How to Pick a Butt Plug and Lubricant

Safe Materials 

The safest, most high-quality materials for butt plugs are:

• Medical-grade silicone

• Pyrex glass

• Stainless steel

These materials are nonporous, meaning they can be properly sanitized and disinfected between uses. Nonporous materials lack “pores”, so they don't trap dirt and bacteria like porous materials do. We love nonporous butt plugs. 

Lubricant & Material Compatibility

In order to insert a butt plug, you will need to have lubricant handy. But the type of butt plug you have determines the type of lube you'll be able to use with it. Not all lubricants and materials are compatible!

Medical-grade Silicone Plugs 

Silicone is best paired with a water-based lube. Unlike other toys, silicone when combined with a silicone lube will break down over time. Oil-based lube can also degrade silicone toys. So, make sure you're using water-based lube with your silicone butt plug! One pro to silicone plugs is their flexibility. A softer and more flexible toy makes for a more comfortable one. Silicone is beginner friendly.

Pyrex Glass

Silicone-based lube is the best lube to use with glass sex toys. Oil-based lube is ideal for the same reasons silicone is ideal—it enhances the slip and slide feel of glass toys. You're free to use water-based lube also, just know that it is less “slip and slide compatible”. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel toys are compatible with all forms of lube. Chef's choice here.

Shape

A good butt plug will have a flared base. The base should be wider than the widest part of the butt plug body, as this will ensure the toy does not accidentally get "swallowed up".

How to Prep

Start with a Clean Slate

A good shower before engaging in any anal play is one step you can take to make yourself feel more comfortable. 

Even something as simple as a warm water wet wipe can do the trick. Some people go the extra mile and use an enema, but that is another topic. If you do choose to go the enema route, know that you must follow directions carefully and make sure you wait at least an hour before engaging in anal play (we'll cover this in another article). 

Make sure you clean your butt plug before every use. Mild soap and warm water. We want to avoid putting any foreign dust and dirt in your butt - dust collects quick! Remember: Great sex is safe sex.

Get into the Mood

Feeling anxious or tense will literally make it harder for you to relax and insert a butt plug. Whenever you're feeling up to anal play, make sure that you're in the mood! If you're feeling really nervous, practice some relaxation techniques to bring your nervous system back down to speed. Mindful deep breaths, progressive muscle relaxation, and gentle stretching are some ideas that can help. During the actual act itself, it also helps to stimulate yourself to maintain the mood and relax.

Start Small

Optional: Some tutorials advise starting with fingers before using a butt plug. We'll leave that decision up to you. Either way, make sure you LUBE UP!

If you're a beginner or haven't had any butt play for a while, it is good to start small. Bigger is not always better, especially when starting out. Once you're comfortable with whatever size you're using, treat the next size like you're a beginner all over again. And don't forget the lube.

The Nitty Gritty

Butt play is one of those things where you take it at your body's pace. Relaxation and pleasure are key. If you feel any resistance during insertion or removal, pause and relax your muscles before continuing. Pay attention to any signs of pain or discomfort.

1. Generously lube up the butt plug and the anal area. 

2. Introduce the butt plug to your anus and slowly insert the tip.

3. Hold the butt plug for a moment in the current position, allowing time for your muscles to adjust to the sensation and relax. You can also squeeze your anus with the toy inside. This action can help the sphincter muscles to relax. Genital stimulation can also help to stay aroused, making anal play more pleasurable.

4. Gently pull the butt plug out and take a break.

5. When you're ready, reinsert the butt plug repeating steps 1-3, but each time pushing slightly deeper (if comfortable).

6. Repeat until the butt plug is fully inserted.

7. Reapply lube as often as possible.

Notes:

In order to feel pleasure, you do not need to insert the entire butt plug! Pleasure looks different for everyone; there is no one size fits all. Reapply lube as often as possible. The butt is not a self-lubricating organ. Lube keeps the toy or whatever is inserted from creating micro-tears in the anus. The last thing you need is an infection or an injured anus after anal play. There is no such thing as too much lube. 

Focus on going at your own pace and listen to your body on what feels good. If you feel pain at any point, STOP! Slow down, take a break, or stop entirely. Practice makes perfect, and you can't practice right if you're injured or hurt. Breaks are ok and definitely recommended!

Be patient and have fun. Still have questions? Comment below.