How to Use Anal Beads: Your Beginners Guide

They look simple enough: a string or slim wand featuring beads or ball-like sections, like a pearl necklace. But when these unassuming beads are slipped in and out of your anus, they feel sensational. There are plenty of sizes and styles to choose from, and various ways to use them, but essentially: anal beads are an orgasm-boosting sex toy.

If you’re in the market for more intense orgasms — aren’t we all? — anal beads could be just the thing for you. Particularly if you’re into anal play, or if it’s something you’d like to try. In this guide, you’ll find out what anal beads are and why people love them. You’ll also get tips from sexpert Annabelle Knight on how to use anal beads for safe, sensual fun.

Bottoms up! Explore our anal beads range

“No matter how big or small the anal beads are, they usually follow a similar design,” says sex and relationships expert Annabelle Knight. “There’s a row of beads, usually going from small to large, and a wider base to stop them from going anywhere you don’t want them to. Most sets of anal beads have a finger loop rather than a flat base, which gives you extra control.”

Anal beads are usually made of plastic or silicone, and they feature either a solid central stem that holds the beads together or a flexible cord. “The small sets are great for beginners,” says Annabelle, “while the larger sets with more challenging angles are for advanced users”.

If you’re just starting out with anal beads, check the bead size before you buy so there aren’t any surprises when your toy arrives. A reminder from Annabelle: “in our descriptions, we always tell you the size of the smallest and largest beads so you can choose the perfect set for you.”

Anal beads are designed to be gently slipped into your anus, at your own pace; because the beads increase in size, you can start small and work up to more, larger beads over time. Many people find that the sensation of popping the beads inside, and pulling them out as they orgasm, feels incredible. You can use the beads during solo play or with a partner — whenever you want to increase the intensity of your climax.

Wait, is that safe?

Absolutely — but only if you play by the all-important Anal Sex Rules.\

Anal Sex Rule #1: Make sure your toy has a flared base

...Or a handle that’s wide enough to stop the toy disappearing inside you. Here’s how we remember this tip: “No flared base? Gone without a trace”.

The anus doesn’t naturally expel things like a vagina, so things can get stuck… up there. Choose toys that have been specifically designed for anal play — and avoid going off-piste with non-toy items like courgettes or water bottles, or anything that could lead to a hospital trip and an intensely awkward conversation with a doctor.\

Anal Sex Rule #2: Choose your materials wisely

Avoid anal beads that aren’t perfectly smooth, as these will cause much more pain than pleasure. And while there’s no need to break the bank, opt for the highest quality beads you can. Silicone beads are ideal because they’re super-smooth, and some plastics like PVC are great too. Check out the anal beads in our BASICS range for good quality, affordable toys.\

Anal Sex Rule #3: Keep it clean

Exactly how much you prepare for anal play is up to you. Some people make sure they’ve used the toilet recently and wash their bottom with soapy water. Others prefer to use an anal douche about 45 minutes before playing; this clears out any waste from the rectum.

Whether anal sex is your thing, or you’re exploring new ways to experience pleasure in the bedroom, anal beads are a handy addition to your sex-toy stash. And though butt plugs and prostate massagers are also designed for anal play, beads offer something unique.

According to WebMD, “anal beads stimulate the nerve endings of your anus in their removal and reinsertion. Butt plugs, on the other hand, are sex toys that provide an internal fullness or pressure.” And prostate massagers are generally more like an angled dildo, designed to target men’s P-spot; a perfect addition to masturbation for men.

Whether you have a P-spot or not, though, anal stimulation can add a whole lot of fun to your sex life. We found a study that looked into the various sexy benefits women can get from anal play — it found that:

• Over a quarter of women enjoy anal touch because it boosts their orgasms

• Four out of ten said anal touch makes any other type of sexual touch more pleasurable

• One in six said that anal touch made reaching orgasm easier during other kinds of sexual touch

So while it might not be for everyone, it’s certainly worth finding out if butt play could be your cup of tea.

The study also found that, “around 35% of women have experienced pleasure through ‘anal shallowing’: penetrative touch by a finger, penis, or sex toy just inside the anal opening, no deeper than a fingertip/knuckle”. Anal beads would be perfect for this, because you can insert just one or two beads if you prefer.

“Finally, 40% of women make other forms of sexual touch more pleasurable using ‘anal pairing’: touch on or inside the anus that happens at the same time as other kinds of sexual touch, such as vaginal penetration or clitoral touching”. So, teaming beads with a rabbit vibrator or using them during penetrative sex with a partner could be a winner too.

To explore the full spectrum of anal-toy options, check out our guide: Sex Toys for Beginners

Can anyone use anal beads?

For sure! As Annabelle says, “anal beads are a great choice for beginners, because they allow you to slowly work your way up in size. And they’re a great way for both men and women to experiment with anal play”.

As we mentioned earlier: while men can use anal toys to massage their P-spot for intense prostate orgasms, women and people with vulvas can also get plenty of sexy stimulation from using toys during anal play.

