Beginner's butt plug: where to start, how to choose the right size

The butt plug remains one of the most purchased sex toys — and one of the most misunderstood by beginners. Between misconceptions, questions of size, and legitimate safety concerns, it's easy to get lost before even starting. This guide is here to demystify the subject and provide you with concrete foundations for a successful first experience.

Why try a butt plug?

The anal area is one of the most innervated parts of the human body — in women as well as in men. Anal stimulation can significantly intensify sensations during intercourse or masturbation, and wearing a plug during sexual activity creates a feeling of fullness enjoyed by many. For men, prostate stimulation via the anal canal is often described as one of the most intense experiences possible.

There are no prerequisites for prior experience or practice to begin. The only condition is to go gradually, with the right equipment.

The absolute criterion: safety first

A butt plug must absolutely have a flared base — this is non-negotiable. Unlike the vagina, the anal canal has no natural bottom and intestinal muscles can suck an object inward if it is not held in place by a sufficiently wide base. A plug without a flared base is dangerous, regardless of its size.

The base must be either T-shaped (flat), ring-shaped, or integrated into a tail or jewelry — in all cases, it must be wider than the maximum diameter of the plug to ensure it stays in place.

Material: medical silicone first and foremost

As with all sex toys, medical silicone is the gold standard: non-porous, easy to disinfect, flexible, and comfortable. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water or sterilized in boiling water.

Stainless steel and borosilicate glass are also excellent options — rigid, completely non-porous, compatible with all lubricants. Their extra weight creates sensations of fullness highly appreciated by experienced users.

Avoid PVC, latex, or unidentified material plugs for anal use — the rectal mucous membrane is more permeable than skin and absorbs more potentially irritating substances.

Size: start small, really

This is the most common mistake: choosing too large for a first time. The anal sphincter is a muscle — it stretches gradually with practice, but it should not be forced.

For a beginner, a plug with a maximum diameter between 2.5 and 3 cm is ideal. Beyond that, discomfort is likely to discourage further exploration. In length, between 7 and 10 cm is ample — stimulation primarily occurs in the first few centimeters of the anal canal, where nerve concentration is highest.

Once comfortable with an initial size, progression to larger sizes happens naturally and without difficulty.

Lubricant: essential, in large quantities

Unlike the vagina, the anal area does not produce any natural lubrication. Lubricant is therefore not an optional accessory — it is an absolute necessity, and the quantity must be generous.

With a silicone plug, use only water-based lubricant (silicone degrades silicone). With a metal or glass plug, all types of lubricants are compatible, including silicone-based formulas, which last longer.

Find our selection of lubricants in the Wellness collection.

How to insert a butt plug for the first time?

Take your time. Start by relaxing — muscle tension is the main obstacle. Generously apply lubricant to the plug and to the anal area. Insert slowly, using your muscles to guide the insertion, breathing deeply. Never force it: if you feel pain (not discomfort related to novelty, but real pain), stop and go back to a smaller size.

The plug is correctly positioned when the base is firmly against the perineal area. You should then feel comfortably full without any uncomfortable pressure.

Cleaning and maintenance

Clean your plug immediately after each use with warm soapy water. Medical-grade silicone, metal, and glass plugs can be boiled or placed in the dishwasher (without soap) for complete sterilization. Store them separately from other sex toys to avoid any reactions between materials.

Discover our complete selection of plugs, from beginner models to jeweled plugs for special occasions.