11 Sex Toys That Can Help You Try Anal for the First Time

Anal play can feel great, especially when you have the right toys.
Graphic by Zackary Angeline

ICYMI: Anal play can be a whole lotta fun. But it can also be pretty intimidating for first timers, which is why we tapped experts for their advice on how to get started—and how to get the most out of it. Here's what they have to say.

First of all, let's take a minute to appreciate why butt stuff can be so awesome.

For starters, the anal region is rich in sensitive nerve endings that can make it a pleasure gold mine. And since the tissue between the rectum and vagina is so thin, sometimes anal pressure stimulates the front wall of the vagina, where the G-spot is. That makes it a surprisingly effective way to get that elusive G-spot stimulation. And if you've got a prostate, anal play can be a great way to target the "P-spot," a walnut-sized gland inside the male pelvis between the bladder and rectum.

When you're going to try the big A, experts recommend taking it slow and starting with a little finger or mouth play.

Lisa Finn, a sex educator at the sex toy boutique Babeland, says relaxation is key to enjoying anal play. "The rectum holds a lot of tension," she tells SELF. "We naturally tense up when something new is introduced to that area. So if you’re feeling a bit anxious about anal play, those muscles may not be as willing to open to allow for penetration."

You can start by stimulating the outside of your anus with your fingers or a vibrating toy. The external stimulation alone may feel great, so you can leave it at that, or continue to relax as you work your way up to penetration.

If you're with a partner, Finn suggests asking them to stimulate the area with their tongue or give you a relaxing full-body massage before making any other moves. Let your partner know what feels good, what doesn't, and what sensations you'd like to explore further. Communication is key.

And if something hurts, stop. Finn says anal sex should never hurt or feel uncomfortable. She also warns against using numbing creams. "Numbing creams [can temporarily dull] pain receptors, which are our body’s way of telling us something is not right," she says. "You can potentially create lasting damage to your body if you continue to force your body through something it is trying to warn you is not OK."

And definitely use lubrication.

Since the anal region doesn't create its own lubrication, using lube is a must—and according to Finn, saliva won't cut it. Finn recommends using a thick, long-lasting silicone-based lube that will reduce friction between bodies and toys, and are also great to use with condoms. Which brings me to an important point: If you're sharing toys with a partner, or using toys both anally and vaginally, it's essential that you use a fresh condom between each new insertion.

But wait! If you're using silicone toys (which some of those included below are), you should opt for a water-based lubricant. Silicone-based lubes erode silicone toys, which means you'll have to replace them more frequently. You can still pair water-based lubricant with condoms, and you'll still want to switch an old condom out for a new one between insertions.

Ready to play? Here are 11 expert-recommended, customer-approved toys to try for first-time anal play.

You'll probably notice that these all have one thing in common: a flared base. And that's deliberate. Not to freak you out, but it's possible for things to get lost in your rectum, which is why you should never use anything as an anal sex toy that doesn't meet this criteria.

And one last thing: Each toy's instructions vary. Check with the retailer to see what material the toy is made of, which lubes it pairs best with, and how to best clean it.


Pfun Plug (Babeland, $95)

A toy that has a rigid curve to it, like this one, is excellent for target G-spot or P-spot action, Finn says. Plus, the flared base will keep the toy from getting lost anywhere it shouldn't.


Beginner Beads (Lovehoney, $13)

The beads on this toy start very small and grow to 1 inch in diameter, so you have full control over how intense the penetration gets. Lovehoney representative Sammi Cole recommends pulling the beads out when you're about to climax to intensify the stimulation. "But do this slowly," Cole tells SELF. "You aren't starting a lawnmower."

Adam & Eve

Anal Explorer Kit (Adam & Eve, $30)

Adam & Eve representative Katy Zvolerin suggests starting small and working your way up to bigger toys, and what better way to do that than with a sex toy kit? This anal sex starter kit comes with a bullet vibrator and a multi-speed vibrating probe, so you can play around with different sensations and see what you prefer.


Protouch Plug (Babeland, $50)

If you're not sure how to begin anal play, Finn says this toy is a great place to start. The plug's vibrations will feel great whether you insert it or not, and the finger shape will help you target more sensitive areas.

Adam & Eve

Booty Bliss Vibrating Beads (Adam & Eve, $20)

This anal bead stick is shorter and more rigid than the other anal beads included in this list, so it's great for beginners looking for something easier to insert, according to Zvolerin. The beads increase in size from 0.25 inches to 1 inch around, allowing you to customize your play. Not to mention, the vibrations provide additional stimulation.


Peg Like a Queen Strap-On (Babeland, $90)

If pegging is more your speed, Finn says this strap-on might be just what you're looking for. The set comes complete with a curved vibrating dildo and a pair of briefs with a built-in ring that holds the toy in place.


Finger Bangers (Adam & Eve, $8)

Start by putting your finger through the ring-shaped base of this toy. From there, you can enjoy the added stimulation a finger vibe has to offer while experimenting with external anal play or penetration, Zvolerin says.


Bootie Set (Babeland, $100)

Finn says this starter set is perfect for anyone looking to start small and work their way up to penetration with a penis or dildo. Plus, you can save $22 if you buy these plugs as a set.


Petite Sensations Bubbles (Babeland, $30)

Since the shape of this plug mimics anal beads, it's great for introducing sensation bit by bit. Finn says it gives a kind of "pop" feeling when put into or taken out of the body—hence the word "bubbles" in the name.


Anal Beads (Babeland, $17)

Finn recommends these graduated anal bead for any beginner. "You can gauge the body's reaction to the smallest bead first, and then introduce more as arousal increases," she says.


Slimline Butt Plug (Lovehoney, $13)

Because of their simple design and sturdy shape, butt plugs are a great toy for first-timers, according to Cole. Plus, this toy's slender, tapered end makes it easy to insert.