Complete Guide to Anal Toys: Types, Safety and How to Get Started
A safe anal toy always has a flared base or a handle, is made of silicone, borosilicate glass, steel or ABS, and is used with plenty of water-based lubricant. To start, a silicone butt plug 2.5 to 3 cm in diameter works well. In the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (Indiana University), more than 20% of men ages 25 to 49 and women ages 20 to 39 said they had had anal sex in the past year (Herbenick et al., 2010). In a survey of 975 people with a prostate who have receptive anal sex (Gaither et al., 2023), 92% of those who had done it more than 500 times described pleasurable sensations, compared with 41% of those who had done it fewer than 10 times. Severe pain on insertion dropped from 39% to 13%. When things go wrong at the start, it's usually because of the toy (too big, no flared base), the lubricant (too little or the wrong kind) or rushing. All three are fixable.
This guide covers the relevant anatomy, the 6 types of toy by function, the non-negotiable safety rules (a flared base is NOT a suggestion) and our verdict by profile: for beginners, established couples and advanced users, straight and LGBTQ+.
If you have 30 seconds
- → Your first time: a small silicone butt plug (2.5-3 cm in diameter), always with a flared base, water-based lubricant, no rushing. Start with a finger and lubricant before the toy.
- → For the prostate (men): LELO LOKI Wave 2 or the original LOKI. Specific curve, powerful motor, premium materials.
- → For couples: Je Joue Egon vibrating butt plug with a discreet remote. Combined stimulation during vaginal penetration.
- → Advanced / electrostim: ElectraStim Flick EM60 with a compatible anal probe, sold separately. A different sensation, not for beginners.
- → Uncomfortable truth: anal pleasure works through anatomy, not orientation. Prostate + anal canal + pudendal nerves are 3 areas with many nerve endings.
Written with Lova, the Loviux AI · reviewed by Antonia Gómez, founder of Loviux, on October 1, 2026
Featured in this guide and in stock now
1. The 6 Types Compared in 14 Data Points
Each anal toy does something different. This table sums up the real technical differences so you can choose with good judgment, not marketing.
| Feature | Plug | Beads | Prostate | Dildo | Electro | Dilator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓✓ |
| Movement during use | Static | Pulling | Vibration | Thrusting | Pulse | Static |
| Typical diameter | 2–5 cm | 1.5–3 cm | 3–4 cm | 3–7 cm | 3–5 cm | 1.5–3.5 cm |
| Stimulates prostate | Indirectly | No | ✓ By design | If curved | Varies | No |
| Solo / partner | Both | Both | Both | Both | Solo | Solo |
| Vibration available | Some | Some | Most | Some | N/A | No |
| App control | Premium | No | Premium | Some | Yes | No |
| Body-safe material | Silicone/ABS | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone/Glass | Steel/Silicone | Silicone/ABS |
| Entry price | $ | $ | $$ | $ | $$ | $ |
| Premium price | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ |
| Fully waterproof (submersible) IPX7 | Most | Most | ✓ Premium | If silicone | No (electro) | Varies |
| Learning curve | Easy | Medium | Medium | Medium-high | High | Easy |
| Recommended prep time | 5–10 min | 5–10 min | 10–15 min | 15–20 min | 10–15 min | 5 min |
| Risk if misused | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High if misconfigured | Low |
Data: manufacturer specifications (Tantus, LELO, Je Joue, ElectraStim, Satisfyer).
2. The Anatomy Behind Anal Pleasure
Anal pleasure is not a "weird" preference or a sexual orientation. It's shared biology: in both male and female bodies, the anorectal area has plenty of nerve endings, although there is no measurement comparing it with the clitoris or the glans. The difference between people who enjoy it and people who don't is usually more about technical knowledge than anatomy.
The 3 Anorectal Erogenous Zones
- 1External sphinctervoluntary control
- 2Internal sphincterinvoluntary
- 3anal canal+ canal: dense pudendal nerves
- 4Prostate "P-spot"5–7 cm inside, front wall
The 2 Sphincters: Key to Understanding Dilation
Many people think the anus is "a ring." In fact, it's two concentric muscular rings: the external sphincter (voluntary control, you can tighten it whenever you want) and the internal sphincter (involuntary control, regulated by the autonomic nervous system). That distinction is CRITICAL to understanding why you have to go slowly.
