricate, always use a generous amount of lube, and specifically reapply it often (the latter is often what people forget about when engaging in anal play.
- Start small and go slow: This especially applies to people looking to make their first anal toy purchase. If you’ve never had anything up your anus before, definitely start on the smaller side. And once you get around to using your toy, go slow and never force it, especially if you start to feel any pain.
- Relax: Relaxation is truly key! The anus naturally tightens when nervous, so deep breaths and patience make all the difference. And don’t be afraid to take breaks after every 10 to 20 minutes if needed to let your body (and your mind) calm down.
- Hygiene matters: Always clean your toy before and after use, using soap and warm water – you can even use a condom to help make cleanup easier. In addition, never let your toy go from anal to vaginal play, as bacteria can easily transfer and cause infections.
If your butt plug ever gets stuck and you cannot retrieve it, or if you experience sever pain, seek medical help immediately. And don’t worry about the perception – doctors have seen it all and they will not judge you.
Take the plunge with butt plugs today!
Butt plugs are a great way to engage in anal play, regardless of your experience and/or sexual goals. Their ability to help simulate double penetration is invaluable and unlike any other sex toy out there, but the capabilities of butt plugs go well beyond that use case!
Whether you are curious about solo experimentation or to enhance sexual intimacy with a partner, butt plugs are a fantastic tool at your disposal. We offer a wide assortment of butt plugs that will definitely arouse you in ways you’ve never thought possible (try our 3 pack butt plug sets, perfect for beginners and pros alike!)
Regardless of where you get your them, butt plugs are an exciting addition to any sexual wellness routine, and with some practice (and patience) you can become a true expert with these simple yet versatile anal toys!
