Beginner’s Guide to Using Anal Toys

Using an anal toy for the first time can be a little bit nerve-wracking. But many people thoroughly enjoy adding a little anal play into the mix. If you’re considering giving it a go for the first time, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

From taking it slow to keeping safety in mind, we have 7 important tips and tricks for how to approach anal play for the first time. Here’s what you need to know about using anal toys: 

Luxe Beginner Plug Kit

Luxe Beginner Plug Kit

One Step at a Time

Anal toys can be exciting and fun, but bad experiences are often had by moving too fast. There is nothing wrong with taking things at a slow pace. In fact, it’s highly encouraged. Baby steps, as they say.

Before you get started, take some time to do your research and educate yourself. You’re here—so you’re clearly interested. There is plenty of great advice that can help you get started. Educating yourself can help you know what to expect which can help make the experience more fun.

Adam's Triple Prostate Probe

Adam's Triple Prostate Probe

Start Alone

Chances are you’re excited to use your shiny new anal toys with your partner but masturbation can be a great way to get to know your body. Taking some time to play on your own is a great way to understand your body and preferences.

Going it alone for the first time or two can provide you with a safe space to experiment. You can stop and start whenever you want, try out different toys without having to factor in anyone else’s sexual needs—it’s important to know yourself before you invite anyone else in to play.

Inya Deluxe Silicone Cleanser

Inya Deluxe Silicone Cleanser

Keep Hygiene in Mind

Hygiene is incredibly important when it comes to using sex toys, in general. You only want to use a toy that is clean, stored properly and well cared for. Make sure that after every use all of your toys are washed and put away.

It’s also important to point out that you are inserting something into your anus, so a mess is probable. That said, you can clean up before or after, whichever is your preference.

When it comes to cleaning up, you’ll most likely want to empty your bowels 30 to 60 minutes before you play. You can use regular soap and water or alcohol-free baby wipes to clean up around the area.

If you want to take extra precaution you can use an enema or a cleanser 1 to 2 hours before. You’ll want to make sure that you read all of the instructions and do it safely. After your play session, use gentle baby wipes or have a bath and thoroughly wash all of your anal toys.

INYA Spade

INYA Spade

Start Small

When it comes to first-time anal toys, go big or go home does not apply. Start with something small, finger-sized is good. You want to make sure that it’s both easy to remove and insert.

You also want to consider going with something that is teardrop-shaped or a bulb. It should have a neck and a narrow flared base. Keep your comfort in mind and start small. You can always go bigger later.

Pipedream Icicles No. 5

Pipedream Icicles No. 5

Remember: Safety First

Safety is important when it comes to any sex toy, but anal toys, in particular, need a flared base otherwise you risk them slipping too far into the anal cavity. If this happens they can travel up the colon which can be very safe and harmful.

For first-time anal play, you want to start with only wearing it for a short period of time. Do not wear it out on the town, to dinner or even to the movies. Those with more experience might choose to do this, but keep it short and sweet until you’re more comfortable with it.

Finally, you need to use lube with anal toys. Unlike the vagina, the anus is not naturally lubricated. Most recommend using a water-based lube, but you can always reference the specific instructions with the toys you used. Regardless of what lube you use, you want to keep enough of it so it can be safely removed. 

Always remember to insert and remove the toy. Be careful, it’s not a race!

Pipedream Icicles No. 5

Quiver Plus Rechargeable Vibe

Keep in Mind Material

When it comes to picking the best anal toys for you, it’s important to pay attention to the different materials they’re made of. You want to make sure that you are using sex toys with body-safe materials. With toys of a lower quality, you want to double and triple-check because they are often made of mixed material. Beyond choosing body-safe materials, different materials have different sensations. 

For example, stainless steel can be used for hot and cold play, but is heavier and not flexible. Crystal and glass are beautiful materials and usually lighter than metal, but you want to make sure to only go with high-quality, respected brands because breaking is a real problem. Finally, body-safe silicone is easy to clean and a bit more flexible, it’s often a favoured choice for first-time anal play.

Smooshy Tooshy Remote Vibrating Butt Plug

Smooshy Tooshy Remote Vibrating Butt Plug

Don’t Double-Dip

The final thing to remember when it comes to playing with anal toys is not to double-dip. Whatever goes into an anus should not also go into a vagina—these places are filled with very different, very important bacteria that shouldn’t be shared.

Regardless of what you’re using to play, whether it be an anal plug, dildo or a finger, it should not be shared. Not without proper cleaning between.

Not sure what the best anal toy for your first time is? Contact us, we're here to help!