If you force entry before the internal sphincter relaxes (which only happens with relaxation, proper lubrication and time), the body responds with reflex tension, pain and possible micro-tears. That's why rule #1 for anal toys isn't "start small" but "start slowly". A well-dilated 4 cm butt plug hurts less than a 2 cm one pushed in under pressure.
The Prostate: The Least Explored Male Orgasm
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located 5–7 cm from the anus, on the front wall (toward the navel). Stimulating it produces what some urologists call a "prostate orgasm": a nerve response different from a penile orgasm, which many men describe as deeper or longer. The scientific evidence on prostate orgasm is limited.
Men who have tried prostate stimulation may describe orgasms as "qualitatively different." Even so, many men never try it. The barrier is cultural, not anatomical.
What About Bodies Without a Prostate?
Female bodies have no prostate, but there is another phenomenon: the front wall of the rectum is separated from the back wall of the vagina by only a few millimeters of tissue. Anal stimulation can be transmitted to the G-spot and the deep area of the clitoral roots (the real clitoris is much larger than the visible part: it has "legs" that extend 7-9 cm back). That's why many women report combined orgasms (vaginal + anal + clitoral) that are more intense than any one alone.
3. The 6 Types of Anal Toys Explained
A butt plug is not the same as a prostate massager, and anal beads are not the same as an electro toy. Each one is designed for something different and used differently. Here I explain the 6 main types with their pros, cons and who they suit.
Butt plug
Shape: bulb + narrow neck + flared base. Designed to stay in: the sphincter closes behind the bulb and holds it comfortably in place.
Best for: beginners, a feeling of fullness, extended use, during simultaneous vaginal/oral penetration.
Recommended sizes by experience: beginner 2.5–3 cm Ø, intermediate 3.5–4 cm Ø, advanced 4.5+ cm Ø.
Anal beads
Shape: a row of balls (3-10) that increase in size, joined by a flexible cord. Handle or ring at the end.
Best for: a growing feeling of stretching, partner play (your partner pulls at the moment of orgasm), trying sizes without commitment.
⚠ NEVER use beads without a handle or base: they can travel into the rectum and require medical removal.
Prostate massager
Shape: a specific curve of about 30-45° upward to reach the prostate. They often have an external arm that stimulates the perineum at the same time.
Best for: men who want to explore prostate orgasm. The curve does all the work: you don't need to know how to "find" the prostate.
Reference models: LELO LOKI Wave 2 (internal movement) or the original LOKI (vibration + pressure).
Anal dildo
Shape: elongated, with a flared base (essential). Smooth or textured. Made for thrusting movement: the plug stays static, the dildo moves.
Best for: experienced users, pegging (a woman penetrates a man with a dildo + strap-on harness), trying larger sizes.
For anal use, ALWAYS a flared base. A dildo without a base designed for vaginal use must NOT be used anally: there is a real risk of it traveling inside.
Electrostimulation
Shape: metal plug + dildo, or ones with electrodes, connected to an external generator (the "box"). It produces low-intensity electrical pulses.
Best for: VERY advanced users. A sensation unlike any vibration: some people love it, others don't.
⚠ NOT for beginners, NOT with pacemakers / heart problems, NOT for couples without training. Only reputable brands (ElectraStim, Mystim).
Dilator kit
Shape: a set of 3-5 plugs in increasing sizes (1.5 cm → 4 cm). All with a base, body-safe materials, no vibration.
Best for: a true first time, people with reflexive pelvic tension, post-surgical users. You learn to relax without jumping sizes.
A set of silicone plugs in increasing sizes (for example, the 3-plug sets from Addicted Toys) is usually a better starting point than a single expensive plug.
4. Head to Head: 4 Battles by Level
Four direct comparisons based on your experience and goal. We compare specific products using the data from their product pages.
⚔️ Beginner tier: Small butt plug vs anal beads
Your first time. Constant or gradual sensation?
