'Plus, we know that with all those nerve endings in the anus, only 20 percent of them are in active use to keep things working. 'With the pudendal nerve, direct stimulation to the anus can also stimulate the vagina,' she tells Cosmo. Donna Oriowo, LICSW, M.ED, owner and lead therapist at AnnodRight, anyone can benefit from giving butt stuff a try-including those with vaginas. Sooo.what's so great about butt stuff?Īccording to Dr. The best butt plugs for beginners tend to be smaller and designed for easy insertion and removal, and if you're not sure where to get started, then we're here to help. Experimenting with butt plugs is a great way to test the waters of booty play before having penetrative anal sex with a partner, and they’re also a great way to experience anal play for anyone who finds anal sex to be ~too much~. Jones specifically recommends glycerin-free lubes, like Astroglide Natural or Good Clean Love that won’t pull moisture away from your body.If you're interested in exploring anal play (whether it’s anal foreplay, anal sex, or anything in between), then butt plugs are the best way to get familiar with your behind. Note: Since lubrication is important for any anal play, you can check out our list of expert-recommended lubes here. “You want to work your way up by starting with fingers and butt plugs.” To find the best butt plugs out there, we asked seven experts to recommend their favorites - for beginners, experienced users, couples, and solo play. She recommends experimenting with butt plugs only when you’re totally calm, as people often hold tension in their lower back and butt muscles, which can make penetration uncomfortable.Įmily Morse, doctor of human sexuality and host of the SiriusXM Radio show and podcast Sex With Emily, says that butt plugs can also be useful in working up to having anal sex with a partner. “Anal penetration is about relaxation,” says Jacq Jones, a sex educator and owner of Baltimore’s Sugar shop. “If it hurts, that’s your body telling you to stop and slow down,” says Archie Bongiovanni, a sexual-health educator and events coordinator at the Minneapolis store Smitten Kitten. When you’re ready to start actually using a butt plug, either with a partner or on your own, it’s important to remember that it should never be painful. If you’re exploring outside of the shower, keep a damp cloth nearby in case you need to clean anything up.”

“You could also explore butt play in the shower, where you and/or your partner are already in a space that makes for easy cleanup. If you’re concerned about cleanliness, “I recommend taking a shower and washing your ass really well before you start,” Whitney says. Prepping physically is more of a nonnegotiable. “Sex can happen so fast sometimes, and I love reminding folks to slow the pace a bit and begin foreplay outside of a sexual context,” they say. They recommend taking time to connect with yourself with acts of self-care, like a self-massage, breathwork, and setting the mood with candles and music. Prepping mentally for anal exploration is highly encouraged by Ev’Yan Whitney, a sexuality doula and author of Sensual Self. “The anal area has a high concentration of nerve endings that are stimulated by even the smallest butt plug.” “Start slow and small and use plenty of lube,” says Liz Goldwyn, founder of the sexual health education website and podcast The Sex Ed.

While butt plugs might seem intimidating if you’ve never used one before, sex experts stress that with proper preparation, a little bit of patience, and a lot of lubrication, these toys can be a pleasurable addition to your sex life. Illustration: Chaimae Khouldi Photos: Retailers

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