Anal Sex
September 24, 2019

9 Tips For First Time Anal

When you’re trying anal sex for the first time you want it to be as smooth and pleasuable as possible. Here’s how to get yourself ready for butt stuff.
Written by
Published on
September 24, 2019
Updated on
December 13, 2022
What's changed?
We added two tips for first time anal, such as what anal toys to try.
We added two tips for first time anal, such as what anal toys to try.
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Including the anus in sexual play and exploration can provide many benefits. After all, the butthole has a high concentration of nerve-endings, making it super sensitive and pleasurable to touch for some. Not only can anal play add newness and novelty to sexy time, but it can add an air of mystery and excitement as ass play is sometimes seen as “taboo.” There are important considerations when it comes to trying anal sex safely and pleasurably. Here’s what you need to know.

The butthole has a high concentration of nerve endings, making it super sensitive and inviting for pleasurable feels.

Editor’s pick for beginner’s butt plug

B-Vibe Anal Training & Education Set
B-Vibe Anal Training & Education Set Teal
B-Vibe Anal Training & Education Set Hand
B-Vibe Anal Training & Education Set Hand Side

Designed for beginners, B-Vibe’s Anal Training & Education Set explores the various pleasures of anal play. It comes with three different sized butt plugs, a lubricant applicator, an anal enema, and a zipper travel bag that makes it easily portable. The set also includes comprehensive how-to guides, allowing for beginners to learn everything they need to know about anal play before diving in. It’s the ultimate introduction into the world of anal pleasure.

Benefits
Good for beginners
Comes with informational guides
Comes with a storage bag
Drawbacks
Might not be strong enough for more experienced users
Not waterproof, only splashproof
The nuts and bolts
  • 4 intensity levels
  • 6 patterns
  • Splashproof
  • USB rechargeable
  • Body-safe materials: silicone
  • 9.5 x 6.9 x 3.9 in

9 tips for trying anal play 

If you’re considering exploring the anus for the first time — whether your own or a partner’s — there are a few tips that can make it a more enjoyable experience. Keep in mind that anal play is a more advanced sexual practice, so it will likely be more successful and pleasurable for those who are comfortable and experienced with other types of partnered sexual play. 

1. Relax your butt 

The most often overlooked necessity for pleasurable butt play is relaxation, especially for the recipient. When our bodies are tense, the sphincter muscles that surround the anus clench, forcing the anus to squeeze itself closed. When we relax, those sphincter muscles relax too, and allow the opening of the anus to loosen and open wider.  

But relaxation is often counterintuitive to anal penetration. It is a sensation that we’re not typically very familiar with (after all, things are more frequently coming out of our butt than going into it). 

The most often overlooked necessity for pleasurable butt play is relaxation… When our bodies are tense, the sphincter muscles that surround the anus clench… When we relax, those sphincter muscles relax too.

The receiver should be willing and enthusiastic about trying anal play! While nervousness can be normal when trying something new, fear and apprehension are barriers to successful anal sex.  

2. Clean before anal 

The receiver can relax by creating a comforting context for butt play. For example, poop to empty the bowls, and then take a warm shower or bath to calm your energy and clean the anus by swirling your finger around your butthole with warm water and mild soap, and then repeating with water to rinse. Cleaning the anus can help minimize anxiety about any flakes of poop making an appearance during sexy time. 

3. Warm up slowly 

Setting a comfy sex environment - maybe including soft music, lighting and bedding - can also help ease anxiety. Easing into butt play with other types of enjoyable sex play such as massage, rubbing, kissing, and oral sex can help set an arousing tone that heightens our pleasure sensors.  

While penetration is often the ultimate objective of anal play, focusing on the journey of the pleasure — rather than destination of the goal — can further reduce tension by taking the pressure off.  

4. Always use lube before anal 

The anal canal is relatively delicate, and unlike the vagina, does not self-lubricate. Lubrication is essential for safe and comfortable anal penetration of any size. Not only will added lube decrease the chance of anal fissures (tiny tears in the anal canal), but the reduced friction will also make penetration smoother and more pleasurable for both the giver and receiver.  

Lubrication is essential for safe and comfortable anal penetration of any size.

Silicone-based lube is often recommended when it comes to anal play. Unlike a water-based lubricant, silicone lube is typically thicker, absorbs into the body less quickly, staying slicker longer. 

