Complete Guide to Anal Toys: Types, Safety, and How to Start
The National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (Indiana University) notes that about 40% of heterosexual adults have tried some form of anal play. But a much smaller percentage incorporate it regularly — almost always because the first attempt went wrong. And the first attempt usually goes wrong because of the chosen toy (too big, no flared base), the lubricant (too little or the wrong type), or rushing. All three can be fixed.
This guide explains the relevant anatomy, the 6 types of toys by function, the non-negotiable safety rules (a flared base is NOT a suggestion) and the verdict by profile — for beginners, established couples and advanced users, both hetero and LGBTQ+.
If you have 30 seconds
- → Your first time: small silicone butt plug (3-4 cm diameter), always with a flared base, water-based lubricant, no rush. Start with a finger + lubricant before the toy.
- → For prostate (men): LELO LOKI Wave 2 (€219) or classic LOKI (€169). Specific curvature, powerful motor, premium materials.
- → For couples: Je Joue Egon (€120) vibrating plug with app. Combined stimulation during vaginal penetration.
- → Advanced / electrostim: ElectraStim Flick EM60 (€188). Different sensation, not for beginners.
- → Uncomfortable truth: anal pleasure works by anatomy, not orientation. Prostate + anal canal + pudendal nerves are 3 areas with thousands of nerve endings that almost no one explores.
1. The 6 types compared in 14 facts
Each anal toy serves a different purpose. This table summarises real technical differences so you can choose wisely, not based on marketing.
| Feature | Plug | Beads | Prostate | Dildo | Electro | Dilator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for beginners | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓✓ |
| Mobility during use | Static | Jiggle | Vibration | Penetration | Pulse | Static |
| Typical diameter | 2–5 cm | 1.5–3 cm | 3–4 cm | 3–7 cm | 3–5 cm | 1.5–3.5 cm |
| Stimulates prostate | Indirect | No | ✓ Designed | If curved | Variable | No |
| Solo / couple | Both | Both | Both | Both | Solo | Solo |
| Vibration available | Some | Some | Majority | Some | N/A | No |
| App control | Premium | No | Premium | Some | Yes | No |
| Body-safe material | Silicone/ABS | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone/Glass | Steel/Silicone | Silicone/ABS |
| Entry price | €15 | €20 | €50 | €25 | €90 | €25 |
| Premium price | €120 | €90 | €220 | €150 | €450 | €90 |
| Submersible IPX7 | Majority | Majority | ✓ Premium | If silicone | No (electro) | Variable |
| Learning curve | Easy | Medium | Medium | Medium-high | High | Easy |
| Recommended prep time | 5–10 min | 5–10 min | 10–15 min | 15–20 min | 10–15 min | 5 min |
| Risk if misused | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High if misconfigured | Low |
Data: manufacturer specs (Tantus, LELO, Je Joue, ElectraStim, Satisfyer) + clinical experience reported in Journal of Sex Research, 2021–2024.
2. The anatomy behind anal pleasure
Anal pleasure isn't a «weird» preference or a sexual orientation. It's shared biology: in both male and female bodies, the anorectal area has a nerve density comparable to the clitoris or glans. The difference between those who enjoy it and those who don't is often more about technical knowledge than anatomy.
The 3 anorectal erogenous zones
The 2 sphincters — key to understanding dilation
Many people think the anus is «a ring». In reality, it's two concentric muscle rings: the external sphincter (voluntary control, you can contract it at will) and the internal sphincter (involuntary control, managed by the autonomic nervous system). This distinction is CRITICAL to understand why you must go slow.
If you force entry before the internal sphincter relaxes (which only happens with relaxation, proper lubrication, and time), the body responds with reflex tension, pain, and possible micro-tears. That's why the #1 rule of anal toys isn't «start small» but «start slow». A well-dilated 4 cm plug hurts less than a 2 cm one inserted with force.
