At Sex Reviews UK Towers, we believe absolutely no shame in a spot of backdoor action, if that tickles your biscuits. Butt plugs are one of the sex toys we regularly use; whether it’s to prepare for anal sex or just as part of BDSM play, we have amassed quite a collection over the years in search of the perfect butt plug.
If you’re just getting started out, you’ll want to read our First Time Butt Plug Guide. Once you’re acquainted with the basics, it’s time to explore!
Butt Plug Guide: What does a butt plug do?
Since you’ve arrived here at our butt plug guide, I’m assuming you know at least a little about what they do so I’ll be brief.
A butt plug makes you feel good, basically by stimulating the nerves in your butt. Whether you’re male or female, wearing a butt plug during sex can enhance your orgasm, putting pressure on your prostate or g-spot. They’re a bit of fun for BDSM play, can give you that ‘full’ feeling during sex, and they’re good for training and stretching the butt so it can take larger things – such as a penis – more readily.
A Quick Word About Butt Plug Safety
Whatever type of butt plug you choose, there are a few rules worth remembering. Always use a toy specifically designed for anal play, with a substantial flared base that prevents it from slipping completely inside. Choose smooth, non-porous materials such as high-quality silicone, stainless steel or properly manufactured borosilicate glass, and use plenty of compatible lubricant.
Start small, take your time and never force anything that hurts. Check toys for damage before use, clean them thoroughly afterwards and never move a toy directly from anal to vaginal use without washing it or changing the condom. If a toy becomes stuck, or you experience significant pain or bleeding, seek medical attention rather than attempting forceful removal.
Types Of Butt Plugs And Anal Toys
There are loads of different types of butt plugs and anal toys. Some are a bit, erm, specialist for this butt plug guide but here are the main ones you’ll find for sale in standard sex shops.
Standard Butt Plugs
It’s a tapered plug, that goes in your butt.
By ‘tapered’ I mean that it starts off thin at the top where it goes in, then gets wider until its widest part, then goes in at the neck (which your hungry bumhole will then close around) and then has a large base at the bottom to stop it disappearing.
You’ll usually find either a round flared base or a T-bar design. Personally, I prefer a substantial T-bar because I find it more comfortable and reassuringly secure. Whatever the shape, the base needs to be considerably wider than the insertable part, sturdy enough not to fold or slip inside, and comfortable against your body. A narrow base isn’t worth the risk, no matter how appealing the rest of the toy looks.
These can be made from any body safe materials but are usually made of silicone, glass or stainless steel.
Silicone is extremely versatile and a little flexible, and is certainly my personal favourite, however glass and stainless steel have a bit of weight which is a feeling some enjoy. There are now weighted silicone butt plugs available which give the best of both worlds.
Vibrating Butt Plugs
Vibrating butt plugs are butt plugs which – yep, you guessed it – vibrate. They contain a vibrating motor which brings new sensations to the nerve endings in and around your butt.
The Lovehoney Butt Tingler is one budget vibrating butt plug that I can personally recommend; it comes in three sizes from beginner to pro, and it’s waterproof too.
If you have a little more in your budget, then the Lovense Glint is a great starter vibrating plug with app and touch control.
If you’re after something that provides extra sensations, the Rocks Off Cocktail also provides g-spot stimulation.
Want a premium experience? The LELO Surfer 2 is a good, elegant buy suitable for male or female anatomy, and app-controllable.
Princess Butt Plugs
Princess butt plugs have decorative jewels set into their bases, and while they might look pretty and less intimidating than other designs, I’m no longer comfortable recommending them as a category.
The problem is that some have narrow or rounded bases that may not be wide enough to prevent the entire plug from slipping inside. Decorative jewels can also loosen, and the joins around them may be difficult to clean properly. That doesn’t mean every jewelled plug is automatically dangerous, but I’d much rather recommend a well-made silicone plug with a substantial T-bar or flared base.
Pretty is all well and good, but nobody wants their evening to end in A&E.
Butt Plugs with Tails/Fetish Plugs
When it comes to fetishes, butt plugs with tails are fairly common. Basically they’re butt plugs with a tail on the end – these can be fluffy ones like a fox tail or rabbit tail, or something made from silicone to resemble anything from a puppy to an alien.
Anal Hooks
Anal hooks are specialist BDSM toys, usually made from metal, with an insertable ball or plug connected to a curved hook. Some designs allow the hook to be attached to rope or other restraints.
Unlike a conventional butt plug, an anal hook can create additional risks if pressure, tension or sudden movement is applied to it. They’re not suitable for beginners, and I wouldn’t recommend using one to physically restrict someone’s movement or attaching it to anything that could pull unexpectedly.
If you’re interested in this type of play, take the time to learn about the risks and avoid any setup that places tension on the inserted toy. Personally, I’d recommend starting with a conventional butt plug and keeping restraint play separate.
Anal Beads
Anal beads are a bunch of little spheres that run in a series along a cord, usually with a finger loop at the end. They look a bit like rosary beads, but hopefully you won’t find them in church.
They are designed to stimulate the sensitive nerve endings inside the anus; using lots of lube (obviously) you pop them in one by one and they get progressively larger, and then pull them out to enhance climax. These ones from Lovehoney are good for beginners.
As with any anal toy, make sure your beads have a substantial stopper or retrieval handle that cannot slip inside. I’d avoid any cheap beads threaded onto flimsy string, as these can be difficult to clean and may break. Look for a well-made, non-porous design, use plenty of lubricant and remove them gently rather than giving them a sharp tug.
Prostate Massagers
These aren’t butt plugs, but they go in the same orifice! If you’re a man with a prostate, then you might fancy switching out a tapered butt plug for a prostate massager, which is angled just right to hit the p-spot.
You can also get prostate massagers which vibrate. Unlike some butt plugs, they’re not designed to wear for long periods.
And that’s it – the end of our butt plug guide.
Hopefully it gives you a good idea of what’s out there in the world of anal stimulators, plugs and toy, and might give you some ideas of what you might like to try next!
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