Right then. If you have landed on this page, you are probably curious about butt plugs but maybe a little unsure where to start. That is completely normal. Most people have questions, and most people feel slightly awkward asking them. So consider this your completely judgement-free guide to everything you need to know.
What Is a Butt Plug?
A butt plug is a sex toy designed for anal insertion and, crucially, for staying in place once it is there. Unlike anal dildos or beads, a butt plug has a flared base that sits against the body and stops it from going anywhere it should not. That flared base is not optional. It is the single most important safety feature of any anal toy, and you should never use anything without one.
They come in all shapes and sizes, from very small beginner plugs about the size of your thumb, right through to larger options for experienced users. Most have a tapered tip to make insertion easier, a narrower neck that the muscles can grip, and then that all-important wide base.
What Does a Butt Plug Actually Feel Like?
This is the question everyone wants to ask. The honest answer is that it depends on the person and the toy. For most people, a small butt plug creates a feeling of fullness that can intensify other sensations during solo play or sex with a partner. The anal region has a high concentration of nerve endings, which is why so many people find anal stimulation pleasurable.
For people with a prostate, a well-positioned plug can provide indirect prostate stimulation, which many describe as a deeper, more intense kind of pleasure. For people without a prostate, the appeal tends to be more about that sense of fullness and the way it affects other sensations.
First-time users often report that a small plug feels slightly unusual at first but quickly becomes comfortable. The key, and this cannot be overstated, is using plenty of lube.
Choosing Your First Butt Plug: Size and Material
Start small. Genuinely. Even if you think you might be ready for something larger, a smaller plug will be more comfortable for a first experience and will help you understand what you actually enjoy before working your way up.
For a first plug, look for something with an insertable length of around 7 to 9 cm and a diameter at the widest point of no more than 3 cm. This is enough to feel something without being overwhelming.
In terms of material, body-safe is non-negotiable. The best options are:
Silicone – Soft, flexible, body-safe, non-porous, and easy to clean. The most popular choice for beginners. Use water-based lube only with silicone toys.
Glass – Smooth, firm, non-porous, and can be used with any type of lube. Sounds alarming but is actually very safe when made from borosilicate glass. The firmness works well for people who prefer more direct pressure.
Stainless steel – Heavy, non-porous, temperature-play friendly. A more advanced option but well worth exploring once you have some experience.
Avoid anything made from jelly rubber, PVC, or materials described vaguely as “rubber” or “latex-like”. These are porous, can harbour bacteria, and often contain plasticisers that are not great for your body.
You can browse our full range of butt plugs including options in all of these materials.
Lube: The One Thing You Absolutely Cannot Skip
Unlike the vagina, the anus does not self-lubricate. This means lube is not optional. It is the difference between a pleasant experience and a painful one.
Use a good quality anal lubricant that is designed for anal use. These tend to be thicker than standard lube, which means they stay in place better during use. Apply it generously to the toy and to yourself before you begin, and do not be shy about reapplying.
Match your lube to your toy. Silicone lube is longer-lasting and excellent for anal play, but should not be used with silicone toys as it can degrade the material. Water-based lube is safe with everything and is generally the easiest choice for beginners.
How to Use a Butt Plug Safely
Take your time. Seriously. Anal play rewards patience and punishes rushing. If something hurts, stop. Pain is a signal to slow down, use more lube, try a smaller toy, or simply call it a day and try again another time.
A few practical tips for first-timers:
Warm yourself up first. Some gentle external massage or fingertip stimulation before attempting insertion makes a significant difference. Your body needs time to relax.
Position matters. Lying on your side with your knees drawn up slightly, or squatting, tends to work better than lying flat on your back for most people. Experiment and find what feels natural.
Breathe. Holding your breath creates tension. Slow, deliberate breathing helps your muscles relax and makes insertion much more comfortable.
Once the plug is in, give your body a moment to adjust before doing anything else. You may want to leave it in during masturbation, during sex, or simply wear it for a while to get used to the sensation.
Cleaning and Aftercare
Clean your plug after every single use. For non-porous materials like silicone, glass, and stainless steel, you can use warm water and a mild soap, or a dedicated sex toy cleaner. Silicone plugs can also be boiled for three to five minutes or run through a dishwasher (without detergent, top rack) for a deeper clean.
Store your plug somewhere clean and dry, away from other toys, as some materials can react with each other over time. A small cloth bag or a dedicated storage pouch works well.
Vibrating Butt Plugs: Worth It?
If you are curious, yes. Vibrating butt plugs add a whole extra dimension to anal play. The vibrations travel through the plug and into the surrounding tissue, which many people find intensely pleasurable. They tend to work particularly well for prostate stimulation and for people who enjoy clitoral stimulation alongside anal play.
They are generally a slightly better choice as a second or third toy rather than a first purchase, simply because adding a vibration function while also navigating the basics of anal play can be a lot to manage at once. Get comfortable with a simple plug first, then explore.
Common Questions
Will it get stuck? Not if it has a proper flared base. This is why the flared base rule exists. Never, under any circumstances, use anything without one.
Is it embarrassing to buy one? Not from us. Everything from The Loving Company arrives in plain, discreet packaging with no indication of the contents.
What if I do not enjoy it? That is fine. Anal play is not for everyone. If you try it and it is not your thing, that is a completely legitimate outcome.
Can I use it during partnered sex? Absolutely. Many people find that wearing a butt plug during vaginal sex or other sexual activities significantly enhances their experience.
If you are ready to take the next step, our butt plug collection includes beginner options, vibrating models, and everything in between, all in body-safe materials with discreet UK delivery.
