Anal Sex Toys

Anal play is one of those things that a lot of people are curious about but nobody really talks about openly. So let's do that. This guide covers the different types of anal toy, how to use them safely, what to look for, and what to avoid. No judgement, no awkwardness, just practical information.

One thing to get out of the way first: anal toys aren't gendered. People of all genders and orientations enjoy anal stimulation, and the nerve endings around the anus are the same regardless of who you are. Every toy on this page has a flared base or retrieval mechanism, and everything is made from body-safe materials that can be cleaned properly.

There are a few main types, and they do quite different things.

Butt plugs are the most popular starting point. They're designed to be inserted and stay in place, giving a feeling of fullness. They have a tapered tip for easy insertion, a wider middle section, and then a narrow neck above the flared base so your body can hold the plug comfortably. Plugs come in everything from tiny beginner sizes (under an inch across) to large ones for experienced users. Some people wear them during foreplay, others during sex, and some just enjoy the sensation on its own.

Vibrating butt plugs add a motor to the equation. The vibrations travel through the plug and stimulate the internal nerve endings around the anal canal. Some have remote controls, which makes them popular with couples who like to hand over control to their partner.

Anal beads are a string of graduated balls that get inserted one at a time and then pulled out slowly (or quickly, depending on what you're into). The sensation of each bead passing through the sphincter is what makes these feel different from plugs. They're especially popular during orgasm, when the muscles are already contracting.

Prostate massagers are curved toys designed to reach the prostate gland in people with male anatomy. We've covered these in more detail in our male sex toys guide, but in short: prostate orgasms feel very different from penile ones and are worth exploring if you're curious.

Anal douches aren't toys as such, but they're an important part of anal play for a lot of people. A quick rinse with lukewarm water beforehand can help you feel cleaner and more relaxed, which makes the whole experience better.

Anal play has three golden rules. Follow them and you'll have a good time. Ignore them and you probably won't.

Rule one: lube, lube, and more lube. The anus doesn't produce any natural lubrication. None at all. So you need to add it yourself, and you need more than you think. A thick water-based anal lubricant is ideal because it stays where you put it rather than absorbing quickly. Apply it to the toy and to yourself. Reapply if things start to feel dry. There is literally no such thing as too much lube for anal play.

Rule two: go slow. The anal sphincter is a muscle, and like any muscle it needs to relax before it can comfortably stretch. Rushing leads to pain, and pain leads to tensing up, which makes everything worse. Start with a finger or a very small toy. Let your body get used to the feeling. Breathe. When the muscle relaxes, you'll feel it. Only then should you try something bigger. If it hurts, stop. Pain is your body telling you to slow down or use more lube.

Rule three: flared bases only. This is not negotiable. The rectum creates suction, and anything without a flared base, T-bar, or retrieval cord can get pulled inside. Fishing it out at A&E is more common than you'd think, and the staff there have heard every "I fell on it" story going. Every anal toy we sell has a proper safety base. Don't improvise with objects that weren't designed for anal use.

If you're completely new, start with a small butt plug from an anal training kit. These usually come with two or three plugs in graduated sizes so you can work your way up over multiple sessions. There's no rush. Some people are comfortable with a medium plug within a week. Others take months. Both are fine.

Anal toys need to be cleaned more thoroughly than other toys, for obvious reasons. Do it straight after use while everything is still fresh.

Non-porous materials (silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass) are the best choice for anal toys because bacteria can't penetrate the surface. Wash with warm water and antibacterial soap, making sure you get into any textured areas or around the base. These materials can also be boiled for 3 to 5 minutes for full sterilisation, which is especially worthwhile if you share toys with a partner.

Porous materials like TPE can't be fully sterilised, so we'd always recommend using a condom over the toy for anal play. It makes cleanup much easier and adds an extra hygiene barrier. Replace the condom every time.

