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Anal Play 101: Butt Plugs for Beginners

Anal Play 101: Butt Plugs for Beginners

What’s the difference between a butt plug and a dildo? Are butt plugs those tail things people use on Halloween? Why use butt plugs instead of a real dick for anal play? Butt plugs are too kinky for me, aren’t they?

These and many more are the typical butt plug questions most commonly voiced, especially on most gay circles, where sex talk is not in regular discussions. I’m not even talking about uptight gays, specifically. I have lots of friends that are freaks in the sheets, but when in a social gathering, they will stick to talking about Pokémon (while avoid mentioning their Pikachu butt plug). Or they can discuss their sex lives a little, but they won’t go into “kinky” territory (which could be as innocent as talking about dildos).

Because, let’s face it, talking openly about sex toys still, to this day, and as ridiculous as it may sound, feels kind of taboo...

You may think: “No, that’s not me. I read blogs like this every day, and I watch YouTube videos about sexual practices. I also tweet pictures of me showing how good I look with my butt plug inserted. I even buy dildos every other week!”. That’s all great! Still, how many times do you discuss all of that with your friends in a casual conversation? I’m guessing, for most of you, the answer is “not often,” if at all.

Those of you who do talk openly about all things gay-sex-related, congratulations! Now go and convince more people to do the same! Let’s stop labeling sex toys as “kinky,” and let’s just called them for what they really are, FUN.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand, butt plugs are great for many things. They’re your best option if you’re training yourself to take a big dick up the ass (not all of us are naturally gifted at taking huge cocks at first). They are also a great way to evolve your oral game (you’ll agree with me after you get blown while having a butt plug in your ass, even if it’s just sitting still). They’re also great when you want to feel a little naughty and go to work wearing one. There are many possible scenarios to write about, but before that, let’s dive deeper into some of the butt plug basics.

butt plug

What exactly is a butt plug, and why is it shaped like that?

Put simply, a butt plug is a sex toy specially designed to be inserted into the rectum for sexual pleasure. Fun fact: it was marketed in the past as a cure for insanity and constipation (I’d have fewer problems in life if it were true). But, we’re no basic b**es that get satisfied with a simple concept, right? We’re as hungry for information as for a delicious cock, and I ain’t about to leave you starving so, let’s go deeper (yup, I’m writing about butt plugs, more puns are incoming).

Butt plugs, unlike your typical dildo, have a tapered shape. They start small at the top, then get more expansive in the middle, and tapers back down to a smaller diameter at the neck. They also have a flared base at the bottom, which is the most essential part because it will keep the toy from going all the way inside your ass (and save you an embarrassing trip to the ER).

b-Vibe Snug Plug 3

b-Vibe Snug Plug 3

Let me stop for a second here and make an important PSA: whatever you’re about to insert into your anus, be sure it has some sort of flared base! Some dildos have their bases shaped like a butt plug; others use plastic testicles, but be sure it has something that stops it from going entirely inside. It’s not just an embarrassing trip to the ER; it could cause some more serious medical problems.

I won’t shame anyone for inserting weird shit up their asses, but I encourage you to stick to safe sex toys designed for anal play. That’s it for the PSA, moving on...

One of the critical differences between butt plugs and other anal toys is that the plugs can be worn over more extended periods of time. Whether you want to go out clubbing plugged or wish to go from kiss to climax with one up inside you, their shape and function are ideal for being comfortable and constantly aroused. Thanks to their tapered shape, your sphincter muscle will hold the plug in place by its waist, preventing it from slipping out.

The flared base will keep it from going further in too. So, you can safely jump up and down to the rhythm of the music with it constantly stimulating your insides. Be warned, though, you’ll probably be hard most of the time.

sex toy

Different plugs for different occasions

Of course, as with every other sex toy, it can come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. Some of them are shaped closer to a penis (like the TitanMen The Rumpy), while others are ribbed or wavy (like the Ass Berries). For the most part, though, most of them are shaped like the ones included in the Colt Anal Trainer Kit.

