Butt Plugs for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First One

Thinking about trying a butt plug for the first time?

You're definitely not alone - but if you've never used one before, it's completely normal to have questions.

What size should you choose? How much lubricant do you need? Should you douche first? What if it hurts? Can a butt plug actually get stuck?

The good news is that getting started doesn't need to be complicated. With the right toy, plenty of lubricant, a little patience and some basic safety knowledge, butt plugs can be an approachable way to explore anal stimulation, either on your own or with a partner.

You can browse Buzz Vibes' extensive range of butt plugs here, but read this article first, as we'll tell you what you need to know before choosing your first one.

A butt plug is an anal sex toy designed to be inserted into the anus and remain comfortably in place for a period of time.

Unlike an anal dildo, which is generally designed for repeated insertion and movement, a butt plug typically has a narrower neck and a wider base. That shape allows it to stay in position while you move around or concentrate on other types of stimulation.

Butt plugs come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

Some are small and simple. Others are larger, curved or textured. Some vibrate, while others are designed specifically for prostate stimulation.

If you're completely new to anal toys, however, simple is usually better.

Everyone experiences anal stimulation differently.

A butt plug can create a feeling of fullness or pressure, and some people particularly enjoy the sensation of having something remain in place rather than repeatedly moving in and out.

The sensation can also change depending on:

• The size and shape of the plug
• How deeply it's inserted
• The material and firmness
• Whether the toy is textured
• Whether it's vibrating
• Whether you're also using another form of stimulation

For a first experience, the goal isn't to find the biggest toy you can comfortably insert. The goal is to find something that feels comfortable and enjoyable.

There are plenty of reasons people experiment with butt plugs. Some people enjoy anal stimulation on its own. Others incorporate a plug into masturbation or partnered sex.

For people with a prostate, certain shapes can also provide stimulation in the area around the prostate. Others simply enjoy the feeling of fullness.

There's no particular reason you need to use a butt plug. Like any sex toy, it's simply another option for exploring what feels good to you.

This is probably the most important part. If you're a beginner, don't start by looking for the biggest or most elaborate toy.

Look for small, smooth, body-friendly and easy to control. There are five things worth considering.

Size matters enormously with anal toys. If you've never used an anal toy before, a smaller plug is generally a more sensible starting point than a large one.

Look at the diameter, not just the overall length. A plug can look small in a photograph but have a surprisingly wide diameter.

If you're unsure, check the product specifications before buying. And remember: you can always move up in size later.

Beginner plugs tend to have a relatively narrow tip that gradually widens before narrowing again at the base. That tapered shape makes gradual insertion easier.

Some plugs have pronounced curves, bulbous sections or textured surfaces. Those can be fun once you know what you like, but a smooth, straightforward shape is often easier to experiment with initially.

Butt plugs are available in materials including:

• Silicone
• ABS plastic
• Glass
• Stainless steel
• TPE/TPR
• Other flexible materials

For beginners, soft silicone is a popular option because it has some flexibility and is relatively easy to clean when it's genuine non-porous silicone.

Glass and stainless steel are very different - they're rigid, smooth and can provide a completely different sensation.

Whatever you choose, check the manufacturer's material information rather than assuming that a product is body-safe simply because it looks premium.

You can start with a completely non-vibrating plug, or choose a vibrating model if additional stimulation appeals to you.

Vibrating plugs can be particularly interesting if you're experimenting with partnered play or want to combine anal stimulation with other forms of stimulation. But there's no need to start with all the bells and whistles.

A simple plug can tell you plenty about whether you enjoy the sensation.

There's no universal "beginner size" because everyone's anatomy and experience are different.

However, starting smaller and progressing gradually is a sensible approach. 

As a general guide:

Don't treat this as a challenge to work your way up. If a particular size feels comfortable and enjoyable, there's no requirement to move to something larger.

Not necessarily.

This is one of the most common questions people have before trying anal toys.

The rectum isn't completely free of bacteria or other material, so some people choose to douche before anal play for personal hygiene reasons. Others don't. For many people, ordinary washing and basic external hygiene is sufficient.

If you do choose to douche, avoid excessive or aggressive internal cleaning. Overdoing it can irritate the rectal lining and make anal play less comfortable.

You also don't need to turn anal play into a complicated cleaning ritual. A towel underneath you and a shower afterwards can be perfectly practical.

More than you think.

Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn't naturally lubricate itself, so lubricant is particularly important for comfortable anal play.

Apply lubricant to:

• The outside of the plug
• The anal opening
• And, if necessary, a little around the first part of the toy

If the toy starts feeling dry or uncomfortable, stop and add more lubricant.

Water-based lubricant is a straightforward choice because it's compatible with most sex toys and condoms.

