While anal sex has become more and more mainstream, some people may still feel a little nervous about exploring this area of the body. Anal toys can be a low-pressure way to try out some exploration without a partner around. You might also want the sensation of something in your butt but be a little squeamish about the idea of touching yourself there yourself or letting a partner touch you there. A toy is a great way to bridge that divide. Lovehoney Ignite 20 Function Vibrating Butt Plug, $35 b-Vibe Rimming Plug 2, $165 njoy Pure Wand, $150 Booty Sparks 7X Light Up Rechargeable Anal Plug, $32 California Exotics Booty Call Unisex Waterproof Vibrating Anal Kit, $18 Blush Avant Pride P5 Fluid Silicone Butt Plug, $33 PicoBong Remoji Surfer Plug Vibe, $120 NS Novelties Colours Anal Trainer Set, $49 b-Vibe and Le Wand Anal Massage and Education Set, $199 Le Wand Swerve, $189 Rosebud Classic Anal Plug, $107 Pleasure Works Gala Confetti Mini Anal Plug, $15 California Exotics Colt XL Big Boy, $29 Lovense Hush, $104 Blush Luxe Be Me 3, $12 Lelo Hugo, $175 We-Vibe Vector, $163 Lelo Loki Wave, $170 Aneros Progasm Jr. Prostate Massager, $50 Fun Factory BÜCK DICH Spanking Paddle, $80 For example, if you don’t have a prostate, don’t waste money on the best prostate massager on the market. And if you’re a beginner, don’t be tempted into buying something massive straight off the bat. It’s also of utmost importance that the toys you buy are body-safe, meaning they’re made of nonporous materials that won’t leach out chemicals or take in bacteria. Those materials might include silicone, borosilicate glass, or stainless steel. For toys made of silicone, use a thick, water-based lube because a silicone lube can cause surface damage to your toy. For toys made of steel or glass, a silicone-based lube is ideal. Your cleaning routine will look a little different depending on what your toy is made of. For example, toys made only of silicone can be boiled to sterilize them (after a quick wash in soapy, warm water). The same goes for toys made of glass or stainless steel. Toys that have motors and/or batteries must never be boiled; instead, you can clean them with a warm water and soap combination. Also remember that if you’re going to share anal sex toys with a partner or partners, they should be washed in between their journey from body to body, or a new condom should be placed on them. Sex toys have the ability to transfer STIs in the same way that body parts can. (For a deeper dive, read our full guide on how to clean your sex toys!) When you’re not using your toys, they should be stored somewhere where they won’t gather dust—a plastic box with a lid under the bed works just fine. (Also: If your toy has a motor, make sure you always recharge it after use. No one wants to be caught mid solo or partnered session with a dying vibe!)
