Anal Masturbation: Everything the Experts Want You to Know

Fans of anal sex already know what the fuss is about — and there are plenty of fans out there. One study found 30% of women and 35% of men have reported having anal sex in the last year.

Your anus is packed with super-sensitive nerve endings, which means it can be an incredible source of orgasmic pleasure when stimulated. And here’s the best bit: you can enjoy all the benefits of butt play with or without a partner!

So if you’re curious about adding anal to your alone-time repertoire, read on. We’ve picked the brains of two top sexperts for their best anal masturbation tips (you’re welcome!), so you can explore butt play with confidence. Once you know how (and you’ve got lots of anal lube to hand!), anal masturbation can help to make your solo orgasms even more breathtaking.

Only got time for a quickie?

Your anus is a delicate spot, so it’s always worth reading up in more detail. But, if you’re short on time, here are the essentials:

• The rectum is packed with nerve endings. Stimulating it can enhance your orgasms by activating the same pleasure pathways as genital touch.
• Try anal toys like butt plugs, anal beads, and prostate massagers. They’re great for beginners and pros alike—just make sure they have a flared base!
• Lube is non-negotiable. The anus isn’t self-lubricating, so use a thick, long-lasting anal lube to keep things smooth and comfortable.
• Take it slow and relax. Start with opening your bum cheeks and gently massaging your anal opening and inner rim, before inserting a lubed-up finger or toy, breathing deeply to stay relaxed.
• Experiment for more pleasure. Try leaving in a butt plug during genital stimulation, playing with temperature, or angle your shower head and position the water stream to hit your butthole and tease your anus.
• Keep it clean. Wash your hands, clean your toys before and after use, and enjoy stress-free play with proper hygiene.

The rectum is lined with nerve endings that light up when touched, so inserting a toy or finger into this area creates a whole lotta stimulation. Here’s what anal feels like, according to experts:

“Anal stimulation can put you in a state of heightened awareness that makes everything feel more intense, including orgasms,” says Dr Justin Lehmiller, and he should know. A social psychologist, author of various books on sex and research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, Justin’s also had papers published in leading journals on sex and relationships.

Dr Megan Fleming is also on hand to explain why anal play is such a good time. She’s a marriage counsellor and sex therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience, as well as being a clinical psychologist — so she knows her stuff when it comes to sex.

For example, did you know that the nerves you tap into when you enjoy anal play are shared with the rest of your genitalia? “A good reason to give anal play a try is knowing that the pudendal nerve (found in your pelvic region) is the same nerve involved in the pleasure you experience from stimulation of the clitoris, vulva, penis and perineum,” says Megan.

That’s why it’s possible to have an anal orgasm — and why teasing your anus at the same time as other genitalia can feel so incredible.

Butt plugs, anal beads, prostate massagers, dildos, vibrators... There’s a wide range of anal sex toys out there to choose from, with different options for first timers, seasoned pros and everyone in between.

A quick PSA: avoid the temptation to improvise with phallic household items, girthy produce or similar… trust us on this one! It’s never worth the trip to A&E. On that note, make sure any anal toys you use have a flared base or wide handle. This stops them from disappearing ‘up there’ and means you can enjoy just as much butt-play fun as you like safely and confidently.

Whatever your experience level, it’s best to stick to the highest-quality toys you can afford. There’s no need to break the bank, though; our BASICS range has lots of affordable options.

“Butt plugs are often a great place to start,” says Justin. “They’re small but versatile toys, and are an excellent choice to help you explore anal sensation for the first time”. Anal beads are also a good option for beginners. “With beads you can explore shallower or deeper penetration, making it excellent for first-time solo anal. They also adapt to the shape of your body, which can be more comfortable.”

If you need advice on your new toy, check out our guides:

• How to Use a Butt Plug
• How to Use Anal Beads
• How to Use a Prostate Massager

When you’re ready to step up to something more advanced, consider gradually sizing up. “Anal beads, butt plugs and dildos come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes; the options are endless!” says Justin. “So that’s one easy way to mix up the sensations and continue exploring.”

For a powerful blended orgasm — climaxing by stimulating more than one erogenous zone at once — Justin recommends, “a double-penetration vibrator. This can provide both vaginal and anal stimulation at the same time. Likewise, some butt plugs have an attached cock ring which provides simultaneous penile and anal stimulation.”

Ready to get stuck in? Here's how to make the most of your solo anal session, step by step.

Start with hygiene

Make sure you give your sex toys a clean before you get down to business. In terms of how much effort you put into getting your bottom ready for action, that's up to you. We recommend washing your butthole and going to the loo to clear any incoming bowel movements, just to avoid any unwanted mess or discomfort.

