How to Use a Butt Plug: Unlocking New Pleasures Safely!
So you want to try a butt plug. Good call. They are one of the most popular anal toys out there, and once you understand the basics, the whole thing is a lot less intimidating than it sounds. This guide covers everything you need to know, from picking the right size to cleaning up after.
What exactly is a butt plug?
A butt plug is a sex toy made to be inserted into the anus and stay there during play.
It has a tapered tip for easy insertion, a wider middle that fills you up, and a flared base at the bottom. That base is important. It stops the toy from going too far inside.
They come in tons of shapes and sizes. Small starter plugs, vibrating ones, glass and metal options, even jewel butt plugs if you want something a little fancy. The variety is real.
People use them solo, with a partner, or during other kinds of play. There is no single right way to enjoy one.
What material should you choose?
Silicone is the best material for beginners, full stop.
It is soft, flexible, body-safe, and easy to clean. Most starter plugs are made from silicone for exactly these reasons.
If you want something firmer, stainless steel and borosilicate glass are excellent choices. They are non-porous, easy to sanitize, and you can warm or cool them for different sensations.
Whatever material you pick, make sure it has a flared base. No flared base means no butt plug. That base is the only thing keeping the toy from traveling somewhere you really do not want it to go.
What size should a first-timer start with?
Start small. Smaller than you think you need.
A beginner plug should have a narrow tip and a modest overall width. Something around one inch in diameter at the widest point is a solid starting range.
Going too big too soon leads to discomfort, and discomfort leads to a bad experience. There is no rush to size up. Plenty of people enjoy small plugs long-term and never feel the need to go bigger.
The number one mistake beginners make is choosing a plug that is too large.
Browse the full butt plug collection and filter by beginner-friendly options if you are not sure where to start.
How do you prepare before using a butt plug?
Preparation makes the whole experience more comfortable and more enjoyable.
Here is how to get ready:
- Go to the bathroom: Empty your bowels beforehand. You do not need to be spotless, but being comfortable helps a lot.
- Clean the area: A shower or quick wash with warm water and mild soap is enough for most people.
- Wash your hands: Clean hands before you touch anything, including yourself or the toy.
- Clean your toy: Wash the plug with warm water and toy cleaner before use, even if it is brand new.
- Get your lube ready: Have it within reach before you start. You will need it.
Some people like to use an anal douche for extra peace of mind. This is totally optional and not required for most people, especially beginners.
What kind of lube should you use with a butt plug?
The anal canal does not produce its own lubrication, so lube is not optional. It is required every single time.
Here is a quick breakdown of your choices:
- Water-based lube: Safe with all toy materials including silicone. Easy to clean up. Reapply as needed since it dries out faster. Check out the water-based lube options here.
- Silicone-based lube: Longer lasting and very slippery. Do not use with silicone toys since it can break down the material. Great for glass or metal plugs.
- Anal-specific lube: Thicker formulas made for anal play. These are worth trying. Browse anal lube picks here.
Use more lube than you think you need. Then add a little more. Seriously.
Pro tip: Apply lube to both the plug and the outside of your anal opening before you begin. Reapply during your session if things start to feel less smooth.
How do you actually insert a butt plug?
Take it slow. This is not something you rush.
- Get comfortable: Find a position that relaxes your body. Lying on your side, on your back with knees up, or squatting all work well.
- Apply lube generously: Coat the tip and sides of the plug and your anal opening.
- Breathe and relax: Take a slow breath out as you begin. Exhaling helps your muscles loosen up.
- Use gentle pressure: Press the tapered tip against your opening and apply slow, steady pressure. Do not force it.
- Let it slide in gradually: The widest part will pass through and then the plug will naturally settle into place. The flared base should sit against your body.
- Check in with yourself: Once it is in, pause and notice how it feels. Some pressure is normal. Pain is not.
How long can you wear a butt plug?
For beginners, 15 to 30 minutes is a good starting range.
As you get more comfortable, some people wear them longer. The key is listening to your body. If you feel soreness, numbness, or discomfort, take it out.
Extended wear is something you work up to over time, not something you do on your first try. For more detail on timing and safety, check out this guide on how long you can safely wear a butt plug.
How do you remove a butt plug safely?
Removal should be just as relaxed and slow as insertion.
- Relax your muscles: Breathe out slowly, same as when you inserted it.
- Grip the base: Hold the flared base or retrieval ring firmly.
- Pull slowly and steadily: Use gentle, consistent pressure. Do not yank it out quickly.
- Breathe through it: A slow exhale as the widest part passes through makes removal more comfortable.
Never leave a plug inserted and fall asleep, especially as a beginner. And never use a toy without a flared base. Those are the two rules that matter most for safety.
How do you clean a butt plug after use?
Cleaning right after use is not optional. It is just part of the routine.
- Silicone plugs: Wash with warm water and a dedicated sex toy cleaner. If the plug has no motor or electronics, you can boil it or run it through the dishwasher on a hot cycle.
- Metal and glass plugs: Same as above. These are the easiest to fully sanitize.
- Plugs with motors or vibration: Wipe down carefully and wash only the insertable parts. Keep electronics away from water unless the toy is fully waterproof.
Let the toy dry completely before storing it. Store it somewhere clean and dry, away from other toys if possible.
Pro tip: A small pouch or ziplock bag works perfectly for storing a butt plug. It keeps dust off and keeps it separate from your other toys.
Can you use a butt plug with a partner?
Yes, and a lot of people find it adds something fun to partnered play.
Communication is the key here. Talk about it beforehand. Agree on what feels good, what to stop if something does not, and how to signal if you want to pause. That conversation makes everything better.
Some people wear a plug during sex, which can intensify sensations for both partners. Others use one during foreplay and remove it before penetration. There is no wrong way to include it as long as both people are comfortable.
If you want to try something with a remote, vibrating butt plugs are a really fun option for partner play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do butt plugs hurt?
They should not hurt if you use plenty of lube, start with a small size, and go slowly. A feeling of fullness or mild pressure is normal. Sharp pain is not. If something hurts, stop and reassess your size, lube, or approach.
Can a butt plug get lost inside you?
Only if it does not have a flared base. A proper butt plug always has a wide base that sits outside your body and stops the toy from going too far. Never use a toy without a flared base anally. That one rule keeps you completely safe.
Do I need to douche before using a butt plug?
No, douching is optional. A normal trip to the bathroom beforehand and a quick external wash is enough for most people, especially beginners. Some people choose to douche for extra peace of mind, but it is not required.
What lube is best for a silicone butt plug?
Water-based lube is the safest choice for silicone toys. Silicone-based lube can degrade silicone material over time, so stick to water-based or an anal-specific formula. Apply generously and reapply during your session as needed.
Can I wear a butt plug during sex?
Yes. Many people wear one during penetrative sex for added sensation. The fullness from a butt plug can intensify feelings for both partners. Just make sure everyone involved is comfortable with it and communicate throughout.
How do I know what size butt plug to buy?
If you are new to anal play, go small. Look for a beginner plug with a narrow tapered tip and a modest overall diameter. You can always size up later once you are comfortable. Starting too big is the most common reason people have a bad first experience.