This is probably the practice around which the most misconceptions circulate. It's not marginal, it concerns men as much as women, and when done properly, it doesn't hurt. When done improperly, it can cause injury. Hence this article.
The absolute rule: a flared base
If you remember only one thing, remember this one. Any accessory intended for anal use must have a wide base, a flare, or a retaining ring.
Unlike the vagina, the rectum has no end: it is a canal. An object without a base can go up and become impossible to retrieve, which ends up in the emergency room. No diverted objects, no improvisation: a plug designed for this use, with a base wider than the body.
The second rule: lots of lubricant
The anal area does not produce any natural lubrication. This is not a comfort option, it's a safety condition: without lubricant, invisible micro-fissures are created, which then hurt and open the door to infections.
Use three times as much as you think you need, on the accessory and on the area. For silicone, use a water-based lubricant. A specific anal lubricant, which is thicker, lasts longer and avoids the need to reapply. You can find them in The Essentials.
Choosing your first size
The classic mistake is to go too big. A first plug is generally 2.5 to 3 cm in diameter at most, with a thin tip and a gentle progression. Many brands offer sets of three sizes: this is often the best start, allowing you to progress at your own pace over several weeks.
Prefer soft silicone at first: it conforms better and is more forgiving than a rigid glass or metal model, which can be saved for later.
The first time, step by step
- Take your time. Not on a night when you are rushed or stressed. A warm shower relaxes the sphincter better than anything.
- Start with a lubricated finger. Get to know the area before introducing anything else.
- Comfortable position: lying on your side, knees bent, or squatting.
- Don't push in: guide it. Place the tip, apply very light pressure and wait. The sphincter opens on its own when it's ready. Push lightly as if to have a bowel movement; this relaxes the muscle.
- Sharp pain = stop. A feeling of pressure is normal; pain never is.
- Remove gently, never with a sudden pull.
Afterwards
Clean the accessory carefully, and most importantly: never go from anal penetration to vaginal penetration without washing the accessory or changing condoms. This is the most common cause of preventable urinary tract infections.
Slight discomfort the first few times is common. Bleeding, even minimal, is not: in this case, stop and consult a doctor.
How long to keep it in?
Twenty minutes is more than enough to start. Prolonged wear, often highlighted, tires the sphincter without any real benefit. Short, regular sessions are better.
Our complete selection is in the Anal plug category, from beginner models to vibrating ones.