Satisfyer Ilicious 2 butt plug
- • 2 independent motors
- • Satisfyer Connect app control
- • Body-safe silicone
- • Rechargeable lithium battery + IPX7
- • Conical design for the P-spot
Silicone anal beads
$35-70- • 5-7 graduated balls
- • Sturdy pull handle
- • No vibration (focus on sensation)
- • Medical-grade silicone
- • Good variety in stock
Verdict: Ilicious 2 wins on versatility and premium features (vibration + app + 2 motors). The beads win if you want a gradual, pulsing sensation and a pull at climax. For a true first time: Ilicious 2 if you want to control the intensity from the app and start at the lowest level, or the Satisfyer Absolute Beginners 1, made for getting started.
⚔️ Intermediate tier: Vibrating butt plug vs prostate massager
You've tried the basics. Time to step it up.
Je Joue Egon
- • Vibrating butt plug with triangular edges
- • 5 levels + 7 patterns
- • Soft silicone
- • Discreet remote included
- • 2-year warranty
LELO LOKI
- • Curved design for the prostate
- • 6 vibration modes
- • Perineal safety ring
- • USB rechargeable and fully waterproof (submersible)
- • LELO 1+10 year warranty
Verdict: Egon wins if you want a versatile butt plug for longer sessions (even during penetration). LELO LOKI wins hands down if your goal is prostate orgasm: the curve is designed for that. For men exploring the prostate: LOKI.
⚔️ Premium tier: LELO LOKI Wave 2 vs ElectraStim Flick
When you already know what you like and want the best in each category.
LELO LOKI Wave 2
- • WaveMotion movement (the head moves)
- • 12 vibration modes + 5 waves
- • Silicone and ABS
- • IPX7 and up to 2 h of battery
- • 10-year premium warranty
ElectraStim Flick EM60
- • 1-channel electrostim generator
- • Includes Aura electrode and ElectraLoops rings; for anal use you need a compatible probe sold separately, such as the ElectraStim Midi plug
- • Radically different sensation
- • 7 patterns and 24 intensity levels
- • For advanced users only
Verdict: two different universes. LOKI Wave 2 is the peak of prostate vibration + movement (intense but familiar). Flick is electrostim: another sensory dimension, not comparable. If you've never tried electro, start with LOKI Wave 2. If you already know both worlds and want something NEW: Flick.
⚔️ Couples tier: App-controlled butt plug vs thrusting plug
For couples play, remote control, surprise.
KIIROO Lumen
- • App-controlled vibrating butt plug
- • Syncs with interactive content
- • For a man in a long-distance or nearby couple
- • Silicone, secure base
Anal Fantasy Thruster
- • Vibrating butt plug with suction cup base
- • Thrusting movement
- • Remote control included
- • 13.2 cm insertable and 5.4 cm maximum diameter
- • Advanced users only
Verdict: Lumen for gentler sessions where your partner controls it via app (even from a distance). Thruster for advanced couples who want effortless assisted penetration. If it's your first time as a couple: Lumen. If you already play with big plugs: Thruster.
5. Which One Is Right for You? 8 Profiles
Beyond the product, what decides it is who you are and what you're looking for. These are the eight most common profiles and our specific recommendation.
Absolute first time
You've never explored anal. You want to learn without spending much or making mistakes.
Recommendation: a set of 3 silicone butt plugs in increasing sizes
Why: three graduated sizes, so you learn without skipping steps. Then you decide whether to move up to a vibrator.
Man exploring the prostate
You want to discover prostate orgasm. You have no previous anal experience.
Recommendation: the original LELO LOKI
Why: a curve that does the work for you. You don't need to "find" the prostate. A 3.5 cm diameter is manageable for beginners to intermediates.
For a straight couple
Vibrating butt plug for her during vaginal penetration. Combined sensation.
Recommendation: Je Joue Egon or Satisfyer Ilicious 2
Why: small and vibrating. The Egon is operated with a discreet remote and is made of soft silicone; the Ilicious 2 uses the Satisfyer Connect app and is cheaper.
For a gay couple (receiving)
Warm-up before real penetration. Warming up + training.
Recommendation: Satisfyer Absolute Beginners 1
Why: a medical-grade silicone vibrating butt plug made for getting started, with a conical tip, 7.5 cm insertable and a generous base. To warm up before penetration, a small size and working up gradually is best.
BDSM / power play
Butt plug for submission during longer sessions. Aesthetics matter.