The prostate: the least explored male orgasm
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located 5–7 cm from the anus, on the anterior wall (towards the navel). Stimulating it produces what some urologists call a «prostatic orgasm»: a nerve response different from penile orgasm, described as deeper, longer, and — according to a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine 2018 — capable of generating multiple orgasms in succession without a refractory period.
71% of men who have tried prostate stimulation report «qualitatively different» orgasms (independent survey, n=2,400, 2022). Yet only 12% try it at some point in their lives. The barrier is cultural, not anatomical.
And in bodies without a prostate?
In female bodies, there's no prostate, but another phenomenon occurs: the anterior wall of the rectum is separated from the posterior wall of the vagina by only a few millimetres of tissue. Anal stimulation can transmit to the G-spot and the deep area of the clitoral roots (the real clitoris is much larger than the visible part — it has «legs» extending 7-9 cm backwards). That's why many women report combined orgasms (vaginal + anal + clitoral) more intense than any separately.
3. The 6 types of anal toy explained
A butt plug is not the same as a prostate massager, nor are anal beads the same as electrostimulation toys. Each is designed for a different purpose and used differently. Here, I explain the 6 main types with their pros, cons, and who they are best suited for.
Plug (butt plug)
Shape: bulb + narrow neck + flared base. Designed to stay in place: the sphincter closes behind the bulb, keeping it comfortably secure.
Ideal for: beginners, feeling of fullness, prolonged use, during simultaneous vaginal/oral penetration.
Recommended sizes by experience: beginner 2.5–3 cm Ø, intermediate 3.5–4 cm Ø, advanced 4.5+ cm Ø.
Anal beads
Shape: string of balls (3-10) increasing in size, connected by a flexible cord. Handle or ring at the end.
Ideal for: increasing sensation of dilation, couple play (partner pulls at the moment of orgasm), exploring sizes without commitment.
⚠ NEVER use beads without a handle or base — they can migrate into the rectum and require medical removal.
Shape: specific curve of about 30-45° upwards to reach the prostate. Often have an external arm to simultaneously stimulate the perineum.
Ideal for: men wanting to explore prostate orgasms. The curve does all the work — you don't need to know how to "find" the prostate.
Reference models: LELO LOKI Wave 2 (internal movement) or classic LOKI (vibration + pressure).
Anal dildo
Shape: elongated, with a flared base (essential). Smooth or textured. Used for penetration movement — the plug is static, the dildo moves.
Ideal for: experienced users, pegging (woman penetrates man with dildo + harness), exploring larger sizes.
For anal ALWAYS flared base. A dildo without a base designed for vaginal use should NOT be used anally — real risk of migration.
Electrostimulation
Shape: metallic plug + dildo or with electrodes, connected to an external generator (the "box"). Generates low-intensity electrical impulses.
Ideal for: VERY advanced users. A sensation unlike any vibration — some people love it, others don't.
⚠ NOT for beginners, NOT with pacemakers / heart issues, NOT for couples without training. Only reputable brands (ElectraStim, Mystim).
Dilator kit
Shape: set of 3-5 plugs in increasing sizes (1.5 cm → 4 cm). All with base, body-safe materials, no vibration function.
Ideal for: absolute first-timers, people with reflexive pelvic tension, post-surgical users. Learn to relax without jumping sizes.
CalExotics 5P and other kits usually cost 60-90€ total — better investment for beginners than a single fancy plug.
4. Head-to-head: 4 battles by level
Four direct comparisons based on your experience and goal. Products verified in stock in May 2026 with real data.
⚔️ Beginner tier: Small plug vs Anal beads
Your first time. Constant or gradual sensation?
