I was asked by Bustle to share my expert advice on which are the best butt plugs for beginners. Below is the article that I contributed to.
The 7 Best Butt Plugs For Beginners, According To An Expert
By MARIA CASSANO
There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of any activity, and anal play is no exception. If you’re just starting to scratch the surface, the best butt plugs for beginners is a solid place to start. As with all things new and unfamiliar, consulting an expert never hurts. And, Sunny Rodgers, a certified clinical sexologist and sexual health educator, has some tips and recommendations if anal play is something you want to try.
“When done right, anal play can be very pleasurable and a really fun new experience,” Rodgers tells Bustle. That being said, Rodgers recommends a few basic tips to clients who are just starting out: “First, always purchase an anal product that has some type of a flange on it. Because of the incredible suction, flanges help ensure that your toy isn’t drawn up your bum.” Secondly, lube is a must, since the anus doesn’t self-lubricate. “I suggest a silicone lubricant because of its enhanced viscosity which allows for a longer period of lubrication without reapplication,” Rodgers says.
It’s also important to go slowly. “Lastly, how you insert your anal toy is very important because it can make the experience a good one or a bad one,” Rodgers says. “Remember to never forcefully insert a toy. My #1 tip for properly inserting an anal toy is to lay down on your side with your legs curled up a bit. This position will naturally relax your anal muscles and allow for easier insertion with less resistance. And go slow. This isn’t a race. Take your time and gradually rock your anal toy as you slowly insert it… I also advise my clients not to use [numbing creams] when they’re beginning their anal exploration.” That’s because feeling that something hurts is often an indication that you should slow down, use more lube, or opt for a smaller toy.
1. Small, Flexible, And Tapered Is A Great Place To Start
Pipedream Products Anal Fantasy Silicone Starter Plug, $13, Amazon
“For anal beginners, I always suggest starting with the very smallest anal toys, and to look for flexible material and a tapered tip for easy insertion,” Rodgers says. The Pipedream Products Anal Fantasy starter plug is small and made from silicone. That means it’s flexible, hypoallergenic, and hygienic, since it can be cleaned in so many ways.
2. This Silicone Set For Beginners With All The Recommended Features
Bigbanana Anal Sex Beginners Set, $16, Amazon
“The benefit of using an anal toy is that the anal area has a high concentration of nerve endings that are pleasingly stimulated by even the smallest butt plug,” Rodgers says. This Bigbanana anal sex beginners set is designed for beginners who’d like to progress through sizes with ease. They also have all of Rodgers’ recommended features, like a safety base, tapered tip, and hygienic silicone construction. “Silicone also easily warms to your own body temperature, making it extremely comfortable to wear,” says Rodgers.
3. Consider The Way It Fits
Naughty Plug Luxury Silicone Anal Trainer, $8, Amazon
“A triangular flange base makes any plug that a beginner wears more comfortable between their cheeks,” Rodgers says. The Naughty Plug Luxury silicone anal trainer is a really popular option. It’s made from medical grade silicone, comes in multiple different sizes (this one is small), and the safety base doubles as a suction cup. Reviewers say they’re even comfortable enough to wear while sitting or walking around.
4. Vibrations Might Help Those Without Prostates To Relax
Utimi Vibrating Anal Plugs, $29, Amazon
“It’s interesting,” Rodgers says, “because while vibration near a man’s anal region will cause him to tense, the exact opposite happens for women. When vibration is introduced via an anal toy, most women naturally relax their anal muscles.” These Utimi Vibrating Anal Plugs come in a set of three different sizes, and they have a detachable USB-rechargeable bullet vibrator with 10 different frequencies. They’re also silicone, flexible, and tapered.
5. If You’re Not Quite Up To Plugs, Start With Beads
Wellwanted Anal Plug And Beads Set, $16, Amazon
Anal beads can be used as a stepping stone if you’re not quite ready for plugs, Rodgers says. The Wellwanted set comes with two beginner plugs and a set of gradual beads. Everything’s made from non-toxic silicone and is specifically designed so you can move at your own pace. “Sometimes starting by inserting just one bead at a time and working up to your comfort zone is great for beginners who aren’t sure about the sensation that a full plug provides,” Rodgers says.
6. If You’re A Beginner Who’s Ready For More Adventure
Pipedream Products Dillio Anal Teaser, $16, Amazon
“There are a couple of items I would suggest as next steps for a beginner who’s ready for more adventure,” Rodgers says. “I would increase the size of the butt plug just a bit, which will increase sensation, the feeling of fullness, and pleasure. I would also recommend trying a curved shape.” This Dillio anal teaserhas a suction cup base and a smooth curved shape to stimulate the prostate gland. If you don’t have a prostate, Rodgers says, “When a woman’s Skene gland is stimulated, it can expel fluid during orgasm just like a man’s prostate. These new sensations can be uniquely wonderful.”
7. Some People Prefer The Smooth Texture And Rigid Feel Of Glass
Pipedream Icicles Number 14, $19, Amazon
According to Rodgers, “For the more advanced user, glass toys are also great, as they can be used with both silicone and water-based lubricant and some people prefer the smooth texture and rigid feel.” Pipedream Icicles Number 14 is handcrafted with high-quality glass, is non-porous for easy cleaning, and is even microwave- and freezer- safe if you want to play around with temperature.
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