Beginner’s Guide to Anal Plugs: Everything You Need to Know Before Trying One

Written by Alicia Deroussen, founder of Adopt1Toy — no-taboo advice, with kindness.

Luna — This guide is exactly what I wish I’d read the first time. No judgment, just the real information. 💛

“Alicia, I want to try a plug, but I’m a little afraid of hurting myself. What exactly is it supposed to do?”

I hear this question at least twice a week. And every time, I see the same thing in the person’s eyes: genuine curiosity, combined with an apprehension that often comes from nothing—or rather, from everything we’ve never properly explained. So here’s my guide. Not one from a sexologist in a white coat, but from a love shop founder who has seen hundreds of first times.

What exactly is an anal plug, and why do people want one?

An anal plug is designed to be inserted into the rectum and remain in place for a while—unlike a dildo or a vibrator, which are designed for movement. Its tapered entrance and wider middle, with a narrow neck and broad base, allow it to stay in place on its own once inserted. This base isn’t an aesthetic detail: it’s an absolute safety requirement. Without it, the object can be drawn inward, which can lead to an emergency room visit. I’ll say this once, clearly, and won’t come back to it.

Why do people want one? There are many reasons. The anal area is richly innervated—for men, it’s just a few centimeters from the prostate, an area of intense pleasure that is often underexplored. For women, anal stimulation indirectly creates pressure on the back wall of the vagina and can intensify sensations during penetration or masturbation. Some simply wear one for the feeling of fullness. Others enjoy the psychological aspect—the excitement of wearing something discreet under their clothes. And still others prepare their bodies for more intense practices. All of these reasons are valid.

How do I choose the right size for a first plug?

This is THE most important question, and the one people get wrong most often. The classic mistake: thinking “beginner” means “so tiny it’s useless.” The other mistake is trying to be brave and starting with something too large. Both lead to a bad experience.

For a first time, I recommend a diameter of 2.5 to 3.5 cm at the widest point. That’s enough to feel something while being gentle enough not to cause painful tension. The lilac silicone Rocks-Off beginner anal plug that I offer in the shop falls within this range — specifically designed for first experiences, with a gentle progression between the tapered tip and the widest part. Its black equivalent is also available, with the same range and the same design.

Length matters less than the maximum diameter and the shape of the progression. A plug with a rise that’s too abrupt will be uncomfortable even in size “S”. The curve should be gentle and gradual.

Which material should you choose, and why is silicone the best choice for beginners?

The material of an anal plug isn’t an aesthetic choice — it’s a choice about safety and comfort. And for beginners, quality medical-grade silicone is what I recommend to 95% of my customers.

Recommended materials according to your experience level

• Medical-grade silicone: non-porous, easy to sterilize, and slightly flexible — it adapts to the body instead of forcing it, and quickly warms to body temperature. My number-one choice for beginners.
• ABS (rigid phthalate-free plastic): smooth, very easy to clean, and compatible with all lubricants. Less flexible than silicone, but a solid option for those who prefer a firmer sensation.
• Borosilicate glass or stainless steel: inert, compatible with all lubricants, and can be heated or cooled to play with temperature sensations. Best reserved for more experienced users — their rigidity requires greater control.

Avoid at all costs: jelly, rubber, and uncertified cheap plastics. These materials are porous — they absorb bacteria and can never be completely disinfected, no matter how often they’re washed.

Silicone and lubricant: the rule you should never forget

A warning that comes up often in the shop: silicone doesn’t tolerate silicone-based lubricants. They irreversibly damage the toy’s surface. Always use a water-based lubricant with a silicone plug — it’s also the safe choice for all materials.

What does preparation actually look like?

I’ll be direct because this is the question everyone has in mind but hesitates to fully ask: is there a risk of having “accidents”?

The honest answer: no, if you went to the bathroom within the previous two hours. The rectum isn’t a permanent storage area—it contains fecal matter only during transit. For a small plug used for a few minutes or hours, normal washing is more than enough. Internal enemas are only necessary for much more intense and deeper activities.

Real preparation is mainly about relaxing the muscles. The external sphincter is a voluntary muscle that you control. The internal sphincter, on the other hand, is involuntary—it relaxes only when your nervous system decides that you’re safe. That’s why mental relaxation is just as important as physical preparation. Take time to get aroused beforehand. A warm bath helps. And above all: never do this when you’re stressed, rushed, or convinced that you don’t really want to.

“I’d read dozens of guides before buying one. But you were the one who told me, ‘start aroused, not cold’—and that advice changed everything.” — M., customer for 2 years

Is lubricant optional, or is it truly essential?

Essential. No negotiation.

Unlike the vagina, the anal area produces no natural lubrication. None. Inserting anything without lubricant causes microtears—invisible at first, painful afterward, and potentially entry points for infections. I’m not saying this to scare you. I’m saying it because I’ve seen people come into the shop after trying it “quickly” without lubricant, and then having a rough week.

Jade — Lubricant isn’t optional, friends—it’s the number-one secret. And honestly, the right gel makes all the difference. 🔑

For an anal plug, I always use a good-quality water-based gel—thicker than a classic lubricant, so it stays in place. Apply it to the plug, apply it around the opening, and apply more if you feel the slightest resistance. There’s no such thing as “too much” here. Generosity is a virtue.

If you use a silicone plug (which I recommend for beginners), remember: water-based lubricant only. Silicone lubricants damage the toy’s surface.

What exactly happens the first time?

I’m not going to pretend that this concern doesn’t exist—that feeling of “how do I physically go about it?” So here’s the practical answer.

The position that makes insertion easier

The most accessible position for starting on your own is squatting, or lying on your side with your knees drawn toward your chest. These positions naturally relax the pelvic muscles. Arching your back and tensing your buttocks is the worst configuration — it closes everything up.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Warm up the plug in your hands for 2 to 3 minutes — a cold surface causes an involuntary contraction reflex.
2. Apply a generous layer of water-based lubricant to the plug and the anal opening with a finger.
3. Get into position: lie on your side with your legs slightly bent, or squat.
4. Insert slowly the tip of the plug at the opening without forcing it — let the muscle get used to the pressure for 20 to 30 seconds.
5. Guide insertion during an exhale: the widest part passes through in a few seconds if the sphincter is relaxed. The plug is then gently drawn into place as the sphincter closes around the narrow stem.

If you feel pain — not adjustment discomfort, but real pain — take it out. Don't force it in the other direction either. Breathe, wait for the muscle to relax, and remove it gently. Pain is never a necessary step.

How long should you start with?

For your first time, I recommend starting with 15 to 30 minutes. That's enough to explore the sensation without tiring the muscles. With experience, some people wear their plug for hours without discomfort. But at first, keep it short and gradual — and that's perfectly fine.

How do you care for your plug, and how do you progress afterward?

Care is simple but non-negotiable. After each use:

• Wash it with lukewarm water and mild soap or a specific toy cleaner.
• Rinse it thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Dry it in the open air or with a clean cloth before storing it.
• Deep-clean it if needed: silicone plugs can go in the dishwasher without a tablet or be boiled for a few minutes — handy if you alternate between partners.
• Store it in a clean pouch or box, away from dust.

A plug that smells, develops rough spots, or has changed color or texture: replace it. Anal toys aren't a category where you should try to extend the lifespan of a worn-out product.

And if one day you're curious to go further — toward larger sizes, vibrating plugs, or more intense practices — it all builds gradually, with time and attention to your body. The beginner plug you choose today isn't a limit: it's simply a lovely first step.