What Are Butt Plugs Used For? 14 Things to Know

Anyone with an anus can enjoy a butt plug, a form of anal sex toy. They’re safe when used with sensible precautions, such as ample lubrication and careful handling.

What exactly are they?

Joyful little butt plugs! This toy can be used by anyone with an anus, regardless of gender, genitalia, or sexual orientation.

A butt plug is an anal device designed to occupy the rectum in a pleasurable way. Typically teardrop-shaped, it flares at the base to stop it from being drawn in too far.

What’s the point?

Pleasure, primarily. The anus hosts a dense network of sensitive nerve endings that can feel incredible when stimulated. It’s also the route to the prostate — often called the “male G-spot” — and is anatomically near the vaginal A-spot and G-spot.

Orgasm

Yes, anal orgasms are a real phenomenon; anyone with an anus can experience them, and a butt plug can help facilitate one.

The nerves just inside the rear are a major reason why anal play feels so good.

Cisgender men and people assigned male at birth can achieve prostate orgasms with the help of a butt plug.

Cisgender women and people assigned female at birth may get indirect stimulation of the A-spot or G-spot via anal pressure, which can sometimes lead to the experience known as female ejaculation.

Kink

Into kink? Butt plugs are a flexible addition to your toy box.

They can be used in power-exchange scenes, worn discreetly in public, or combined with vaginal penetration for double penetration play.

Stretching

Butt plugs are useful for gently stretching the anus to prepare for larger toys, a penis, or gaping. The key is to begin with small sizes and progress slowly.

Tip: Consider purchasing a butt plug starter or trainer set, which you can find online. They’re usually affordable and include a range of sizes.

Are butt plugs safe?

Generally yes, if you follow basic safety measures. These include:

• Using lots of lube. Lubrication is essential for anal play. Inadequate lubrication can cause irritation or tears — both of the delicate anal skin and the tears that come from too much pain.
• Proper handling. Clean and disinfect any toy before and after use. Even a well-kept bum can have microscopic fecal residue that could cause infection. Sharing toys without cleaning can also spread STIs. Good hygiene reduces risk.
• Your health. Avoid anal toys if you have hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or certain prostate issues without first consulting a healthcare professional.

What misconceptions are there?

There are plenty. Let’s clear them up so you can confidently explore butt plug play.

Using plugs doesn’t mean you’re consenting to anal sex

Agreeing to one sexual activity doesn’t automatically mean you’ve agreed to others. Wearing or using a butt plug doesn’t turn your body into an open invitation for anal sex unless you explicitly consent to that.

It shouldn’t hurt

Some mild discomfort while the body adjusts to penetration can happen, but significant pain is not normal.

Move slowly and use plenty of lubricant.

You aren’t going to poop

You’re very unlikely to defecate, though you might feel like you will. Stimulating similar nerves can create the sensation of needing a bowel movement.

To ease your mind (and your bowels), use the restroom beforehand.

It can’t get stuck or lost — but other things could

Butt plugs are built with flared bases to remain secure, but random objects that aren’t designed for anal use can become problematic. Don’t put anything in your anus that isn’t specifically made for it.

Foreign items can harm your colon and may result in an emergency room visit.

What types are there?

Unlike anal toys designed for in-and-out motion (like dildos or probes), butt plugs are made to stay in place and provide a steady sense of fullness.

Most plugs taper for easier insertion and widen toward the base. They’re made from various materials that create different tactile sensations. You’ll find sleek plugs, textured designs, and vibrating varieties.

What should beginners buy?

If you’re starting out, choose a small, flexible plug.

Here are some beginner-friendly options:

• Small Silicone Anal Beads with a Two Hole Pull Ring. Not a plug per se, but anal beads are an excellent gentle introduction if you’re unsure about a tiny butt plug. Insert one bead at a time and increase at your own speed.
• Mini Buzzing Anal Rimmer. Tiny but mighty, this plug includes a removable vibrating bullet to stimulate other erogenous zones while the plug is in place. Its compact size also works well for rimming.
• b-Vibe Novice. This compact, tapered silicone plug has a little give and offers features like 15 vibration patterns and a remote — fun for solo sessions or partner play.
• Lovehoney Classic Silicone Extra Petite Beginner’s Butt Plug. Petite and pocket-friendly, this smooth, narrow plug is designed with beginners in mind — great for both comfort and cost.
• Rocks Off Teazer Petite Sensations Beginner’s Vibrating Butt Plug. Slim and silky, this plug is easy to insert, waterproof for bath or shower use, and contains a removable vibrating bullet for additional stimulation.
• Itty-bitty booty delight – beginner butt plug. Short, sweet, and simple, this small, jelly-like plug is comfortable and very affordable.

How do you use it?

Being relaxed and aroused makes using a butt plug more enjoyable. Introducing one during masturbation, oral sex, or vaginal penetration can be a gentle way to begin.

Follow these insertion tips to keep the experience smooth:

• Take a warm bath or engage in foreplay to relax your muscles, which eases insertion.
• Generously apply lubricant to both the plug and the area around your anus.
• Place the plug’s tip at the entrance and slowly increase pressure as the muscle relaxes.
• Stop immediately if you feel sharp pain. Breathe, add more lube, try a different angle, or move to a smaller plug before attempting again.

How do you clean and store it?

Most plugs can be cleaned with soap and water or a dedicated toy cleaner, but always follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines.

Keep your plug in a dry, clean place where it won’t be damaged. If it came with a pouch or box, store it there.

Anything else to know?

Butt plugs can be intensely pleasurable, but they’re not a must for everyone. Move at your own pace, prioritize safety, and don’t quit at the first sign of discomfort — a small technique change is often enough to improve things.

If it’s not for you, that’s fine — there are many other enjoyable ways to reach orgasm.