Choosing Your First Butt Plug: A Beginner's Guide

Your first plug should be small, smooth and safe. Get those three right and everything else is a matter of taste.

Butt plugs are one of the easiest ways to explore anal play, on your own or with a partner. They're designed to stay put once in, so you can relax and enjoy the feeling of fullness without having to hold anything. Here's what to look for when you're choosing your first.

Start smaller than you think

The most common beginner mistake is buying a plug that's too big. Your body needs time to relax and get used to new sensations, and a smaller plug lets that happen without discomfort. Look at the widest point of the bulb, not just the length. If in doubt, go smaller. You can always move up later.

That's why we'd usually suggest a set rather than a single plug. Our Butt Plug Set (5 Sizes) can be bought as one size or as the full five-piece set, and the Heart Plug Training Set and Classic Gem Plug Set both come with graduated sizes, so you can start with the smallest and build up at your own pace.

Shape and neck

A plug has three parts: the tip, the bulb and the neck.

• Tip: a tapered, rounded tip makes insertion gentler.
• Bulb: the widest part. A smooth teardrop shape is the classic beginner choice.
• Neck: the narrow section your muscles close around. This is what holds the plug comfortably in place.

Avoid dramatic shapes, ridges or knots to begin with. Those are fun later, but they ask more of your body than a simple taper does.

The flared base: non-negotiable

Only ever use a plug with a flared base that's clearly wider than the rest of the toy. The body can draw objects inwards, and the base is what stops a plug going further than it should. Never improvise with household objects. Every plug we sell is designed with a proper base.

Materials

• Soft or flexible materials give a little as you move, which many beginners find more forgiving. Our Butt Plug Set uses a soft-touch flexible material.
• Metal feels smooth and pleasantly weighty, is easy to clean, and can be warmed in your hands or under warm water first.
• Glass is smooth and non-porous, but heavier and less common for beginners.

Whatever you choose, look for a smooth, non-porous finish that cleans easily.

Lube, and plenty of it

The body doesn't make its own lubrication here, so lube isn't optional. Use more than you think you need and reapply whenever things feel less slippery.

• Water-based lube is safe with every toy material and easy to wash off. The best all-rounder.
• Silicone-based lube lasts longer, but don't use it with silicone toys, as it can damage the surface.
• Oil-based lube can weaken latex condoms, so avoid it if you're using one on your toy.

Your first time

Choose a time when you're relaxed and won't be interrupted. Lie on your side or back, take a few slow breaths and apply lube to the plug and to yourself. Press gently and let your body open in its own time; there's no rush. Once the bulb passes, the plug settles onto its neck and the base rests outside. It may feel unusual at first, and that's normal. Sharp pain isn't: if you feel it, stop.

Keep early sessions short, around 10 to 15 minutes. Our plug training guide covers how long to wear a plug and when to try the next size up.

Cleaning and care

Wash your plug before and after every use with warm water and mild, unscented soap or a toy cleaner. Rinse well and let it dry completely before storing. Keep plugs in a clean pouch, separate from other toys, so the surfaces don't get scratched. If you're sharing with a partner, pop a condom on it or clean it thoroughly in between.

Where to go next

Once a simple plug feels comfortable, there's lots more to explore, from vibrating plugs to prostate toys. Have a look through our Anal Toys collection when you're ready.

Every order is shipped in plain, discreet packaging.

Safety: only use toys with a flared base. Use plenty of lube, never force anything, and stop if you feel sharp pain. If you notice bleeding or pain that doesn't go away, stop and speak to a doctor or sexual health clinic.