Recommendation: METAL HARD plug
Why: the weight of the metal adds sensation, dom/sub aesthetic, optional jewel. Always look for 316L surgical steel.
Post-surgical or postpartum
Gradual dilation, always following the guidance of your doctor or physical therapist.
Recommendation: medical dilator kit (~$100-125)
Why: guided progression, hypoallergenic materials. Consult a pelvic floor physical therapist first.
Advanced users looking for something new
You've already been through plugs and vibrators. You want radically different sensations.
Recommendation: ElectraStim Flick EM60
Why: it's electrostimulation, a different sensation from vibration that some people like and others don't. The pack doesn't include an anal probe: you need a compatible one sold separately and must follow ElectraStim's instructions.
Long-distance couple (LDR)
Your partner controls it from another city/country via app. Keep the intimacy.
Recommendation: KIIROO Lumen or Satisfyer Ilicious 2
Why: both have an app. KIIROO syncs with interactive video, Ilicious 2 with audio/playlists.
6. Decision flowchart: 3 questions
If all this detail feels like too much, this flowchart gives you the answer in 30 seconds.
7. The 10 golden rules of anal safety
Done slowly and with the right materials, the risk drops a lot, but it doesn't go away. In US emergency departments between 2012 and 2021, of 885 adults with a foreign body in the rectum, 55.4% were sex devices and 40.8% needed hospital admission (Loria et al., 2023). That's why these rules aren't optional. Read them before you buy.
- ALWAYS a flared base or a handle. Any toy without a stopper can be sucked up into the rectum and travel further in. Removal requires an operating room. Non-negotiable.
- ONLY water-based lubricant or hybrid with silicone toys. Silicone lubricants damage the silicone of the toy (unless the toy is ABS or glass). For anal use, water-based lubricant is absorbed quickly, so reapply much more often than you would for vaginal use.
- Body-safe materials ONLY. Medical-grade silicone, ABS, borosilicate glass, 316L surgical steel. AVOID: jelly, PVC, TPE, "jellybean" materials, and anything with a strong chemical smell. They may contain carcinogenic phthalates.
- Go slowly. ALWAYS. The internal sphincter relaxes with time, not force. Forcing it means injury. 5-10 minutes of preparation with a finger and lubricant before the toy is the minimum.
- NEVER use a toy vaginally after anal use (or the other way around) without disinfecting it. Rectal flora is different from vaginal flora. Moving bacteria from the rectum to the vagina almost guarantees an infection.
- NEVER share without changing the condom. If you share toys with a partner, put a condom on the toy and change it when it goes from one body to another.
- STOP if there is blood. Small traces can be normal the first time. If there is active bleeding or sharp pain, stop immediately. If the bleeding is heavy, doesn't stop within a few minutes, or there is intense pain or fever, go to the emergency room.
- Pick a size that matches your level. Jumping from a finger to a 5 cm Ø butt plug doesn't work. Go up a size every 2-3 sessions, not in the same night.
- Anal cleaning BEFORE. It isn't mandatory, but it's recommended. A shower, plus an optional anal shower with a bulb (not a deep enema, which disrupts your flora). Empty your bladder.
- If you take anticoagulants, talk to your doctor. Aspirin, warfarin and similar drugs increase the risk of bleeding from micro-fissures. It isn't an absolute contraindication, but you should adjust your technique.
These 10 points reduce the risk, but they don't eliminate it. If you have special medical conditions (hemorrhoids, chronic fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, after pelvic surgery), talk to your doctor BEFORE you start. Most professionals won't judge you, because it's a common medical question.
8. Anal lubricants: which one to use
The rectum doesn't produce natural lubrication the way the vagina does. That is the most important difference to understand about anal sex: without lubricant there is friction, and with friction come micro-tears, pain and a risk of infection. More lubricant than you think.
WATER-based
✓ Compatible with EVERYTHING (silicone, glass, condoms, toys).
✗ It's absorbed quickly during anal use, so reapply several times.
Brands: Sliquid Sassy, Pjur Aqua Anal, Aquaglide.
Best for: beginners, short sessions, silicone toys.
SILICONE-based
✓ Lasts for hours without reapplying, perfect for long sessions.
✗ NOT compatible with silicone toys (it degrades the material).
Brands: Pjur Original, Eros Megasol Anal, ID Millennium.
