A butt plug is a type of anal sex toy designed for insertion into the anus during sexual activity. To ease insertion, butt plugs are narrow at the tip and wider in the middle. At the end of the plug, there is typically a slimmer neck followed by a flared base to ensure that the sex toy does not slip into the rectum. Butt plugs can be smooth or textured, and some vibrate for extra stimulation. The highest-quality plugs are made with non-porous materials, like silicone and stainless steel. 

Whether you want to improve your solo masturbation or try something new with a partner, a butt plug can heighten pleasure in three ways. 

1. __Provides extra stimulation__: The anus and rectum are filled with sensitive nerve endings that butt plugs can stimulate to make a sexual experience more intense. 
2. __Enables you to achieve anal orgasm__: With the use of a butt plug and lubricant, you can stimulate especially sensitive erogenous zones. If you have a penis, you can use butt plugs to reach a [prostate orgasm](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/prostate-orgasm-tips)—an orgasm achieved by massaging the prostate gland, which is located below the bladder near the rectum. 
3. __Helps you prepare for anal sex__: If you are curious to try anal sex with your partner, butt plugs provide a way to get your sphincter muscles used to the sensation of anal penetration. 

No matter your gender and sexual orientation, butt plugs can increase your sexual pleasure. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to safely use a butt plug.

1. __Communicate with your partner__. If you want to use a butt plug with a partner, start by telling them why you’d like to incorporate it into your sex life. You need consent before trying any form of sexual activity with a partner, including butt plug play. 
2. __Select the right butt plug for your needs__. Do your research to find an anal plug that works for you in terms of material and size. Start with a small plug or an anal training kit, which includes several plugs of different sizes, and work your way up to larger butt plugs. 
3. __Maintain good hygiene practices__. Any sexual activity related to the anus requires extra care when it comes to cleanliness. Without proper hygiene, bacteria that live in your colon can spread to your genitalia or mouth and cause an infection. Wash your butt plug before and after each use with warm water and mild soap or a sex toy cleaner. Consider placing a condom over your butt plug, especially if it’s a toy you might share with your partner or use on another body part. 
4. __Set the mood__. Before inserting a butt plug, allow yourself to get aroused. Your muscles relax when you’re turned on, which makes it easier to enjoy anal stimulation. If you’re using a butt plug with a partner, experiment with different [foreplay](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/foreplay-guide) techniques before insertion. 
5. __Use plenty of lubrication__. Be sure to have [lubricant](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-lube) nearby, and reapply regularly while using a butt plug. Water-based and silicone-based lubricants work well with most butt plug materials. 
6. __Take your time__. Insert the butt plug slowly, and begin by pushing only the tip into your anus. Hold it there for a moment, allowing your anal sphincter muscles to relax before pulling it out and taking a break. When you’re ready, reinsert the butt plug, pushing it slightly deeper. Try deep breathing exercises to relax your muscles. Continue this exercise until you can fully insert your butt plug. Be patient—you might not be able to insert the plug on your first try. 
7. __Wear the butt plug during other sex acts__. If you have a vulva, wearing a butt plug during penetrative sex can add stimulation. Using a vibrating butt plug during vaginal penetration with a penis can also arouse other [erogenous zones](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-guide), like the scrotum and clitoris. Consider engaging in other sex acts while wearing your butt plug, like oral sex, masturbation, or BDSM for added pleasure. 
Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast *Sex With Emily*). 
If you are interested in anal play, consider trying a butt plug for added stimulation during partnered or solo sex.

If you are interested in anal play, consider trying a butt plug for added stimulation during partnered or solo sex.


Butt Plugs Guide: How to Use a Butt Plug

A butt plug is a type of anal sex toy designed for insertion into the anus during sexual activity. To ease insertion, butt plugs are narrow at the tip and wider in the middle. At the end of the plug, there is typically a slimmer neck followed by a flared base to ensure that the sex toy does not slip into the rectum. Butt plugs can be smooth or textured, and some vibrate for extra stimulation. The highest-quality plugs are made with non-porous materials, like silicone and stainless steel.

What Is a Butt Plug?

Whether you want to improve your solo masturbation or try something new with a partner, a butt plug can heighten pleasure in three ways. <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Provides extra stimulation: The anus and rectum are filled with sensitive nerve endings that butt plugs can stimulate to make a sexual experience more intense. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Enables you to achieve anal orgasm: With the use of a butt plug and lubricant, you can stimulate especially sensitive erogenous zones. If you have a penis, you can use butt plugs to reach a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/prostate-orgasm-tips' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/prostate-orgasm-tips","linkCopy":"prostate orgasm","category":null}'>prostate orgasm</a>—an orgasm achieved by massaging the prostate gland, which is located below the bladder near the rectum. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Helps you prepare for anal sex: If you are curious to try anal sex with your partner, butt plugs provide a way to get your sphincter muscles used to the sensation of anal penetration. </li></ol>

3 Benefits of Using a Butt Plug

No matter your gender and sexual orientation, butt plugs can increase your sexual pleasure. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to safely use a butt plug.<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Communicate with your partner. If you want to use a butt plug with a partner, start by telling them why you’d like to incorporate it into your sex life. You need consent before trying any form of sexual activity with a partner, including butt plug play. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Select the right butt plug for your needs. Do your research to find an anal plug that works for you in terms of material and size. Start with a small plug or an anal training kit, which includes several plugs of different sizes, and work your way up to larger butt plugs. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Maintain good hygiene practices. Any sexual activity related to the anus requires extra care when it comes to cleanliness. Without proper hygiene, bacteria that live in your colon can spread to your genitalia or mouth and cause an infection. Wash your butt plug before and after each use with warm water and mild soap or a sex toy cleaner. Consider placing a condom over your butt plug, especially if it’s a toy you might share with your partner or use on another body part. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Set the mood. Before inserting a butt plug, allow yourself to get aroused. Your muscles relax when you’re turned on, which makes it easier to enjoy anal stimulation. If you’re using a butt plug with a partner, experiment with different <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/foreplay-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/foreplay-guide","linkCopy":"foreplay","category":null}'>foreplay</a> techniques before insertion. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Use plenty of lubrication. Be sure to have <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-lube' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-lube","linkCopy":"lubricant","category":null}'>lubricant</a> nearby, and reapply regularly while using a butt plug. Water-based and silicone-based lubricants work well with most butt plug materials. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Take your time. Insert the butt plug slowly, and begin by pushing only the tip into your anus. Hold it there for a moment, allowing your anal sphincter muscles to relax before pulling it out and taking a break. When you’re ready, reinsert the butt plug, pushing it slightly deeper. Try deep breathing exercises to relax your muscles. Continue this exercise until you can fully insert your butt plug. Be patient—you might not be able to insert the plug on your first try. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Wear the butt plug during other sex acts. If you have a vulva, wearing a butt plug during penetrative sex can add stimulation. Using a vibrating butt plug during vaginal penetration with a penis can also arouse other <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-guide","linkCopy":"erogenous zones","category":null}'>erogenous zones</a>, like the scrotum and clitoris. Consider engaging in other sex acts while wearing your butt plug, like oral sex, masturbation, or BDSM for added pleasure. </li></ol>

How to Use a Butt Plug

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).

Let’s Talk About Sex

If you are interested in anal play, consider trying a butt plug for added stimulation during partnered or solo sex.