Satisfyer Deep Diver Plug
85,95€- • 12-level vibration + app
- • Medical-grade silicone, 3.5 cm Ø
- • Magnetic charging + IPX7
- • 15-year warranty
- • 39 units in stock
Silicone Anal Beads
25-50€- • 5-7 increasing balls
- • Robust extraction handle
- • No vibration (focus on sensation)
- • Medical-grade silicone
- • Good variety in stock
Verdict: Deep Diver wins in versatility and premium features (vibration + app + 15-year warranty). Beads win if you want a gradual pulsed sensation and a pull at climax. For absolute first-timers: Deep Diver for its many intensity levels.
⚔️ Intermediate tier: Vibrating plug vs Prostate massager
You've tried the basics. Time to step up.
Je Joue Egon
120€- • Vibrating plug with triangular edges
- • 5 levels + 7 patterns
- • Soft silicone, 3.8 cm Ø
- • 14 units in stock
- • 2-year warranty
LELO LOKI
168,99€- • Curved design for prostate
- • 6 vibration modes
- • Perineal safety ring
- • 4 units in stock
- • LELO 1+10 year warranty
Verdict: Egon wins if you're looking for a versatile plug for prolonged sessions (even during penetration). LELO LOKI wins hands down if your goal is prostate orgasm: the curvature is designed for that. For men exploring the prostate: LOKI.
⚔️ Premium tier: LELO LOKI Wave 2 vs ElectraStim Flick
When you know what you like and want the best of each category.
LELO LOKI Wave 2
219€- • WaveMotion movement (head moves)
- • 12 vibration modes + 5 waves
- • Premium silicone + steel
- • 9 units in stock (blue)
- • 10-year premium warranty
ElectraStim Flick EM60
188,99€- • 1-channel electrostim generator
- • Multi-pack accessories included
- • Radically different sensation
- • 12 units in stock
- • Only for advanced users
Verdict: two different universes. LOKI Wave 2 is the pinnacle of vibration + prostate movement (intense yet familiar). Flick is electrostim — another sensory dimension, incomparable. If you've never tried electro: start with LOKI Wave 2. If you know both worlds and want something NEW: Flick.
⚔️ Couples tier: App-controlled plug vs Inflatable thrusting
For couple play, remote control, surprise.
KIIROO Lumen
88,99€- • App-controlled vibrating plug
- • Syncs with interactive content
- • For men in LDR/close relationships
- • Silicone, secure base
Anal Fantasy Thruster
119,99€- • Inflatable + powerful vibrator
- • Thrusting movement
- • Remote control included
- • 7 units in stock
- • Only for advanced users
Verdict: Lumen for gentler sessions where the partner controls via app (even at a distance). Thruster for advanced couples wanting effortless assisted penetration. If it's your first time as a couple: Lumen. If you already play with large plugs: Thruster.
5. Which suits you? 8 profiles
Beyond the product, what matters is who you are and what you're looking for. Here are the eight most common profiles and our specific recommendation.
Absolute first-timer
You've never explored anal play. You want to learn without spending much or making mistakes.
Recommendation: CalExotics 5P dilator kit (~88€)
Why: 5 increasing sizes, learn without skipping steps. Then decide if you want to move up to a vibrator.
Man exploring prostate
You want to discover the prostate orgasm. No prior anal experience.
Recommendation: LELO LOKI classic (169€)
Why: curvature does the work for you. No need to "find" the prostate. 3.5 cm diameter is manageable for beginners-intermediates.
For heterosexual couple
Vibrating plug for her during vaginal penetration. Combined sensation.
Recommendation: Je Joue Egon (120€) or Satisfyer Deep Diver (86€)
Why: small, vibrators, app. Egon is premium silicone, Deep Diver has a better app and friendlier price.
For gay couple (receiver)
Pre-play before real penetration. Warm-up + training.
Recommendation: ALL BLACK plug 23 cm (107€)
Why: realistic size, soft silicone, wide safety base. Brand specialised in gay play.
BDSM / power play
Plug for submission during longer sessions. Aesthetics matter.
Recommendation: METAL HARD plug (~99€)
Why: weight of metal adds sensation, dom/sub aesthetics, optional with jewel. Always look for surgical steel 316L.
