Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. There are tons of reasons someone might want to dip their toes into anal play: It can be pleasurable, exciting, and a fun way to spice up partnered sex. But first things first: If you haven't tried any kind of butt play yet, you're going to want to engage in a tactic called "anal training," says Janet Brito, PhD, a sex therapist and founder of the Hawaii Center for Sexual and Relationship Health.
And that's where butt plugs can come in. In short, anal training is when you test the waters by starting small and working your way up to bigger girths, like a penis, dildo, or strap-on. "You want to get your body used to these sensations to tell it, 'Hey, this is something that is good.
This is something that's pleasurable,' because our body isn't used to things going in there," says Lisa Finn, a sex educator and product expert with Babeland. This method helps the anal muscles acclimate to penetration, lowering your risk of tearing and pain. And these expert-approved toys (like butt plugs) can be a fun and safe way to prep yourself.
If you're a first-timer, peep these other pro tips: For starters, use more lube for anal than you think you need. Secondly, you should have at least one bowel movement about an hour before you engage in any kind of butt stuff, says Brito. Both of these actions will minimize any discomfort you might experience during initial insertion.
Before rushing to add a new toy to your shopping cart, it's important to take features and everything in between into consideration. Besides, some of these plugs are not cheap, so you're better safe than sorry. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Repeat after me: If it doesn't have a flared base, it does not belong in your butt. Without a flared base, a toy can get stuck in your anal canal and lost inside your body, sex therapist Gigi Engle previously told Women's Health. But a good flared base will be able to anchor the toy.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
