How to Use an Anal Plug

Using a butt plug comfortably comes down to three things: plenty of lube, a plug with a flared base, and giving yourself time to adjust. Whether you're trying a butt plug for the first time or looking for ways to enjoy one you already have, these basics can make insertion more comfortable and give you more control over the experience.

Start with the base. A butt plug should have a wide, flared base or another stopper that keeps the toy outside the body. This prevents the plug from slipping completely inside and gives you something to hold when you're ready to remove it. Safety recommendations published in the journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy and guidance from the Sexual Medicine Society of North America both recommend a base that's wide enough to prevent an anal toy from being fully inserted.

Next, reach for the lube. The anus doesn't naturally lubricate itself, so use plenty of lubricant on both the plug and the anal opening. Add more whenever the toy starts to feel less slippery. Go Ask Alice, Columbia University's health Q&A service, also recommends using lubricant for anal play to reduce friction and the chance of irritation. Water-based lube is a simple starting point because it's compatible with most toy materials; you'll find more about choosing lube for different plugs below.

Then, take your time. Slow, relaxed breathing can help your muscles loosen as you get used to the sensation. Start with gentle external touch, then insert the plug gradually rather than trying to push it in all at once. You can pause at any point and add more lube if needed. If you feel pain, stop rather than trying to push through it.

Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can get into the details. Our guide to what butt plugs are, and the anal toys guide covers the wider range of toys you can explore. The steps below take you through using a butt plug from preparation and insertion to wearing and removal.

When you're about to use your butt plug for the first time, a little preparation can help make things feel more relaxed. Choose a time when you won't be interrupted. Keep your plug and lube within easy reach, too, so you don't have to stop once you're comfortable.

1. Wash your hands, make sure your nails are trimmed and smooth, and give your plug a quick clean. Then settle into a position where your body feels relaxed.
2. Warm up with a clean, well-lubed finger, taking slow breaths and letting the muscles at the opening loosen at their own pace.
3. Coat the plug generously with lube and add a little more around the opening. Hold the plug by its base as you bring the tip to your body.
4. Ease it in slowly as you breathe out, until the base rests against the outside of your body. Pause whenever you like, and add more lube if it starts to feel dry.

Once your plug is in, take a moment to notice how it feels. Staying still while you get used to the sensation can feel good, and so can moving, adding other touch, or inviting a partner to join in. How long you keep it in is a personal choice. Just listen to your body. Follow the instructions for your specific plug, start with shorter periods, and take it out right away if you feel pain, numbness, or discomfort.

When you're ready to remove it, relax, breathe slowly, and hold the base as you ease the plug out gently rather than pulling it quickly. A little extra lube around the opening can make this more comfortable. Set the plug aside to clean, and wash your hands before you move on.

Our guide on how to use anal toys goes beyond plugs if you'd like to bring other toys into your play.

If you're choosing your first butt plug, focus on three things: the base, the size, and the material. A plug with a wide, flared base gives you something to hold and helps prevent it from slipping fully inside. From there, choose a size that feels manageable for your experience level and a material that's easy to clean.

Start with the base. Look for a plug that's noticeably wider at the bottom than the part that goes inside you. T-bar and flared bases are both designed to stay outside the body, while some bases also double as handles. Go Ask Alice recommends a wide base for anal toys for this reason.

Keep your first size manageable. Check both the width and the insertable length before you buy. If you're new to anal play, a smaller plug is generally an easier place to start. A training set can be useful if you'd like the option to move up gradually rather than buying several sizes separately.

Choose a material you like. Silicone, glass, and metal are all nonporous materials that can be cleaned thoroughly after use. Silicone has a softer, more flexible feel, while glass and metal are firm and can also be used for temperature play. If you're not sure what you'll prefer, think about whether you want something soft and yielding or smooth and firm.

Material also affects your choice of lube. Water-based lube works with silicone, glass, and metal, making it an easy all-purpose option. Avoid silicone-based lube with silicone toys unless the manufacturer specifically says they're compatible. Our guide to choosing the right sex toy lube has more detail on matching lube to different materials.

