10 rules for anal play

As with any play, there are some basic guidelines you should follow. Keep these in mind for anal sex.

1: Communicate outside the bedroom

Talk about introducing anal play into your lovemaking. Make sure it is something you both choose to do and discuss any fears or concerns.

2: Toilet time

Make sure the receptive partner has been to the toilet beforehand.

3: Lube!

Always use plenty of water-based lubricant, since the anal area is not self-lubricating.

4: Start small

Start with either fingers or a small silicone butt plug like the Pendant. You might want to wear latex gloves and you should make sure your nails are short.

5: Use the right toy

Any sex toy that is used anally needs to have a flared base so that part of the toy remains outside the body at all times.   We have a range of anal toys including vibrating ones, silicone, glass and prostate massagers.

6: Cleanliness

You can use condoms on toys for ease of cleaning and smoothness.  Never go directly from anal to vaginal sex with the same toy!  Wash the sex toy or change the condom first.

7: Relax

Stimulate the external anal area with lubricant to relax the muscles.

8: Go slow

When you begin to penetrate, the two sphincter muscles will contract. Penetrate a few centimetres then wait for the muscles to relax for about 10-30 seconds.

Repeat slowly. If the muscles tense up, wait for them to relax again. Check in with your partner frequently.

If they experience any pain, stop and wait for the muscles to relax.

9: Schedule in lots of play time

Make sure you allow time for anal play – it is not generally an activity you do quickly.

10: Have fun!

You’re there to have fun, right? Make sure you both have a pleasurable time!