Anal beads need extra attention because gunk can collect between the beads and around the string. Run soapy water between each bead individually. Some cheaper bead designs have a fabric cord that absorbs bacteria and can't be properly cleaned. Silicone beads moulded onto a silicone string are much better because the whole thing is non-porous and wipeable.

Dry everything thoroughly before storing. A damp toy in a closed drawer is a breeding ground for mould.

The nerve endings are real. The anal area has a dense concentration of nerve endings, and stimulating them feels good. That's not an opinion, it's anatomy. The pudendal nerve, which is responsible for much of the sensation during orgasm, runs through the pelvic floor and serves the anal region in all bodies. People who enjoy anal play aren't unusual. They're just paying attention to a part of the body that a lot of people ignore.

It changes how orgasms feel. Wearing a butt plug during vaginal sex or masturbation creates a feeling of fullness that intensifies orgasms for a lot of people. The thin wall between the vaginal and rectal canals means a plug can apply indirect pressure to the G-spot from behind. For people with prostates, direct prostate stimulation can produce a completely different type of orgasm that tends to be more full-body and longer-lasting.

It builds trust with a partner. Anal play requires communication, patience, and paying close attention to how the other person is responding. Couples who explore it together often say it improved their communication about sex more generally. When you've had an honest conversation about lube and comfort levels, talking about other sexual preferences feels a lot less daunting.

It's genuinely popular. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that around 40% of adults have tried some form of anal play. It's not a fringe interest. A lot of people are doing this but few talk about it, which is part of why good information is hard to find.

Warm up properly. Don't jump straight to a toy. Start with external massage around the anus using a lubed finger. This gives the muscle time to relax and lets you get used to the sensation before anything goes inside. Foreplay isn't just a nice idea with anal play. It's basically required.

Use an anal douche if it helps you relax. A lot of people worry about cleanliness during anal play, and that anxiety makes it harder to enjoy. A gentle rinse with lukewarm water 30 minutes beforehand can put your mind at ease. Don't overdo it though. A couple of rinses is plenty. Too much douching can irritate the lining of the rectum.

Try wearing a plug during other activities. A small, comfortable butt plug worn during foreplay, oral sex, or penetrative sex adds a background sensation of fullness that a lot of people find intensifies whatever else is happening. Start with something small and smooth so it's not distracting.

Graduated training actually works. If your goal is to comfortably enjoy larger toys or anal sex, an anal training kit with 2 to 3 sizes is the most effective way to get there. Use the smallest until it slides in easily and feels comfortable, then move up. Trying to skip ahead usually results in discomfort and setbacks.

Communicate constantly. If you're playing with a partner, check in frequently. "Is that okay?" and "do you want more?" aren't mood killers. They're how you have a good experience. The receiving partner should always control the pace.

With anal toys, material quality matters more than almost any other category. This is a sensitive area of the body, and porous materials with unknown chemical compositions have no business being there.

Under £15: basic silicone plugs and simple bead sets. Perfectly fine for trying things out, as long as the material is genuinely body-safe. Check the product description for "medical-grade silicone" or "platinum-cure silicone." If it just says "silicone blend" or doesn't specify, be cautious.

£15 to £40: this is where most people land. Good quality silicone plugs in various sizes, vibrating plugs with rechargeable motors, silicone anal beads, and beginner prostate massagers. Brands like Doc Johnson, CalExotics, and b-Vibe make reliable toys in this range.

£40 to £80: premium vibrating plugs with app control, higher-end prostate massagers from Satisfyer and Aneros, and weighted metal plugs. The vibration motors are quieter, the silicone is softer, and the designs tend to be more ergonomic.

Over £80: luxury anal toys. Beautiful design, powerful motors, Bluetooth connectivity, premium materials. Worth it if anal play is something you enjoy regularly. Not necessary for a beginner figuring out what they like.

Our advice: start in the £15 to £30 range with a body-safe silicone plug or training set. If you discover you enjoy it, invest in something nicer later. The important thing is to start with a safe material and a proper flared base.