What Is a Butt Plug? A Fant-ass-tic Toy for Anal Play

There are two prerequisites for great anal sex — an open mind and an open ass. The first is between you and your therapist. But the second? Well, there are toys to help with that. And none works better than the mighty butt plug.

If you’re looking to expand your… horizons, there isn’t a better toy for the job. No ifs, ands, or butts about it. Anal sex aficionados will tell you that prepping your heinie for a pounding is probably the most important step. Whether you’re a seasoned prostate pro or an anal amateur, butt plugs can help. We’ll tell you everything you need to know, from how to insert a butt plug to what you should do once it’s in.

What is a butt plug?

A butt plug (sometimes called an anal plug) is a multipurpose sex toy designed to both stimulate the prostate and expand the sphincter. It’s basically the anal equivalent of a Swiss Army knife.

Butt plugs come in a variety of sizes, from extra-extra small to holy-shit-that’s-big, but their shape is generally the same. They typically have a tapered tip for easy entry, a wide middle to hit all the right parts, and a flared base to make sure the whole thing doesn’t get stuck inside you.

Some butt plugs offer battery-powered vibration for extra anal stimulation, but most are manual; you’ll have to shift your own stick. 

What is a butt plug for? 

Gracie Lou Freebush taught us you can use aloha to say hello and goodbye. A butt plug is kind of like that — dua-purpose. Here are its primary functions:

Sexual pleasure

If you’ve spent any time exploring your butthole, you know it’s a major erogenous zone. The anus is neighbors with a bundle of nerve endings known as the male G-spot, meaning the proper stimulation will deliver unmatched sexual pleasure. Located just in front of the rectum, the prostate is a small gland with big possibilities.

Solo or mutual masturbation, erotic massage, anal foreplay — all can be enhanced with the introduction (and insertion) of a butt plug. Even tops who enjoy ass play can get in on the action and boost their pleasure by inserting a butt plug before sex. Whether top or bottom, playing solo or with a partner, prostate stimulation can take an orgasm to the next level, and a butt plug will help get you there. 

Anal training

Butt plugs, like penises, come in various sizes. If you’re a size queen working up to power bottom status, a butt plug might be just the thing you need. Graduated butt plug sets start small and work their way up in size — an excellent tool to ease you into taking bigger dicks. Of course, a butt plug alone won’t do the trick. You’ll also need plentiful lube and a can-do attitude.

Are butt plugs safe?

Does a bear shit in the woods? Is the Pope Catholic? Is RuPaul bald? Yes, yes, and yes. Butt plugs are safe so long as you use them correctly. We know how easy it is to get carried away when caught in the throes of sexual pleasure, so make sure you’ve set yourself up for success before the fun starts.

That said, always, always, always use butt plugs with a flared base. Even if you skip squats at the gym, butts pack a lot of power. The last thing you want is a butt plug getting sucked up inside you with no easy way to get it out.

Speaking of squats, you wouldn’t try to lift 300 pounds on your first go, so don’t go crazy with your first butt plug. Start small and work your way up; you’ll get to where you want to go without tearing your ass in the process. 

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Considerations before buying a butt plug

You already spend an embarrassing amount of time picking the perfect YouTube video to watch while eating your microwaved takeout. You should at least spare the same level of consideration for the items you’re putting up your (or someone else’s) butt.

This isn’t a “close your eyes and hope for the best” situation. Several crucial variables determine your perfect butt plug, so take your time and be a conscious consumer.

• Material: Metal, glass, silicone — there are plenty of options for the makeup of your butt plug. Silicone might be the most flexible material, but metal and glass open the door for temperature play. They all require different amounts of care and cleaning to keep them in working condition, so choose whatever best suits your needs (and your affinity for chores after a mind-melting orgasm). 
• Size: Take a page out of Goldilocks’s book and pick a butt plug that’s juuust right. There’s no shame in starting small; your sphincter will thank you for it. You can always graduate to a Super-Size toy once you’ve got the hang of the Happy Meal. 
• Texture and shape: Most butt plugs look kind of like a smooth Christmas tree — stand included. Of course, there are other varieties. Some have ridges and grooves to enhance sensations. Others may feature multiple bulbs for deeper penetration. There’s nothing wrong with the classic shape, but variety is the spice of life.
• Add-ons and extras: Maybe you’re a bit of a techie. If you want additional bells and whistles, there are plenty of suitable butt plugs out there. Some models vibrate, while others inflate after insertion. Some even come with a furry tail attached if that’s your thing. 

How to use a butt plug?

After you’ve found the perfect butt plug, you can just pop it in, right? Not exactly.

Although you probably don’t need a user manual to figure out what to do with a butt plug, some basic steps will ensure you have the best time possible without hurting yourself (or someone else). 

1. Talk about consent

As with all sexual activities, consent isn’t just sexy; it’s mandatory. If you want to get into toy play with a partner, you need to talk about it first. Although butt plugs may seem somewhat vanilla, everyone has different boundaries. Ensure you’re on the same page and establish sexual boundaries. 

2. Lube, lube, lube

As much as we wish it was, the anus is not self-lubricating. And no matter what porn might tell you, spit just doesn’t cut it. Lube is your friend when using butt plugs. Just make sure you’re using the right kind. If you have a silicone butt plug, skip the silicone lube and opt for water-based lube; the former can ruin silicone toys.

3. Set the mood

You can’t always match your partner’s freak right away. Sometimes, you need to warm up before you get down. Take time to get into the right mindset before any sexual encounter. Music, mood lighting, sexy lingerie — all play an essential role in relaxing the body and preparing for toy play. 

4. Take your time

Whether you’re using a butt plug for foreplay or as part of the main event, there’s no need to rush the experience. In fact, you’ll have more fun if you take your time. Toy play presents an excellent opportunity for slow, sensual sex, complete with lots of tension, teasing, and body exploration. 

5. End how you started

There’s plenty of opportunity to get rough and rowdy once a butt plug is inside you, but you should pull it out as gently as you put it in. Nothing ruins an acrobatics routine quite like failing to stick the dismount.

How to clean a butt plug

Nobody wants to do the dishes after a delicious dinner, but hey — that’s just part of life. Cleaning sex toys, especially butt plugs, is an essential aspect of safe toy play. Not only can you damage your toys if you don’t clean them properly, but you can also set yourself up for health risks down the line. 

You can clean most butt plugs just as you would any other penetrative toy — with a little warm water and a mild, unscented, antibacterial soap. Silicone, metal, and glass butt plugs can also be cleaned in the dishwasher if hand washing isn’t really your thing.

Butt plug follow-up care

You might feel some soreness or tenderness following anal penetration. Using a butt plug is no different. A warm bath or shower can help ease the pain. If it’s really intense, take a break before picking up the butt plug again.

Grindr: Your plug for anal playdates

If you’re looking for a partner to help you explore toy play, Grindr has just what you need. You’re just a few taps away from finding your next butt plug buddy; just download the Grindr app to get started.