Silicone lubricant can provide longer-lasting lubrication, but check compatibility with the toy material first, particularly if you're using a silicone toy.

And don't use numbing lubricant simply to make anal play easier. Pain and discomfort are useful signals. Numbing them can make it harder to recognise when something isn't right.

There's no need to rush this.

1. Take your time

You don't have to insert the toy immediately. Relaxation and arousal can make the experience considerably more comfortable.

2. Start with plenty of lubricant

Apply lubricant generously to both the toy and the anal opening. You can always add more.

3. Start with the tip

Position the tapered end against the opening and apply gentle pressure.

Don't force it. If it doesn't want to go in, stop, relax and add more lubricant.

4. Go slowly

Let your body adjust to the sensation. You don't need to insert the entire toy immediately.

5. Stop if it hurts

Some pressure or unfamiliar sensation can be normal.

Sharp, intense or persistent pain isn't something you should push through. Take the toy out and reassess.

6. Never force it

Anal play should be gradual and controlled. If you're struggling to insert a toy, the answer isn't necessarily more force — it may mean the toy is too large, you're not sufficiently relaxed or you need more lubricant.

It's possible for an incorrectly designed or poorly fitted object to become difficult to remove, which is why the base is so important.

A properly designed butt plug has a flared base or another feature that prevents it from disappearing completely inside the body.

Never improvise with household objects or toys that aren't specifically designed for anal use.

If a purpose-designed toy ever becomes stuck and you cannot remove it safely, don't keep trying to force it out. Seek medical assistance. This is one situation where embarrassment should never stop you from getting help.

There's no single universal time limit that applies to every plug, person and situation. What matters is how your body responds. If you experience...

• Pain
• Numbness
• Significant discomfort
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Changes in sensation

..remove the toy.

And don't fall asleep while wearing an anal toy.

For your first few experiences, there's really no reason to aim for prolonged wear. Start with a short session, see how your body responds and take the toy out when you're ready.

Yes. Some people use butt plugs during masturbation or vaginal/penile sex to add another type of stimulation.

If you're using one with a partner:

• Communicate about what feels comfortable.
• Use plenty of lubricant.
• Don't assume your partner wants the same size or sensation you do.
• Stop if either person experiences pain or discomfort.

And remember that a butt plug isn't a substitute for barrier protection where that is appropriate.

Yes. Condoms can also be useful as a hygiene barrier, particularly if a toy is being shared between partners.

If you put a condom over a toy, make sure it fits securely and doesn't interfere with the toy's design or safe removal.

And if you're using the toy between different body areas, clean it thoroughly or change the condom before moving from one area to another.

Vibrating butt plugs combine the shape of a traditional plug with a built-in motor. They can be used on their own or alongside other stimulation.

Some have:

• Multiple vibration patterns
• Remote controls
• App control
• External stimulation features
• Rechargeable batteries

They're not necessarily better than non-vibrating plugs: they're simply another option.

If you're completely new to anal toys, there's nothing wrong with starting with a basic non-vibrating design and experimenting with vibration later.

Prostate massagers are a specialised type of anal toy designed around prostate stimulation. They're generally shaped differently from a standard butt plug, often with a curved or angled section designed to reach the prostate.

If prostate stimulation is something you're interested in, a dedicated prostate massager may be more suitable than simply choosing a larger butt plug.

And bigger isn't automatically better. A well-designed toy with the appropriate shape can be more useful than simply choosing something larger.

Clean your toy after every use.

Exactly how you clean it depends on its material and whether it contains electronics. For a waterproof, non-porous toy, cleaning with warm water and mild soap or a suitable sex-toy cleaner is often straightforward. 

Then:

1. Rinse it thoroughly.
2. Dry it completely.
3. Store it somewhere clean and dry.
4. Follow the manufacturer's specific care instructions.

If the toy isn't waterproof, don't submerge it. If it has batteries, charging ports or electronic components, pay particular attention to the manufacturer's instructions.

You can, but hygiene becomes particularly important.

If you're sharing a toy clean it thoroughly between users, or use a new condom over the toy for each person. If a toy is being used anally and then moved to another body area, clean it first or change the condom. This isn't about being overly cautious, it's simply good toy hygiene.

A little preparation can prevent most problems.

There's no single answer. For a first plug, look for:

✓ A small, manageable size
✓ A smooth or gently tapered shape
✓ A secure flared base
✓ A suitable, clearly identified material
✓ Easy cleaning
✓ A design that's easy to insert and remove

Once you've worked out what you enjoy, you can experiment with different sizes, shapes, textures, vibration and specialised designs.

The best first butt plug isn't necessarily the biggest, most expensive or most complicated. It's the one that's comfortable, appropriately sized, easy to control and designed with safety in mind.

Take your time, use plenty of lubricant, listen to your body and remember that there's absolutely no need to rush.