For extra comfort, you can also consider a desensitizing gel made for anal play. Adam & Eve's Easy Anal Gel can be used as directed to help take the edge off the sensation, which some people prefer when trying a new plug or getting used to a larger size. It isn't a substitute for plenty of lubricant or taking things slowly, and you should still pay attention to how your body feels as you play.

If you'd like to start with a set, the Booty Boot Camp Training Kit includes three silicone plugs in graduated sizes, making it easy to start with the smallest and work your way up. The Pink Gem Anal Plug Set takes a similar approach with three polished aluminum plugs in different sizes. Both give you a chance to compare sizes without having to guess which one you'll want next.

If glass appeals to you, the Glass Anal Training Trio offers another graduated option. You can also compare individual styles such to see how their sizes, bases, materials, and care requirements differ.

Whichever style catches your eye, check the product details before buying. The listed dimensions, material, base design, and recommended lubricant will tell you much more about how a plug is likely to work for you than its appearance alone.

With a butt plug, you get to set the pace. If something feels uncomfortable or painful, stop and give yourself a break. You can add more lube, switch to a smaller plug, take more time to relax, or simply try again another day. There's no reason to push past pain to make a particular size or position work.

If you're using a plug with a partner, talk about what you'd both like to try before you begin. Check in as you go, and remember that either person can slow down, pause, or stop at any time. The person wearing the plug should always have the final say over when it goes in, how long it stays in, and when it comes out.

A little extra care helps when you're switching between types of play or sharing a toy. Wash the plug before moving it from anal play to vaginal or oral use, or put a fresh condom over it. Planned Parenthood recommends using a new condom when a sex toy moves between different parts of the body. If you're sharing a plug, use a fresh condom for each person or clean the toy thoroughly between users.

Finally, always use a plug with a wide, flared base that stays outside the body. If a toy does become stuck and you can't remove it yourself, seek medical care rather than trying to retrieve it with another object.

Clean your butt plug after every use, and give it a quick wash before using it again if it's been sitting in storage. For silicone, glass, and metal plugs, warm water and mild soap are usually enough. The Sexual and Relationship Therapy recommendations recommendations support soap and water for these nonporous materials, although research on sex toy cleaning is still limited.

Pay a little extra attention to areas where lubricant or residue can collect, including around the flared base and any seams, ridges, or decorative details. Rinse the plug thoroughly after washing and let it dry completely before putting it away.

A dedicated toy cleaner is another convenient option, particularly when you want to clean a plug without keeping it under running water. Adam & Eve's Pure and Clean Misting Toy Cleaner is a water-based, alcohol-free option that can be sprayed onto the toy, wiped clean with a damp cloth, and rinsed before drying.

You can also use a condom over your plug to make cleanup easier, especially when sharing or switching between types of play. A condom doesn't replace cleaning, though, so wash the plug after use even when you've used a barrier.

Once your plug is clean and completely dry, store it somewhere cool and dry where it won't rub against other toys. A clean storage bag or container can help keep dust away and protect the surface between uses. For more advice on cleaning different types of sex toys, see see our guide on how to clean sex toys.

Now that you know what to look for, you can browse butt plugs by the features that matter most to you, whether that's a particular size, a flared base, a certain material, or a plug that offers something a little different. If you'd like to start with graduated sizes, the Booty Boot Camp Training Kit and Pink Gem Anal Plug Set both offer several plugs to try. For something more high-tech, the Adam & Eve Carl Vibrating & Rimming Anal Plug adds remote-controlled movement.

Don't forget the lube. Forbidden Anal Lubricant is a thick, water-based formula that works with condoms and all toy materials, making it an easy choice if you're not sure which type of lube to pair with your plug. You can also browse anal lubes and water-based lubes to compare your options.

A toy cleaner can make cleanup just as easy. Pure and Clean Foaming Toy Cleaner is one option, or you can browse more toy cleaners and personal care products to find something that fits your routine. Keeping a few condoms nearby is useful, too, particularly if you're sharing a plug or switching between different types of play.

When you're curious about what else is out there, explore anal toys and anal beads, or read our guide to beginner anal sex toys for more ideas.