That’s because there’s a bit more of an inherent risk in anal play than there are with other sexual activities. But using anal toys doesn’t have to be scary, as long as you know about safe sex practices.
Anal play is completely normal and something that many people find very enjoyable. It’s also safe and can be extremely pleasurable as long as you follow best practices, and know how to use anal toys safely.
Not sure where to start? We’re going to cover common anal toy mistakes – and how to avoid them.
Safe anal play requires knowing what to do and what not to do to have the most pleasurable experience possible and reduce the risk of any potential injuries, infections, other mishaps.
Anal toy safety starts with having the right equipment. Without a flared base or retrieval handle, anal toys can get lost inside the rectum. Unlike the vagina, the rectum doesn’t have a natural stopping point so this could be a dangerous situation that may require medical intervention.
You can help avoid any scary situations by always choosing anal specific toys with a flared base or loop handle to prevent any accidents. You’ll also want to avoid using anything that’s not specifically designed for anal play. Please take this as a word warning: Just because something looks like it might be pleasurable doesn’t mean it’ll actually work in your rectum!
Another key part of anal play safety is lube. Unlike the vagina, the anus does not self lubricate. So without external support (aka lube), anal play can lead to pain, irritation, or even tearing (which can increase the risk of transmitting STIs).
Not only that, but dry penetration or anal play, increases the risk of injury and can frankly be pretty uncomfortable.
How do you fix this? It’s pretty simple. Use lube! The best lube for anal play is one that is thick and long-lasting. Even better if it’s specifically designed for anal play. Water-based or silicone-based lubricants are usually ideal, depending on the toy material. Be sure to check the instructions on your toy to see what type of lube is most compatible with it.
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Another common mistake when it comes to beginner anal play is starting out with a toy that’s too big. While it can be tempting to opt for a big, enticing toy, it may be too much for your body at first. Beginners who do this may experience pain or strain.
A word of caution: forcing a large toy can cause tears, discomfort, or muscle tension. It also just might not be the nicest introduction to using anal toys.
Luckily, this can easily be avoided by starting with a small, beginner-friendly anal plug, or bead set. Many companies sell tapered toys or sets that allow you to explore different sizes without purchasing multiple products.
This allows you to gradually work up to larger sizes as comfort increases. But also, there’s no badge of honor for going bigger. You do what works for your body and feels most pleasurable to you.
A lot of people are concerned about anal play hurting. Wondering how to avoid pain with anal toys? Remember that anal sphincter is a muscle that needs time to relax. Skipping foreplay or warm-up can make insertion uncomfortable or even painful.
You can avoid this by focusing on slow, gradual anal stimulation. This could mean spending time on other erogenous or the genitals first and also gently stimulating the external part of the anus. You may also want to try manual play before moving on to toys.
It can be a little intense at first, if anal play is new to you. So, remember to take deep breaths and go slowly so the muscles can adjust and you can sink into pleasure.
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A very big no-no when it comes to sex toy safety is using the same toy for vaginal and anal play –– without properly cleaning it. The rectum is full of bacteria that are not friendly for the vagina. If transferred to the vagina, these bacteria can cause issues like UTIs, yeast infections, and other bacterial infections.
Luckily this can easily be avoided with proper anal hygiene tips. Remember not to switch between vaginal and anal play without thoroughly cleaning the toy first. Look at the manufacturer’s instructions to learn the best way to sanitize your toy.
Outside of probably cleaning them, it’s also helpful to use a fresh condom over the toy when switching between the vagina and anus and also when switching partners.
As pleasurable as anal play can be, the rectum is full of bacteria that you need to be incredibly mindful of. Anal bacteria can linger on toys and cause infections. Not storing your toys can also lead to mold, bacterial growth, or toy damage.
This is an easy fix as long as you practice good anal hygiene tips. You want to wash your anal toys with warm water and mild soap after every use. You can also use antibacterial cleaners for extra protection, which is often recommended for anal toys.
Take good care of your toys so that they last a long time. You’ll want to store them in a dry, breathable pouch to keep them clean and in good condition.
Like we talked about before, the anus needs time to warm up. If you rush and force the toy in, it can cause pain, muscle tension, or micro tears. Being too forceful when inserting your toys can also lead to potential injury and all-around discomfort.
You can avoid this by going slowly and letting the toy glide in naturally (with plenty of lube, of course!). Start by applying gentle pressure externally and then moving your toy inside, waiting for the muscles to relax. Continue with your deep breaths, and your body will respond by letting go a little bit more with each breath.
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Good sex toy safety is listening to your body and its cues. While using anal toys may feel a bit intense at first, it shouldn’t be painful. Pain is a sign that something isn’t right and forcing the toy can just lead to injury.
Also if you ignore the discomfort, it can just cause fear and anxiety about anal play as a whole. Listening to your body’s cues and communicating what’s going on with your partner, if one is present, is important for everyone’s pleasure.
You can fix this by listening to your body! If something hurts, stop immediately and reassess what you’re doing. You may need to use more lube, try a smaller toy, or take a step back and reapproach when you’re fully relaxed, whether that’s today or another day.
If the pain does persist, consult a medical professional to make sure that no injury or tears have occurred.
You’re almost ready to go on your merry way and enjoy anal play. But we want to send you off with a few more tips to help you get started.
If you’re practicing anal play with a partner, communication is key. Especially with something that can cause discomfort or even injury when not done correctly. Be clear and communicative to your partner about what you would like from the experience and maybe what has worked for you in the past –– as well as what hasn’t worked for you. You may want to have a safe word so they know to stop immediately if something isn’t right.
The best beginner friendly anal toys to start with are tapered anal beads like our SORAYA Beads or another small-sized butt plug with flared base.
You may be ready for a larger toy or to try new techniques if what you’re doing feels comfortable and pleasurable, yet you’re craving more intensity, depth, or size.
You know now the top mistakes people make when using anal toys. But as a quick refresher, remember to always choose a toy with a flared base, use toy-friendly lube, properly clean your toys, and take your time with the experience!
Want to learn more about all things anal play? Check out this guide on how to use anal beads or this article that answers all your anal sex questions. Enjoy!
Discover anal pleasure with:
HUGO 2
LOKI
SORAYA Beads
BRUNO
LOKI Wave 2
HUGO 2 Remote
EARL
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