Anal Plugs: My Picks for Getting Started

The anal plug is a sex toy designed to be inserted into the anus. Its tapered shape facilitates gradual insertion, its narrow neck keeps the plug in place, and its widened base prevents the object from moving up into the rectum. This is the basic format for discovering anal stimulation—the most versatile, best-selling option, and the one I recommend first.

In summary: the anal plug is the basic sex toy for anal stimulation. Gradually tapered shape, narrow retaining neck, widened safety base. Available in silicone, steel, and glass, with or without vibration. Sizes range from XS to XXL. The choice depends on your experience, the material, and the intended use (solo, with a partner, or extended wear).

In the store, the plug is often my customers’ first anal purchase. And my advice is always the same: start small, use plenty of lubricant, and above all, never force it. The anal area is surrounded by sphincter muscles that must relax naturally—forcing it triggers a contraction reflex that makes insertion painful.

How an anal plug works

The anal plug stimulates the nerve endings of the sphincter and anal area. The conical shape allows for gradual insertion—the diameter increases progressively, then the narrow neck “locks” the plug in place behind the sphincter. The widened base remains outside and is the absolute safety feature of any anal sex toy.

The anal area is rich in nerve endings. Passing through the sphincter creates a sensation of pressure and dilation. For people with a prostate, some curved plugs can reach this gland and produce prostate stimulation. For targeted prostate stimulation, explore the prostate stimulators collection.

Anal plugs: the different types

How to choose your anal plug

Size: start small

This is the absolute rule. A diameter of 2 to 2.5 cm for a first plug. The anal area requires gradual adaptation—you can move up in size if and when you wish. Kits with several sizes (S, M, L) are a good investment for progressing at your own pace.

Material

Silicone is my first choice for beginners: flexible, comfortable, and non-porous. Stainless steel offers a firmer sensation and a pleasant weight—it is the material used for anal jewelry. Glass is rigid and compatible with temperature play.

Shape

Classic tapered for beginners. Curved for prostate stimulation. Tapered for comfortable extended wear. The shape directly influences the sensation and use.

Lubricant

Essential. An anal lubricant is ideal—thicker and longer-lasting than standard lubricants. The lubricant guide will help you choose the right formula.

Anal plug for couples: a very common use

Using an anal plug during sex is one of the most requested uses by my customers in couples. Worn by the woman during vaginal penetration, it creates a feeling of fullness that intensifies sensations for both partners. Worn by the man, it can stimulate the prostate during sex. In both cases, the plug transforms the experience without complicating the mechanics of intercourse.

Who is the anal plug for?

Everyone. Beginners discovering anal stimulation—with a small silicone model. Experienced users who want a larger or vibrating plug. Couples who incorporate it into sex. And people who wear it for extended periods for an everyday feeling of fullness.

The anal plug is also one of the few sex toys suitable for all genders and orientations. The anal area is universal—it distinguishes neither gender nor preferences. In my shop, I sell plugs to women, men, straight couples, and gay couples. Anal pleasure has no label, and that's something I've observed every day for 10 years.

Common mistakes with an anal plug

• Start too big. Small—always start small. The sphincter needs time to adjust.
• Forget the lubricant. Non-negotiable for anal play. Anal lubricant recommended.
• Force it in. If it resists, stop. Relax, add lubricant, and try again gently.
• Using a sex toy without a flared base. Never. Without a base, the sex toy can be pulled into the rectum. This is the number-one safety rule for anal play.
• Neglecting cleaning. Anal hygiene is critical. Clean with a cleaner before and after every use.

Care and hygiene

Clean before and after every use. Silicone can be sterilized in boiling water. Steel and glass can too. Do not share a plug without fully sterilizing it between uses. The anal sex guide details hygiene protocols.

Leading anal plug brands

Among the brands I recommend in-store, Satisfyer offers accessible plugs made with good materials. LELO stands out for premium plugs made of high-end silicone with refined designs. Fun Factory excels in ergonomics and silicone quality. For connected vibrating plugs, app reliability is a decisive factor—the first two brands have the most stable apps.

My advice for a first plug

In-store, I systematically recommend a size S silicone plug (2–2.5 cm in diameter), with a gently tapered shape and a flared base. Pair it with an anal lubricant—it’s non-negotiable. The first insertion should be slow and patient, without forcing. If your body resists, stop and try again another day. Anal play rewards patience—the customers who take their time are the ones who come back delighted.

Going further

Explore anal jewelry for aesthetics, connected plugs for remote control, anal dildos for thrusting, and anal beads for progressive stimulation. The anal sex guide covers every aspect of the practice. The guide to your first sex toy will help if this is your first purchase. All these collections are part of the anal universe.