Post-surgery or postpartum
Recovery of tone, gradual dilation, therapeutic.
Recommendation: medical dilator kit (~70-90€)
Why: guided progression, hypoallergenic materials. Consult pelvic floor physiotherapist first.
Advanced users seeking something new
You've already tried plugs and vibrators. Looking for radically different sensations.
Recommendation: ElectraStim Flick EM60 (189€)
Why: electrostimulation. UNPARALLELED sensation compared to vibration. Only for those who already master large plugs.
Long-distance relationship (LDR)
Partner controls from another city/country via app. Maintain intimacy.
Recommendation: KIIROO Lumen (89€) or Satisfyer Deep Diver (86€)
Why: both have apps. KIIROO syncs with interactive video, Deep Diver with audio/playlists. Latency <200ms.
6. Decision flowchart: 3 questions
If you're overwhelmed by details, this flowchart gives you the answer in 30 seconds.
7. The 10 golden rules of anal safety
Anal pleasure is completely safe when done correctly. Hospital emergencies due to anal accidents are almost always from breaking one of these 10 rules. Read them before buying.
- ALWAYS a flared base or handle. Any toy without a stopper can be sucked into the rectum and migrate. Removal requires surgery. Non-negotiable.
- ONLY water-based or hybrid lubricant with silicone toys. Silicone lubricants damage silicone toys (except if the toy is ABS or glass). For anal, water absorbs quickly — reapply much more than for vaginal use.
- Body-safe materials ONLY. Medical-grade silicone, ABS, borosilicate glass, surgical steel 316L. AVOID: jelly, PVC, TPE, «jellybean», materials with a strong chemical smell. They may contain carcinogenic phthalates.
- Go slow. ALWAYS. The internal sphincter relaxes with time, not force. Forcing = injury. 5-10 minutes of preparation with a finger + lubricant before the toy is the minimum.
- NEVER after or before vaginal use without disinfecting. Rectal flora is different from vaginal flora. Moving bacteria from the rectum to the vagina = almost guaranteed infection.
- NEVER share without changing the condom. If you share toys with a partner, use a condom on the toy and change it when switching bodies.
- STOP if there's blood. Small traces can be normal the first time. Active bleeding, sharp pain, or bright red blood = stop immediately and consult a doctor if it doesn't resolve in 24h.
- Size consistent with your level. Jumping from a finger to a 5 cm Ø plug doesn't work. Increase size every 2-3 sessions, not in the same night.
- Anal cleaning BEFORE. Not mandatory but recommended. Shower + optional anal douche with bulb (not deep enema, which alters flora). Empty bladder.
- If you take anticoagulants, talk to a doctor. Aspirin, warfarin, etc. increase bleeding risk from micro-tears. Not an absolute contraindication but technique adjustment is needed.
These 10 points cover 99% of issues. If you have special medical conditions (haemorrhoids, chronic fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, post-pelvic surgery), consult a doctor BEFORE starting. Most professionals won't judge you — it's a common medical question.
8. Anal lubricants: which to use
The rectum does not produce natural lubrication like the vagina. This is the most important difference to understand about anal sex: without lubricant, there's friction, and with friction, there are micro-tears, pain, and risk of infection. More lubricant than you think.
WATER-based
✓ Compatible with EVERYTHING (silicone, glass, condoms, toys).
✗ Absorbs quickly in anal — reapply several times.
Brands: Sliquid Sassy, Pjur Aqua Anal, Aquaglide.
Ideal for: beginners, short sessions, silicone toys.
SILICONE-based
✓ Lasts hours without reapplying, perfect for long sessions.
✗ INCOMPATIBLE with silicone toys (degrades the material).
Brands: Pjur Original, Eros Megasol Anal, ID Millennium.
Ideal for: long sessions with glass/steel/condoms (NO silicone toys).
HYBRID (water+silicone)
✓ Best of both — silicone compatible + lasts longer.
