Anal Sex Toys

The single most common mistake people make when buying anal toys for the first time is going too big, too fast. Size matters here more than in almost any other category. The anal sphincter needs time to relax, and a toy that's slightly too wide will be uncomfortable rather than pleasurable. Start smaller than you think you need to, and work up gradually over multiple sessions.

Material is the other thing worth getting right from the start. Body-safe silicone is the gold standard for most anal toys, it's non-porous, easy to clean, and has just enough give to feel comfortable. Stainless steel and borosilicate glass are also excellent choices, especially for plugs, because their weight creates a satisfying sense of fullness and they can be temperature-played with. Avoid anything made from jelly, rubber, or unlabelled "TPE" from unknown brands, these materials can harbour bacteria and are difficult to sanitise properly.

One detail that surprises a lot of buyers: every anal toy must have a flared base or a retrieval cord. The rectum has no natural stopping point, unlike the vagina, so a toy without a flared base is a genuine safety risk. Every product in this category meets that requirement.

Butt plugs are the most popular starting point. They're designed to be inserted and worn, creating a feeling of fullness while you do other things. Smaller tapered plugs are ideal for beginners; larger or weighted versions suit more experienced users. Metal plugs with a decorative crystal base, like the Pleasure Steel range, are a popular choice because the material is hygienic, heavy, and looks good.

Anal beads work differently. The pleasure comes from the movement of beads passing through the sphincter, usually on withdrawal. They tend to be better for people who already have some experience with anal play, since the sensation is more intense and less passive than a plug.

Prostate massagers are shaped specifically to reach the prostate gland (sometimes called the P-spot), which sits a few centimetres inside the rectum toward the belly. The Scorpio is one of the models in this range worth looking at, it's designed with that specific angle in mind. Prostate stimulation can produce a very different kind of orgasm for people with a prostate, and many find it significantly more intense than other forms of stimulation.

Vibrating anal toys add a layer of stimulation that non-vibrating versions can't replicate. If you're unsure whether vibration will work for you anally, it usually does, the nerve endings in and around the sphincter respond well to it.

Unlike the vagina, the anus produces no natural lubrication. Using a dedicated anal lubricant isn't just a comfort measure, it's what makes the difference between a good experience and a painful one.

For silicone toys, use a water-based lubricant. Silicone-based lubes will degrade silicone toy surfaces over time, which is why products like Lubricate:IT Water Based Anal and Pjur Back Door Water are specifically formulated for this use, thicker consistency than standard water-based lubes, longer-lasting, and gentle on sensitive tissue.

For metal or glass toys, you have more flexibility. Silicone-based formulas like Pjur Back Door Relaxing Anal Glide last longer and require less reapplication, which many people prefer for longer sessions. The "relaxing" formulas contain ingredients like jojoba that help the muscles ease rather than tense up, genuinely useful, not just marketing language.

Apply lubricant generously both to the toy and to the entrance itself. Reapply if things start to feel dry. There's no such thing as too much lubricant in anal play.

A lot of people worry about mess. The reality is that with basic preparation, it's rarely an issue. The lower rectum doesn't store waste, it's only present there when the body is ready to defecate. Going to the toilet an hour or two before play is usually sufficient for most people.

If you want more thorough preparation, an Anal Shower Head Nozzle attaches to a standard shower hose and allows gentle internal rinsing. Use lukewarm water only, and don't overdo it, excessive douching can disrupt the natural bacterial balance of the rectum. Once or twice is enough.

After play, clean silicone toys with warm water and mild soap, or use a dedicated toy cleaner. Metal and glass toys can be boiled or run through a dishwasher (top rack, no detergent) for full sterilisation. If you share toys between partners, sterilise between uses or use a condom over the toy.

The Mshop Scorpio Care Kit bundles a prostate massager with the cleaning and lubricant essentials, a practical option if you're starting from scratch and don't want to piece things together separately.

Yes, when used correctly. The key safety rules are: always use a toy with a flared base or retrieval cord, use plenty of lubricant, and choose body-safe materials like silicone, stainless steel, or glass. Go slowly, especially if you're new to anal play, and stop if you feel sharp pain rather than pressure or fullness. Discomfort that doesn't ease quickly is a signal to pause.

Smaller than you think. A beginner plug with a maximum diameter of around 2.5-3 cm is a reasonable starting point for most people. The taper matters as much as the maximum width, a gradual taper is much easier to work with than a blunt or cylindrical shape. Once you're comfortable with a smaller size over several sessions, moving up gradually is straightforward.

Not quite. With silicone toys, stick to water-based lubricants, silicone-based formulas will break down the toy's surface over time. With metal or glass toys, both water-based and silicone-based lubes work fine. Avoid oil-based lubricants if you're also using condoms, as oil degrades latex. Dedicated anal lubricants tend to be thicker than standard formulas, which is what you want for this kind of play.

Clean immediately after use with warm water and mild soap, or a dedicated toy cleaner. Non-motorised silicone, metal, and glass toys can be fully sterilised by boiling for a few minutes or running through a dishwasher without detergent. Motorised toys can't be submerged unless they're rated waterproof, wipe them down thoroughly instead. Always dry completely before storing.

No, it's not necessary. Going to the toilet an hour or two beforehand is enough for most people. If you prefer more thorough preparation, a gentle rinse with an anal shower attachment using lukewarm water works well. Avoid doing this more than once or twice per session, over-douching can irritate the rectal lining and disrupt its natural environment.