Butt Plugs are one of the most recognizable sex toys, yet often missing from the average sex toy drawer. These small but mighty, missile-shaped wonders target one of the most sensitive erogenous zones in the body, yet continue to be misunderstood and underutilized.

We're here to set the record straight on 1) How to use a butt plug 2) Which styles of butt plugs are most popular and best for different bodies and 3) What butt plugs can be used for. Let's dive in!

Lube, lube, lube and more lube

Unlike vaginas, anuses do not self-lubricate, so it’s even more imperative that you use a thick, anal-friendly lubricant when you’re using a butt plug. No matter what kind of plug you’re playing with or what size it is, lube is an absolute must.

The type of lube you use will depend on the material your butt plug is made of plus your own personal preferences, but a good quality water-based anal lubricant should be compatible with any butt plug you own. Lubricant offers easy insertion and pleasurable glide, which enhances anal pleasure.

Get clean

With your bum's day job being what it is, it doesn't take a genius to work out why anal exploration takes a little extra prep to make sure you're clean. Being clean isn't just for hygiene or common courtesy for a partner – knowing that you're squeaky clean down below helps you (as the butt plug wearer) relax and enjoy the experience more, too.

For most people, being clean is as simple as and having a good wash in the bath or shower prior to using your plug. You can apply warm soapy water to your finger and lightly insert past the sphincters to clean the area. If you’d like to take extra precautions, you can try an anal douche with warm water to flush your anus about 45 minutes before you’d like to enjoy your butt plug. Giving yourself some time between douching and play can help avoid any unintended mishaps.

Warm up and start slow

Knock before entering is a great rule of thumb. Your anus is rich with nerve endings and stroking the area externally with a well-lubed finger can help relax the sensitive erogenous zone. When ready, apply a little pressure to the anus. If your body is ready you will feel the anus relax and invite you in. Some light penetration with the same finger (or rimming if you're playing with a partner) can prime your body to receive a plug. It never hurts to climax before inserting a butt plug for extra relaxation.

Cover your plug in a thick, anal lubricant, then position yourself comfortably, either bent over on all-fours (aka doggy-style), on your back with a cushion under your butt and with your legs spread, or squatting over the plug on your feet or knees. Slide the plug inside, making sure to pause if you experience discomfort so your body can adjust to the new sensations.

Explore

Once your plug is in place, you should feel a sense of fullness. Butt plugs are a popular sex toy because they stimulate hard to reach nerve endings and will stay in place during any kind of play. You can engage in sex with your partner—either PIV or oral sex—masturbate with your favorite vibrator, play with your nipples or do just about anything that stimulates you.

Depending on your anatomy inserting a butt plug, can have a range of benefits. the amount of space in the pelvis is reduced and as a result the vagina feels tighter. This can really change up the sensation of penetrative play. Butt plugs can also reach the prostate in some cases, depending on the size and shape, and can apply pleasurable pressure to prostate to enhance orgasm.

At climax, orgasmic contractions around a butt plug feel more intense, and stimulate the nerve endings around the anus that usually get overlooked.

If you've climaxed whilst wearing your plug the muscles in this area will have just contracted. This means you'll need to wait a moment or two for your muscles to relax before gently pulling on the flared base to remove your toy.