Bum Bum Anal Toys

The single most important thing about any anal toy is the base. Every plug, probe, or vibrator designed for anal use needs a flared base or retrieval cord, full stop. The rectum has no natural stopping point, and toys without a proper base can migrate inward. This isn't a scare tactic; it's just anatomy. Once you've confirmed a toy has a safe base design, everything else is about preference.

Material is the next real decision. Silicone is the go-to for most people: body-safe, non-porous, easy to clean, and available in a huge range of firmness levels. Harder materials like stainless steel or borosilicate glass feel completely different, heavier, smoother, and they hold temperature well (warm them slightly in water for a noticeably different sensation). TPE and rubber-blend toys exist at lower price points, but they're porous, harder to sanitize, and we'd honestly skip them if you can.

Size matters more here than in almost any other category. The anal sphincter doesn't stretch the way vaginal tissue does, so starting smaller than you think you need is genuinely good advice, not just a disclaimer. A toy that's slightly too large isn't just uncomfortable; it can cause real discomfort that puts people off anal play entirely. Start with something slim, use plenty of lubricant (more on that below), and work up gradually if you want to.

Butt plugs are the most common entry point. They're designed to be inserted and worn, some people use them during other sexual activity, others just for solo play. Classic plugs taper to a narrow neck above the base, which lets the sphincter close naturally around them. That's what makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Anal probes and beads work differently. Beads are typically pulled out slowly at the moment of orgasm, which creates a distinct sensation that a lot of people find intensifies climax significantly. Probes are longer and thinner, designed more for in-and-out movement than for wearing in place.

Vibrating anal toys add a layer of stimulation that many people find transforms the experience. Some are simple single-speed plugs with a bullet motor; others are app-controlled with multiple patterns and remote functionality, brands like Lovense have made a name for themselves specifically in this space. If you're buying for couples play, a remote-controlled option is worth considering.

Prostate massagers are a specific subcategory worth calling out. They're curved to reach the prostate gland (sometimes called the P-spot), and the sensation is genuinely different from standard anal stimulation. If you're buying for someone with a prostate, a dedicated massager will outperform a generic plug every time.

Unlike the vagina, the anus produces no natural lubrication. This means lube isn't optional, it's part of the experience. Use more than you think you need, reapply during longer sessions, and choose the right type for your toy.

Water-based lubricant works with every toy material, including silicone. It's the safest default choice. Silicone-based lube lasts longer and feels silkier, but it degrades silicone toys over time, so if your toy is silicone, stick to water-based. Oil-based lubes are fine with glass or steel toys but incompatible with condoms and harder to clean up.

Brands like Pjur make anal-specific lubricants with slightly thicker formulas and sometimes added relaxing agents. These aren't numbing agents (which we'd steer clear of, pain is useful feedback), just formulas designed to reduce friction more effectively for anal use.

Anal toys need thorough cleaning after every use, no exceptions. For non-motorized silicone, glass, or steel toys, you can boil them or run them through the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent) for full sterilization. Vibrating toys with electronics can't be submerged fully, so wash them with warm water and mild soap, paying attention to any seams or texture where bacteria can hide.

Store toys separately, ideally in individual pouches or the original packaging. Silicone toys stored touching each other can react over time, especially if they're from different manufacturers with slightly different silicone formulations. A small fabric pouch per toy is the easiest solution.

Check your toys periodically for any changes in texture, tackiness, or smell. Silicone that's gone tacky or developed an odd odor should be replaced. It's a sign the material has degraded, and degraded material is harder to clean properly.

Yes, with the right approach. The key points are: use a toy with a flared base, start with a small size, use plenty of lubricant, and go slowly. Discomfort is a signal to stop and reassess, pain during anal play usually means too little lube, too much speed, or a toy that's too large for where you're starting. None of those are permanent problems, just adjustments to make.

Body-safe silicone is the best all-around choice for most people, it's non-porous, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of firmness levels. Stainless steel and borosilicate glass are excellent alternatives if you prefer a firmer, heavier feel and want something that can be fully sterilized. Avoid porous materials like TPE or rubber blends for anal use, as they're harder to clean thoroughly.

Only if it has a flared base. Most standard vibrators don't, which makes them unsafe for anal use regardless of size. Toys designed specifically for anal play are built with the right base geometry from the start. It's worth buying the right tool rather than improvising with something that wasn't designed for it.

Water-based lubricant is the right choice for silicone toys. Silicone-based lube can break down the surface of silicone toys over time, making them harder to clean and potentially irritating. Brands like Pjur offer water-based formulas specifically designed for anal use, with thicker consistencies that stay in place better than standard water-based lubes.

If you're new to anal toys, go smaller than your instinct suggests. A slim plug with a maximum diameter of around 2.5-3 cm is a reasonable starting point for most people. The goal at first is just getting comfortable with the sensation and learning how your body responds. You can always size up later, starting too large and having a bad experience is a much bigger setback than starting small and working up gradually.

Bum Bum

What makes a good Bum Bum toy, and what to look for before buying

Types of Bum Bum products, plugs, probes, vibrators and more

Lubricant, the one thing you absolutely cannot skip

Cleaning and care, keeping your toys in good shape

Is anal play safe for beginners?

What's the best material for an anal toy?

Can I use a regular vibrator for anal play?

What lubricant should I use with silicone anal toys?

How do I know what size to start with?