Guides

Anal Toys for Beginners

By the Holdure team · Updated · 2 min read

Anal toys are one of the categories where choosing the right design matters most. The short version: pick a toy with a flared base, start small, use plenty of lube and go slowly.

Why the flared base matters

The vagina ends at the cervix, so a toy can’t get lost there. The anal canal leads into the rectum with no natural stopping point, so a toy without a flared base or a handle can slide in further than intended. Planned Parenthood says any toy used anally should have a flared base or another way to pull it out; a toy that goes in too far may need a doctor or nurse to remove it.

This isn’t rare. An analysis of US emergency department data estimated about 38,948 visits for objects stuck in the rectum among people 15 and older between 2012 and 2021, and 55.4% of the objects were sexual devices. In a separate review of the same records, massagers and vibrators were the most common objects.

Before you buy from our anal toys collection, check the product photos and description for a flared base or retrieval handle.

Types of anal toys

  • Butt plugs taper to a narrow neck and a flared base so they stay in place. Graduated sets of three sizes are a common start.
  • Anal beads are a series of beads with a ring or handle at the end.
  • Prostate massagers are curved to reach the prostate. Some are hands-free, such as Aneros; others vibrate or connect to an app.
  • Vibrating and remote plugs, for example from b-Vibe and Lovense.
  • Jeweled plugs in metal or glass, such as Booty Sparks.

Choosing your first toy

  • Size: start small. Compare insertable length and the widest diameter in the specifications. Cleveland Clinic advises beginners to avoid large or heavily ridged toys.
  • Material: most butt plugs are silicone, which feels soft; stainless steel and glass are harder and heavier. Non-porous materials are easier to clean (see our materials guide).
  • Base: wide enough that it can’t pass inside, and comfortable to sit on if you plan to wear it.

Lube, pace and comfort

  • The anus doesn’t make its own lubrication, so use plenty of lube and reapply as needed. Check the toy’s lube compatibility; water-based lube works with every material. See our lube guide.
  • Go slowly, tell your partner how it feels, and stop if anything hurts.
  • Never push the base of a toy inside the anus.

Hygiene

  • Never move a toy from anal to vaginal use without washing it or changing the condom on it first.
  • A condom over a toy makes clean-up easier and is recommended if the toy is shared. Scarleteen suggests keeping butt plugs to one user each.
  • Clean the toy after each use following the brand’s instructions; see how to clean sex toys.

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