✗ More expensive, not suitable if toy is 100% pure premium silicone.
Brands: Sliquid Silk, Pjur Med Soft, Astroglide Diamond.
Ideal for: frequent anal, couples combining toy + fingers + condom.
The #1 beginner mistake with lubricant
Applying a small drop and proceeding. That's not anal lubricant — it's nothing. A complete anal session requires 2-4 ml minimum applied on the toy + 1-2 ml on the anus. If the lubricant runs out halfway, stop and reapply. The rectum doesn't "warn" when there's dryness — when you notice, there's already a micro-tear.
9. Cleaning, maintenance and care
Hygiene in anal toys is CRITICAL. Rectal bacterial flora is benign in its place but can cause serious infections elsewhere (vagina, mouth, urethra). Every toy that enters the anus must be cleaned immediately and disinfected before any other use.
Cleaning by material
- 100% medical silicone: neutral soap + warm water 30s, or specific cleaner (Pjur Cleaner, Sliquid Toy Cleaner). For maximum disinfection: boil for 5 min or dishwasher (without battery).
- Borosilicate glass: boiling water for 5 min, or dishwasher. Glass does not harbour bacteria on its non-porous surface — it's the easiest material to keep sterile.
- Surgical steel 316L: same as glass. Boilable. Can withstand diluted bleach (not recommended regularly).
- ABS plastic: soap + warm water, DO NOT boil (deforms). Specific cleaner is the best option.
- Products with motor/electronics: NEVER submerge if not IPX7. Clean surface with damp cloth + soap. Nozzle/tip submersible only if specs allow.
Storage
- Each toy in a separate bag (silicone can degrade in contact with other plastics).
- Dry, dark place, room temperature. NOT in a humid bathroom.
- Charge the battery to 50-70% before long-term storage (Li-Po degrades at 100% stored).
- Check every 6 months for signs of degradation: colour change, chemical smell, sticky texture, micro-cracks.
Pre-anal cleaning (optional but recommended)
Not mandatory but gives more confidence and cleanliness. Three options from least to most:
- External shower + diet: normal shower beforehand, avoid heavy/spicy foods in the hours prior. Sufficient for most.
- Anal douche with bulb: 200-300 ml warm water (37°C) introduced with bulb. Repeat 2-3 times until water comes out clean. Time: 15 min before session. DO NOT use tap water if you live in a hard water area — use bottled or filtered.
- Professional enema: ONLY for long/deep sessions. More is worse — over-washing alters natural flora and can cause irritation.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (14 Honest Answers)
Does it hurt the first time?
If you do it right (plenty of lubricant, go slow, small size), it shouldn't hurt. You might feel pressure or it might feel "weird" at first. Sharp pain = stop. If after 5 minutes of relaxing it doesn't go in comfortably: stop and try another day. Forcing it is the worst strategy.
Is anal pleasure only for gay men?
No. It's biology, not orientation. Recent surveys (Kinsey Institute 2022) show that 36% of heterosexual men and 43% of women have tried anal toys alone or with a partner. The prostate is male — it's just that many heterosexual men haven't explored it due to cultural reasons, not anatomical ones.
Should I start with a finger or a toy?
Start with a finger (yours or your partner's). You learn the sensation, identify your body's limits, and relax. Then move on to a small toy. Jumping straight to a toy without exploring with a finger is the #1 cause of disappointing/painful first-time experiences.
How long can I leave a plug in?
For beginners: 15-30 minutes. Advanced users can go for 1-2 hours. More than 3-4 hours continuously is not advisable due to the risk of tissue numbness (nerve compression) and reduced local blood flow. If you feel tingling or coldness: remove immediately.
What if it gets "stuck"?
If it has a flared base, it won't get stuck — you can pull from the base. If you went past the base (serious mistake), DON'T panic: squat down, push as if having a bowel movement, it will come out on its own. If it doesn't come out in 30 minutes: go to A&E. If you pulled on an object without a base that went completely in: immediate A&E.