Our female customers can back this up. VanessaTG is a big fan of her beads: “I love wearing them and spending time doing things around the house to get me turned on. I also have them inserted when I’ve been out shopping. You get a great sensation from them, as well as getting turned on by knowing they are up there without others knowing.”

CASSIEGOTCAKES69 is into vibrating beads, too: “This is the perfect beginners’ anal toy. The size is perfect, not too big, not too small. The intensity of the vibrations is amazing. They are strong enough to feel pleasure in both my anus and vagina. Let me tell you, I've never been wetter than I was when playing with these vibrating beads.”

“Make sure you start by adding a generous amount of anal lube to both yourself and the toy,” says Annabelle. “Then simply insert the beads one at a time, slowly and gently. You don’t need to put them all in — just go as far as you’re comfortable with.”

There’s no need to rush, so take your time. “Going slowly allows your body to get used to the new sensations. Once in place, you can either leave the anal beads where they are, or you can experiment with what feels good for you. Some people like sliding them in and out.”

Choose the right ones for your level

If you’re just starting out in anal play, then try a slim, small set of beads. Opt for flexible, affordable (but quality) beads, and check for a flared base or a handle to stop your toy, ahem, ‘escaping’ in the heat of the moment. The base or handle can help you manoeuvre the beads to hit your internal hot spots, too.

Get aroused

It’s easier to insert anal beads once you’re aroused — so take some time to get in the mood. Relax, get comfy, and perhaps pick out a sexy playlist; remember that seducing yourself during solo play is just as important as seducing a partner. Try taking a bullet vibrator and caress erogenous zones like your chest, nipples and inner thighs.

If you have a vulva, a clit sucker can quickly heat things up and get you ready for anal fun; a male masturbator is a great option if you have a penis. These toys can also be enjoyed alongside your anal beads once they’re inserted; try using your beads during penetrative sex, too.

Never skip the lube

Unlike vaginas, the anus isn’t self-lubricating — so generous lashings of lube are essential. If your anal beads are made of silicone, go for a water-based lube; silicone-based lubes will degrade silicone toys over time. Look for extra-thick, long-lasting formulas so you can keep playing comfortably for as long as you like; we’ve got lots of lube that’s specifically designed for butt play.

Start with just a few beads

Easy does it: once you’re lubed up, try carefully inserting one bead at a time. You might find that you can get off on just a couple of beads, or that inserting a length of beads into your rectum feels amazing. While you’re exploring what feels good to you, make sure you focus on deep breathing, on how each bead feels — and on enjoying the thrill of trying something new.

Always leave a few beads outside your body

Even if you find you’re into maxing out the number of beads you insert, keep a few beads free. This way, you can keep your grip on the toy and pull them out easily when you’re ready.

Explore different sensations

One of the many joys of anal beads is that simply putting them in is part of the fun. See what feels best to you: insert the beads and leave them in as you masturbate or have sex with your partner, or experiment with sliding the beads in and out.

Sex and relationships expert Tracey Cox recommends pulling out the beads right before or as you climax. “They feel good going in, but the most intense feeling is experienced when you pull the beads out and they pass along the two ringed sphincter muscles, triggering intensely pleasurable sensations.”

Remove with caution, though: “Lots of guides say to pull the beads out rapidly, but the rectum is delicate and easy to damage and only seasoned, skilled users should attempt this,” says Tracey. “Far better to pull them out gently but faster than you insert”.

Share the fun (but never your beads) with a partner

Anal beads can be lots of fun to bring into play with your partner, but it’s much more hygienic to each have your own beads. If you do want to have one set between you, go for glass or stainless steel beads — these can be sterilised before you share them.

Clean your beads right away

Wash your anal toys thoroughly before and after you use them. Spritz them with sex toy cleaner or wash with hot water and a mild soap. Dry your toys completely before you stash them away for next time.

If you’re a first-timer, try the Lovehoney Classic Beads or Fifty Shades of Grey Silicone Anal Beads. The first few beads on these toys are nice and small — and the extra flexibility makes it easy to try different angles and find what works for you.

To kick the stimulation up a notch, try vibrating beads like the Lovehoney Ignite Silicone Anal Beads or the Nexus Tornado Rotating and Vibrating Remote Control Anal Beads; the vibrations can feel similar to analingus or rimming.

One of our customers, FunnyMonkey, can vouch for the perks of these high-tech beads: “Personally I found the rotating feature to be most pleasurable against my prostate. When fully inserted it effectively led to the whole toy moving and created a really intense sensation. Paired with the vibrations, it was a uniquely intense experience”.

If you’re ready for something more advanced, try experimenting with different sizes, materials and intensities. The Lovehoney Beaded Sensual Glass Dildo is 7 inches of weighty glass, which can be cooled or warmed for added temperature play. For double-penetration fans, the Double Fun Beaded Vibrating Double Penetration Strap-On is an all-in-one winner, and is perfect for pegging too.