Best for: long sessions with glass, steel or condoms (NOT silicone toys).
HYBRID (water + silicone)
✓ The best of both: compatible with silicone and lasts longer.
✗ More expensive, and not suitable if the toy is pure premium 100% silicone.
Brands: Sliquid Silk, Pjur Med Soft, Astroglide Diamond.
Best for: frequent anal play, couples who combine a toy, fingers and a condom.
The #1 beginner mistake with lubricant
Squeezing out a small drop and going ahead. That isn't anal lubricant, it's nothing. A full anal session needs 2-4 ml at the very least applied to the toy, plus 1-2 ml at the anus. If the lubricant runs out halfway, stop and reapply. The rectum doesn't "warn" you when it's dry. By the time you notice, there is already a micro-fissure.
9. Cleaning, maintenance and care
Hygiene with anal toys is CRITICAL. Rectal bacterial flora is harmless where it belongs, but it can cause serious infections elsewhere (vagina, mouth, urethra). Every toy that goes into the anus is cleaned right away and disinfected before any other use.
Cleaning by material
- 100% medical-grade silicone: mild soap and warm water for 30 seconds, or a dedicated toy cleaner (Pjur Cleaner, Sliquid Toy Cleaner). For maximum disinfection: boil for 5 minutes or use the dishwasher (without the battery).
- Borosilicate glass: boiling water for 5 minutes, or the dishwasher. Glass doesn't harbor bacteria on its non-porous surface, so it's the easiest material to keep sterile.
- 316L surgical steel: same as glass. It can be boiled. It withstands diluted bleach (not recommended regularly).
- ABS plastic: soap and warm water, do NOT boil (it warps). A dedicated toy cleaner is the best option.
- Products with a motor or electronics: NEVER submerge unless it's IPX7. Clean the surface with a damp cloth and soap. Only submerge the tip or end if the specs allow it.
Storage
- Keep each toy in its own bag (silicone can degrade when it touches other plastics).
- Store in a dry, dark place at room temperature. NOT in a humid bathroom.
- Charge the battery to 50-70% before long-term storage (Li-Po batteries degrade when stored at 100%).
- Check every 6 months for signs of degradation: color change, chemical smell, sticky texture, micro-cracks.
Anal cleaning beforehand (optional but recommended)
It isn't mandatory, but it gives you more confidence and cleanliness. Three options, from least to most:
- External shower + diet: a normal shower beforehand, and avoid heavy or spicy meals in the hours before. Enough for most people.
- Anal shower with a bulb: 200-300 ml of warm water (37°C) introduced with a bulb. Repeat 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Time: 15 minutes before the session. Do NOT use tap water if you live in a hard water area (use bottled or filtered water).
- Professional enema: ONLY for long or deep sessions. More is worse: washing too much disrupts your natural flora and can cause irritation.
10. Frequently asked questions (14 honest answers)
Does it hurt the first time?
If you do things right (plenty of lubricant, slowly, a small size), it shouldn't hurt. You may feel pressure or something "odd" at the start. Sharp pain = stop. If it doesn't go in comfortably after 5 minutes of relaxing, call it off and try another day. Forcing it is the worst strategy.
Is anal pleasure only for gay men?
No. It's biology, not orientation. Many people have tried anal toys on their own or with a partner. The prostate is male anatomy, and many straight men haven't explored it for cultural reasons, not anatomical ones.
Should I start with a finger or a toy?
With a finger (yours or your partner's). You learn the sensation, find your body's limit and relax. Then move on to a small toy. Jumping straight to a toy without exploring with a finger first is the #1 cause of disappointing or painful first experiences.
How long can I leave a butt plug in?
For beginners: 15-30 minutes. More experienced people can manage 1-2 hours. More than 3-4 hours in a row isn't recommended because of the risk of tissue numbness (nerve compression) and reduced local blood flow. If you notice tingling or coldness, take it out immediately.
What do I do if it gets "stuck"?
If it has a flared base, it does NOT get stuck, and you can pull on the base. If you got past the base (a serious mistake), DON'T panic: squat down, bear down as if you were having a bowel movement, and let it come out on its own. If it doesn't come out within 30 minutes, go to the emergency room. If you pulled on an object with no base and it went in completely, go to the emergency room immediately.
