Anal Dildos

The difference between an anal dildo and a regular dildo is simple but important: anal dildos have flared bases. Without one, any toy used anally can get pulled inside by the natural suction of the rectum. That's not a scare tactic. It happens, and it means a trip to A&E. Every dildo on this page has a flared base, T-bar, or wide enough handle to prevent this.

Beyond the safety base, anal dildos tend to have smoother, more tapered designs than vaginal dildos. The anus is tighter than the vagina and doesn't self-lubricate, so the shape is optimised for comfortable insertion with plenty of lube. For a broader overview of anal play, see our anal sex toys guide.

An anal dildo is a penetrative toy designed for thrusting in and out of the anus, as opposed to a butt plug which is designed to be inserted and stay in place. The key difference is shape: plugs have a narrow neck that the sphincter closes around, while dildos have a more uniform shaft designed for movement.

You'll find smooth designs, gently textured designs, and realistic designs with veins and a defined head. Some have a slight curve for prostate stimulation. All have some form of flared base to keep them from going in too far.

Lube is non-negotiable. The anus produces zero natural lubrication. Use a thick, water-based anal lubricant generously on the dildo and on yourself. Reapply whenever things start to feel less slippery.

Warm up first. Start with a lubed finger or a small butt plug before moving to a dildo. The anal sphincter needs time to relax. Rushing to penetration is the most common reason people have a bad experience with anal toys.

Insert the tip slowly. Let the tapered end slide in at its own pace. When you feel the sphincter relax around it, you can push a bit further. Stop if there's any sharp pain. Discomfort and a feeling of fullness are normal. Pain is not.

Thrust gently. Unlike vaginal use where you might go fast and deep, anal thrusting works best with slow, shallow movements, at least until you're experienced. Gradually increase depth and speed as your body adapts.

Clean thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap after every use. Non-porous silicone is the best material for anal toys because it can be fully sterilised by boiling. Pay attention to any texture or detail on the shaft where residue can collect. Dry completely before storing. If sharing with a partner, sterilise between users or use a condom over the toy.

Thrusting sensation. Butt plugs provide a feeling of fullness, but they sit still. An anal dildo gives you the in-and-out movement that a lot of people find more stimulating. The sensation of the head passing through the sphincter repeatedly is what makes dildos feel different from plugs.

Prostate access. A slightly curved anal dildo can reach and massage the prostate effectively. The thrusting motion moves the tip back and forth across the prostate, which creates a different kind of stimulation from the constant pressure of a dedicated prostate massager.

Preparation for anal sex. If you're working towards having anal sex with a partner, using an anal dildo on your own is excellent preparation. It gets your body used to the sensation of penetration and movement, which makes the real thing much more comfortable when it happens.

Start slim. A diameter of 1 inch or less is sensible for beginners. The anus is tighter than the vagina and takes time to accommodate width. You can always move up once you're comfortable.

Combine with other stimulation. An anal dildo during vaginal penetration or clitoral vibration creates an intense feeling of fullness. A partner using an anal dildo on you while also providing oral sex is a combination worth trying.

Try different positions. Lying on your side with knees drawn up, on all fours, or on your back with knees to chest all give different angles. The angle changes which part of the internal wall gets stimulated.

Material matters more than features with anal dildos. You want non-porous, sterilisable, body-safe material against a sensitive part of the body.

Under £15: basic silicone anal dildos. Simple, functional, safe. A good starting point.

£15 to £30: better silicone quality, smoother finishes, more ergonomic bases. The sweet spot for most people.

Over £30: premium silicone, dual-density designs, or glass anal dildos for temperature play. Worth it for regular anal play enthusiasts.