5. Use a finger first 

The anus can be eased into the sexual experience through non-penetrative play by rubbing it softly, massaging it with pressure, or licking, sucking, and kissing. If you’re with a partner, take your time and communicate about how it feels.

After you’re aroused, touch the rim of your anus with your finger. Try rubbing the surface of your anus and gliding your finger around the rim. Then,  slowly penetrate your ass with your lubricated finger. This can help you get used to the sensation of something entering the anus. If you enjoy the feeling, try adding another finger. Slide your 

6. Try anal toys 

If you enjoy the sensation of inserting a finger or two in your ass, try taking it up a notch with a butt toy. Using a butt toy, like a butt plug, anal beads, a prostate massager, or dildo, is a great way to enhance pleasure and to experiment with anal penetration on your own before involving a partner. Here are some of our recommendations for incorporating anal toys into play. 

  • Butt plugs. Butt plugs have a tapered end and bulbous head. We recommend starting small with a B-Vibe Snug Plug 1 and then working your way up to larger toys if you enjoy the sensation of “fullness.” Read our guide on how to use a butt plug to learn more. 
  • Anal beads. Anal beads ascend in size, the smallest bead goes in your anus first and then, as you get comfortable, you can add a second, third, or fourth bead. If you’re new to anal beads, we recommend starting with the B-Vibe Triplet Anal Beads. 
  • Prostate massager. One reason people enjoy butt play so much is because of prostate and stimulation, which can more easily be targeted via the anus. Prostate massagers are curved pleasure products meant to penetrate the ass and stimulate the prostate. Using a prostate massager can help achieve prostate pleasure and even orgasm. 

7. Keep communicating

Communication between the giver and receiver during anal play can significantly impact the quality of the experience. Although butt sex doesn’t have to only happen with a long-term partner, it is helpful to be familiar with the communication style of your anal sex partner. While the giver may appear to be in control of the speed and depth of penetration, it should actually be the receiver who calls the shots.  

8. Incorporate dual stimulation 

While stimulating the anus, continue paying attention to the rest of the body and other erogenous zones. If you have a vulva, for example, try stimulating your clit while playing with your ass. This can make the overall experience more intense and maybe even put you over the edge to orgasm — if that’s your goal. Using a butt plug in your ass means you can continue stimulating your anus hands-free while using another toy, like a vibrator on your clit. You can also try using nipple toys, like nipple clamps or suckers. Touching your nipples while your ass is being played with can feel extremely pleasurable for some. If you’re playing with a partner, try having them suck on your nipples while you wear a butt plug or another toy. If you have a penis, try stroking your shaft while wearing a butt plug. Play with your balls and touch your perineum.

Editor’s pick for best clit vibrator

Satisfyer Pro 2 Next Gen
Satisfyer Pro 2 Next Gen Close
Satisfyer Pro 2 Next Gen Side
Satisfyer Pro 2 Next Gen Hand
Satisfyer Pro 2 Next Gen Box
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Based on Satisfyer’s original suction stimulator, the Pro 2 Next Generation is the next evolution of their best-selling product. Featuring 11 intensities, contactless clitoral stimulation, a quieter motor and improved controls, it proves high-quality suction doesn’t need to break the bank.

Benefits
Strong suction + 11 suction intensities
Ergonomic handle
Easy controls
Low price
Drawbacks
No vibrations or additional features
Suction can’t compete with higher-end models
The nuts and bolts
  • Contactless clitoral stimulation
  • 11 suction intensities
  • Waterproof
  • Whisper quiet
  • USB rechargeable
  • Magnetic cable
  • Removable nozzle
  • Body-safe materials: silicone & plastic

9. Prioritize Pleasure

As you move into penetration, it is important to go slow at the beginning to allow the receiver to become familiar and comfortable with the sensation. While it may feel strange at first, and maybe even uncomfortable, anal sex shouldn’t feel painful.

It is imperative that the receiver feel comfortable speaking up should discomfort arise, and for the giver to follow the receiver's lead. If something hurts, stop. Try adding more lube, going slower, or moving back to another sexy activity that felt better.  

While the giver may appear to be in control of the speed and depth of penetration, it should actually be the receiver who calls the shots.  

The bottom line 

Penetration may not happen during your first attempt at anal play — this is completely normal and does not constitute an anal sex failure. In fact, it means you will come into your next anal play experience with more familiarity and practice. If you’re interested in exploring anal play more, check out our catalog of butt toys to get started.

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