Get really aroused

Before you start, set aside time to relax and treat yourself to plenty of sensual solo foreplay. "I can't highlight the importance of only introducing anal play when you are already highly aroused," says Megan. "Enjoy getting yourself all hot and bothered with your usual solo play before you begin to explore anal masturbation."

Try tracing your erogenous zones with a bullet vibrator, slowly grinding on your favourite dildo if you have a vagina, or teasing your chest with nipple suckers. We recommend bringing in some warming or tingling lube to drizzle on your vulva, nipples or penis; it'll make your skin extra-sensitive to your own touch.

It's best to think of anal play as an amazing way to enhance masturbation. Pleasure yourself the way you normally would while you carefully explore your behind. In time, the combo could lead to sensational, orgasmic pleasure.

Always use lube

"Use lube. Lots of lube," says Justin. "The anus isn't self-lubricating, so use of an artificial lube is essential. However, make sure you use a lube that's compatible with whatever toy (or toys!) you're using."

Opt for anal lube specifically, too: it's designed to be extra-thick and longer-lasting. Even still, it's best to reapply lube regularly throughout your play session. And if you're playing with a silicone toy, use water-based lube; silicone lube will degrade your toy over time. Always check the label to make sure your lubricant is the right fit.

You can also try kneeling and bending forward, so your cheeks spread naturally; like you’re getting into position for Doggy Style. As a beginner, avoid anal penetration positions that could put any strain on your butt muscles, like squatting. This will most likely tighten you up, rather than relax you for easy entry.

Try these fingering techniques

Rather than heading straight for the anus, extend the foreplay: start by teasing your bum cheeks and the backs of your thighs with your fingers (or a toy), and steadily make your way towards your butthole.

Once you get there, "start with your index or middle finger, rubbing or massaging your anal opening and inner rim," says Megan. "Next, try inserting a lubed-up finger about a quarter of an inch into your anus. Relax, hold your finger in for three or four seconds, then contract your Kegel muscles and tighten your buttocks as you slide your finger out."

"Then repeat, sliding your finger a little further in each time." Remember, there's no rush. Take all the time you need, and revel in the rush of sensation that comes with even the slightest movement.

Explore anal sex toys

When you're feeling more confident with anal play, try inserting anal beads and leaving them in while you jack yourself off in the usual way. Then, just as you climax, slide the anal beads out for an extra-powerful orgasm.

Temperature play can add an extra layer of excitement, too. Leave a stainless steel or glass dildo in the fridge or freezer to cool before your solo session, these materials handle temperature change well, so their entire shape will be evenly, deliciously chilled.

Or, if heat's more your thing, leave the toy in a warm water bath (not too hot; aim for the perfect bathwater temperature). Either way, switching up the temp will engage your internal nerve endings and can boost your pleasure.

Get cleaned up straight after

"Make sure to clean your toys before and after every use, and ensure they're completely dry before putting them away," says Megan. "If they're non-porous - like silicone or stainless steel - and don't vibrate or are waterproof, you can use water and mild unscented hand or dish soap." For all other toys, our toy cleaner is safe to use on everything.

Play in the shower

If you’re nervous about making a mess on the sheets, enjoy stress-free anal fun in the shower. You can even try using the stream of water to tease your anus; carefully bend over in front of the running shower, and position yourself so the water hits your butthole at just the right angle. Use some silicone lube (this won’t wash away easily!) to rub your clitoris or penis at the same time, and get ready for fireworks!

Keep trying

Much like coffee and olives, anal can be an acquired taste. “Remember the mantra of ‘try, try, again’,” says Megan. “If your first experience of anal play wasn’t painful, but you only felt so-so about the sensation, I recommend trying several more times to see if you relax into it.” For many people, it’s worth the effort!

Relax, breathe, and go slow

Taking slow, deep breaths can ease the process of inserting a toy. “Take your time and don’t force anything,” says Justin. “If you experience pain, stop.”

Consider it a bonus sensation

You’ll need to be relaxed and arouse through other stimulation in order to enjoy anal play – and it might not be enough on its own to get you off. But teamed with genital stimulation, it’s a great way to boost your orgasms and add to the fun. Leave a butt plug in as you jack yourself off, and enjoy the intensified climax.

Try it with a partner

If all this solo fun has given you the butt-play bug, maybe you’d enjoy sharing anal with your lover. Simple enough if you have a penis – or there are lots of strap-on options if you have a vulva and want to give pegging a try.

Ready for some cheeky me-time? Shop anal sex toys