The bases can also be very different. As I mentioned before, you can actually get a Pikachu tail butt plug to pair with your Halloween costume (or for regular play, not judging). There are also lots of dog tails out there (for all of you that love puppy play) as well as other kinds of tails. Animal tails can be plastic and rigid or have hair to make them more realistic. There is some very creative and sometimes weird stuff out there, so go Google it out if you’re curious (go deep enough, and you’ll find things your brain could’ve never imagined by itself).

Icicles No. 25 Hand Blown Glass Butt Plug

Icicles No. 25 Hand Blown Glass Butt Plug

Things to keep in mind

When purchasing one, be sure to pay attention to the material they’re made of. If you get a silicone one, then you’d want to avoid pairing it with silicone-based lubes since it can warp it and create some terrible- feeling textures on its surface. Choose water-based instead. If it’s glass or metal, then a silicone-based lube is excellent since it’s thicker and lasts longer (harder to clean, though).

Speaking of lubes, with butt plugs, as with everything that’s going up your ass, lots of lube is needed for a fun and safe time. I don’t care that you’re a power button that’s used to taking huge cocks without even so much as spit; your ass is not a vagina! (yes, I’m using the V-word to make a point, that’s how big of a deal this is). Asses don’t self-lubricate, which is why lube will help prevent any anal tears (they’re painful as fuck).

Also, while they’re regularly shorter than a dildo (the point of for them to stay in your rectum without going further in), I still encourage some warming up beforehand to relax. Have your partner kiss you passionately, then lick his way down to your cock. Let him tongue your balls for a short time while he’s rubbing the outside of your anus with his finger. Finally, ask him to eat your ass like he means it.

Do this and then have him slowly insert the plug, and then come and thank me later for it (get’s me hard just writing about it!). While you’re at it, don’t let him come back up, have him suck you off with the plug inside.

I’m getting sidetracked again... the point is. Butt plugs are perfect for anal play and the ideal training toy before taking your partner’s cock.

sex toy cleaning

Getting them cleaned

You came hard, you’re happy, you’re relaxed, and you finally bring the plug out of your ass. What now? Well, now it’s time to clean it! Remember, even if you douched before inserting it, there’s still a chance the plug has some poop (even if it’s invisible to the naked eye), so cleaning it should be done ASAP.

If you’re the only one using the plug (which is HIGHLY recommended), a simple wash with some warm water and soap will do the trick. If you’re planning on using it on someone else, then you’d need to disinfect it. Remember, poop can carry different bactera, so using a butt plug that was previously inserted on the guy you just met on Grindr could put you at risk of contracting a plethora of diseases, including STDs and HIV. If you’re planning on sharing, use a brand new condom with it just to be safe.

If your toy is made out of silicone, glass, or even pyrex, and it doesn’t have any kind of motor (or the motor it’s removable), then you can boil it to disinfect it (I do it for around 10 minutes, give or take). If not, then I recommend you keep the toy to yourself since other disinfecting methods could be dangerous. A friend of mine used a little bleach with lots of water but forgot to rinse it again before using it, and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty...

NS Novelties Renegade Sliders Trainer Kit

NS Novelties Renegade Sliders Trainer Kit

Are there risks?

Even though I said before that butt plugs are safe because of their flared base, there’s still a small chance of having your ass swallow up the toy if your sphincter is too loose. This is not the most common situation, but if you’re into fisting or other similar practices, that possibility increases significantly.

There’s also risk of some anal or sphincter tearing if the plug is inserted too forcefully or fast, which is why warming up and going gentle is highly encouraged.

Go slow, have fun and stay as aware of it as possible and you should be fine.

Plug and play sex toys

Plug and play

Sex toys are gifts given to us by the gay gods to broaden our horizons and experience our sexuality in as many ways as possible. They can teach ways to make love to yourself that could be better than with a partner. They can train you to take bigger challenges. They have the potential to turn a boring night out into a cumtastic festival... they’re here for your pleasure, so start making use of them as much as possible.

So go, buy one and just plug and play! 

Butt Plugs for Beginners

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