Do I need an enema first?
Not for play with a small or medium butt plug (fecal matter is usually higher up, in the sigmoid colon, but there's no guarantee the rectum is empty, so it's a good idea to put a condom on the toy and keep towels handy). For long sessions or with a deep dildo, it makes more sense to prepare with an anal shower with a bulb (200-300 ml of warm water).
Are hemorrhoids and anal toys compatible?
Mild external hemorrhoids: yes, with care and plenty of lubricant. Internal hemorrhoids or external grade 3-4 hemorrhoids: see a proctologist first. Active anal fissures: NO, heal first. Most professionals don't judge, because it's a common medical question.
Can you have an orgasm from anal stimulation alone?
Yes, in men with enough prostate stimulation (the famous "hands-free orgasms"). In women it's rarer but possible, and it depends on how close the internal clitoris and the G-spot are. It isn't the usual outcome, but some people get there with practice.
Does anal sex cause incontinence in the long run?
It may play a role. In a US national survey of 4,170 adults aged 20 to 69 (Markland et al., 2016, Am J Gastroenterol), fecal incontinence was more common in people who had had anal sex: 9.9% vs 7.4% in women and 11.6% vs 5.3% in men. The link held after accounting for other factors, especially in men. It's a survey, so it doesn't prove that one thing causes the other, and it asked about anal sex, not about toys. With toys, the usual rules apply: go slowly, use plenty of lubricant, go up in size gradually and stop if it hurts. If you have pain or discomfort, talk to a health care professional.
Can I use a lubricant with a "cooling" or warming effect?
NOT for anal. Lubricants with menthol, capsaicin or anesthetic ingredients are contraindicated. If you have irritation, anesthetics mask the pain, so you injure yourself without noticing. For anal use: a plain lubricant, with no extras. What's sold as "anal lubricant with a relaxing effect" usually contains benzocaine and is NOT recommended by any proctologist.
How much should I spend on my first anal toy?
The mid-range is the sweet spot. At the cheapest end, the material is probably questionable (PVC, jelly), which is a real risk. Spending at the high end on a first purchase means investing in something you may not like. It's better to buy a dilator kit or a Satisfyer butt plug and move up after 2-3 sessions.
Are cheap brands (~$20-35) safe?
Mixed. Some are honest medical-grade silicone, cheap because they're simple. Others are TPE/PVC with a misleading label. Home test: body-safe material does NOT smell strongly of chemicals out of the package. If it smells like "industrial plastic," return it. In our catalog, a simple silicone option is the Addicted Toys butt plug sets.
Pregnancy and anal play?
Uncomplicated pregnancies: there are no studies backing it as safe, so the prudent thing is to talk it over first with your OB-GYN or your midwife. Avoid large or deep toys, or intense vibrators near the cervix. ALWAYS check with your OB-GYN in high-risk pregnancies, placenta previa or threatened preterm labor. Zero vaginal pressure at any time if there is a risk.
Is it normal to get "stretched out" with frequent use?
The sphincter is a muscle, it returns to normal tone after each use. What DOES happen with frequent, progressive use is that you learn to relax it faster and tolerate more diameter. There is no evidence that occasional use leaves the sphincter "open." There is a national survey that links anal sex with more fecal incontinence (see the incontinence question above), so it's a good idea to go slowly and stop if there is discomfort.
11. Verdict + our picks
Our verdict
Anal pleasure is the most underexplored erogenous zone of the body. It's a more common practice than people let on: more than 20% of men aged 25 to 49 and women aged 20 to 39 had done it in the past year (Herbenick et al., 2010). If you're curious, go for it. Done slowly and with the right toy, the risk is low.
If you're only going to buy one: dilator kit for beginners, LELO LOKI for men with a prostate, Satisfyer Ilicious 2 for couples. Everything else is just leveling up once you know what you like.
6 products we recommend
Ilicious 2 butt plug
Vibrating butt plug · 2 motors · App
LOKI classic
Prostate curve · 6 modes
LOKI Wave 2
WaveMotion · Internal movement
Egon vibrator
Triangular edges · Remote
Thruster
Vibration + thrusting · Remote
Flick EM60
Electrostim · 1 channel · Pack