Butt Plugs

A butt plug is the easiest way into anal play, for any body. It goes in, stays put, and gives a feeling of fullness and pressure that changes how everything else feels. Choosing well means starting small, insisting on a proper base, and picking the material that matches how you want to use it.

The base is not optional

The anus draws inward, and a toy without a wide, flared base or a T bar can be pulled inside, where it cannot be retrieved without help. Every plug on this page has a base; when you see one elsewhere without, leave it. A T shaped base sits between the cheeks and is more comfortable for wearing; a round flared base is easier for beginners and for jewelled plugs.

Size, and starting small

Plugs are measured at their widest point. Beginners do well with a diameter of 25 to 30 millimetres and an insertable length of 7 to 9 centimetres. A gradual taper from tip to widest point makes insertion comfortable; a bulbous shape that widens quickly is for people who already know what they like. Because the body relaxes with practice, a set of three sizes is often better value than a single plug.

The neck, the narrow part above the base, decides comfort while wearing. A slim neck lets the muscle close and rest; a thick neck keeps a feeling of stretch and tires faster.

Materials

Platinum silicone is soft, warm, slightly flexible and easy to sterilise. It is the right choice for a first plug and for long wear.

Stainless steel and glass are heavy and smooth, take temperature well, and go in with very little lubricant. Warm them in a bowl of water, or chill them, for a different feeling. They are the choice for the jewelled plugs people give as a gift.

Avoid jelly and cheap PVC for anything that goes inside for long: porous, hard to clean, and sometimes smelling of plastic.

Shapes with a purpose

A classic plug is a teardrop. Curved or angled plugs aim at the prostate, or at the front wall for women, and give more than just fullness. Ribbed and beaded shapes add sensation on the way in and out. Tail plugs and jewelled plugs are about how they look; choose those by base and material as carefully as any other.

Vibrating and remote controlled

A motor in a plug turns wearing into something else entirely. Look for a rechargeable model with a body that is fully waterproof, a slim neck for wear, and an app or remote so the buttons do not have to be reached. Bluetooth reaches a few metres through clothing and a body; anything advertised as working across a restaurant is optimistic.

Lubricant and preparation

Use plenty of lubricant, more than seems necessary, and use water based with silicone plugs. Silicone or hybrid lubricant lasts longer and is fine with steel and glass. Go slowly, breathe out as the widest part passes, and stop if it hurts; pain means the size or the pace is wrong, not the person.

A shower and a bowel movement beforehand are enough preparation for most people. A douche is optional, not required.

How long to wear one

An hour or two is comfortable for most people once they are used to it; longer than that, take it out for a while. Never sleep with a plug in. Numbness, cramping or bleeding are reasons to stop and let the body recover for a few days.

Care

Wash with warm water and soap after each use. Silicone, steel and glass can be boiled or cleaned with a toy cleaner; motorised plugs are wiped with soap and water only. Store dry, in a bag, and keep silicone apart from other silicone.

Frequently asked questions