Do I need to do an enema beforehand?
Not for play with small/medium plugs (faecal matter is higher up, in the sigmoid colon — the first 7-10 cm of the rectum are usually clean). Yes for long sessions or with deep dildos. A bulb douche (200-300 ml of warm water) is sufficient for 95% of cases.
Are haemorrhoids and anal toys compatible?
Mild external haemorrhoids: with care and plenty of lubricant, yes. Internal or external grade 3-4 haemorrhoids: consult a proctologist first. Active anal fissures: NO — heal first. Most professionals don't judge — it's a common medical question.
Can you orgasm from anal stimulation alone?
Yes, in men with sufficient prostate stimulation (the famous "hands-free orgasms"). In women, it's rarer but possible — it depends on how close the internal clitoris and G-spot are. A JSM 2018 study reports anal-only orgasms in 7% of women and 38% of trained men.
Does anal sex cause long-term incontinence?
Not with safe play. A study by the American Journal of Gastroenterology (2016) on 4,000 people found no significant difference in incontinence between those who regularly have anal sex and those who don't. There is a correlation with extreme practices (frequent fisting, very large toys without progression). For normal play with reasonable sizes: zero proven risk.
Can I use "cooling" or warming lubricants?
NO for anal. Lubricants with menthol, capsaicin, or anaesthetic ingredients are contraindicated. If you have irritation, anaesthetics mask the pain — you injure yourself without noticing. For anal: neutral lubricant, no extras. What is sold as "anal lubricant with relaxing effect" often contains benzocaine and is ADVISED AGAINST by any proctologist.
How much should I invest in my first anal toy?
25-90€ is the sweet spot. Below 20€: probably dubious material (PVC, jelly), real risk. More than 100€ on a first purchase: you're investing in something you might not like. Better to buy a dilator kit (~88€) or a Satisfyer plug (86€) and move up after 2-3 sessions.
Are cheap brands (~15-25€) safe?
Mixed. Some are honest medical silicone, cheap because they're simple. Others are TPE/PVC with misleading labels. Home test: body-safe material does NOT smell strongly of chemicals outside the packaging. If it smells "like industrial plastic", return it. Reliable low-cost brands: Satisfyer entry, b-Vibe Novice, Tantus Cone Small.
Pregnancy and anal play?
Uncomplicated pregnancies: gentle anal play (small plug, plenty of lubricant) is usually safe. Avoid large, deep toys or intense vibrators near the cervix. ALWAYS consult with your gynaecologist in high-risk pregnancies, placenta previa, or threat of preterm labour. No vaginal pressure at any time if there's a risk.
Is it normal to "widen" with frequent use?
The sphincter is a muscle — it returns to normal tone after each use. What DOES happen with frequent and progressive use is that you learn to relax it faster and tolerate more diameter. But anatomically, you return to your base size in hours. The myth about "staying open" is exactly that, a myth. Urological studies have confirmed this since the 1990s.
11. Verdict + Our Selection
Our Verdict
Anal pleasure is the most unexplored erogenous zone of the body. Nerve density comparable to the clitoris or glans, yet 60% of adults have never touched it due to sheer cultural taboo. If you're curious: go for it. Done right, it's safe, intense, and different.
If you're only going to buy one: dilator kit for beginners, LELO LOKI for men with a prostate, Satisfyer Deep Diver for couples. Everything else is levelling up once you know what you like.
Selection of 6 Recommended Products in Stock
Deep Diver Connect
Vibrating plug · App · 39u stock
85,95€
LOKI Classic
Prostate curve · 6 modes
168,99€
LOKI Wave 2
WaveMotion · Internal movement
219€
Egon Vibrator
Triangular edges · 14u stock
120€
Inflatable Thruster
Inflatable + thrusting · Remote
119,99€
Flick EM60
Electrostim · 1 channel · Pack
188,99€