Introduction

A butt-plug is a cylindrical device for insertion into the rectum, usually for sexual stimulation. There are a variety of shapes, types and sizes available, from a pencil-thin probe, to a traffic-cone sized monstrosity (seriously).

The common factor which separates butt-plugs from dildos is their base. The sphincter muscle of the anus is very prone to constricting - which it has to do a lot of the time to keep us continent. If a standard dildo is used, then anal swallowing may occur, where the anus constricts, and pulls the object into the rectum. This can be serious and require medical intervention to retrieve.

The base of a butt-plug has a significantly larger diameter than the rest of the plug. The most common shape being flared out, with a smaller diameter just before the base:

      _
     / \
    /   \
   (     )  - inside rectum
    \   /
    _) (_  - anal sphincter here
   /_____\   - outside

The anus will constrict around the narrow part of the plug, but will be incapable of swallowing it.

The narrow part aids retention, since the peristalsis of the alimentary canal will tend to push out a straight-sided plug in a manner similar to defecation.

Insertion

In order to insert a butt-plug, a large amount of water-based lubricant should be used, preferably a thick sort, such as K-Y Jelly rather than the runnier type. Lubrication is required, because the rectum, unlike the vagina produces none of its own lubrication - not being designed for objects to be inserted.

Insertion should be slow and careful, to avoid tearing the delicate walls of the rectum, or overstretching the anal sphincter. Pain should not be involved in the process, and if any pain occurs, then STOP! Don't try to pull the plug straight out, as this may cause further pain. Wait for any contractions to stop, relax, and then begin to withdraw gently.

Safety

Many people, particularly in the gay scene, take drugs such as alchohol or poppers to relax the sphincter. The problem with this is that the interpretation of sensation may be impaired, and pain not felt when it should be. In this case, bleeding would be the danger sign, but may already be too late.

I, personally, would recommend against the use of any intoxicating substances. A much safer way to relax the anus is to breathe deeply, and ensure you are in relaxing surroundings. If you are playing with a partner, ensure you trust them fully, and they are fully aware of what you are both doing.

There are two sphincter muscles inside the rectum. The outside one is under voluntary control. The inside one, however is involuntary. In order to let things pass, the receiver must be totally relaxed. Also the object must be flexible and soft, as the rectum makes a sharp turn just beyond the second sphincter. Long toys are for advanced play only.

A very small amount of blood after play may just about be OK, but you should definitely take note, and attempt to avoid it ever again. If there is any persistence or more than a spot of blood, see a doctor straight away. Don't worry... they've seen it all before.

Hygiene

In order to avoid mess, some people like to take a gentle enema before indulging in butt-plug play. Others place a condom over the object to ease cleaning up afterwards.

If playing with a partner, then standard safe-sex practices should be followed, including latex gloves.

The rectum contains parasites which carry disease, and on no account should a toy be taken from the rectum, and placed in the vagina.

Variations

Variations on the theme include:

• Ribbed plugs - for added sensation on inserting and removing.
• Vibrating plugs.
• Horse-tail plugs - which have horsehair (real or fake) coming out of the base to give a tail to the wearer.
• Fist-shaped plugs - to simulate anal fisting, albeit very badly.

Size-wise, the advice is "Don't let your eyes be bigger than your rectum!" As you find you can take a certain size easily, then maybe go up a size if you wish. But start gradually.

A Last Word

Before indulging in anal-play, it pays to get a lot of advice from experienced players, due to possible health concerns and safety aspects. It can be very rewarding, but you must be aware of the dangers.

Butt-plugs are probably the most brilliant anal sex toy ever invented. They have two properties that really make them unique. First, as you are inserting them, they get wider and wider until they're in all the way. Then the girth decreases, which allows for a comfortable fit between the sphincter. Second, a very wide base prevents them from sliding all the way in. This is so they don't get lost in there. Because of these two things, you can get your butt-plug in and then almost forget that it's there. You get the anal stimulation while having your hands free to play with other areas.

Butt-plugs come in both vibrating and non-vibrating variants. For me, my favorite is the vibrating kind. Especially when it comes to anal sex and anal masturbation. If you're new to anal sex, a small vibrating butt-plug is a good place to start.

Non-vibrating butt-plugs are usually smaller than the vibrating ones, which make them suitable for those who want to start playing with anal sex, but have trouble with inserting anything larger than a finger into the anus.

The smallest butt-plugs are the size of a slender finger, which should be an easy fit for anal novices. For the beginner, jelly rubber plugs are also a good bet, since they are less rigid. You can also get anal "training" sets, which usually include a range of increasingly larger plugs and some lube, often along with a vibrator. The smaller a plug is, however, the easier it is for it to slide out when you want it to stay in. Some of the small plugs now have a bump in them to give the sphincter muscles something to grab on to. Butt-plugs can also be curved or bent to better fit the contours of your inside cavity and give extra prostate or G-spot stimulation. In this case, the plug should curve toward your front as it is inserted.

To get used to playing with a butt-plug, first start off with some lube and a finger. Use slow and gentle in-and-out motions to let the asshole get used to having something inside it. When the anal muscles are relaxed and used to the feeling of penetration, insert the richly lubed butt-plug. Try leaving it in place for just a few minutes at first, then try increasing the time in later sessions. Stay relaxed and get used to it, try masturbating with it inside you, and then work up to intercourse or other sex play while wearing the plug.

For intermediate or more daring anal play, you may want to try a bigger plug, or one designed like a stack of increasingly larger balls. You or your partner can twist, bump, or work the plug in and out for more stimulation. The sensation gets more intense as the sphincter spreads open as you insert the wider plug into your ass and then clenches around the base of the plug. Some people prefer stockier or more bulb-shaped plugs.

As you get more comfortable with your butt-plug, you may want to include it into more of your sexual activities, or simply enjoy wearing it by itself. Some people (like myself) like to keep a butt-plug inserted for some time before anal sex, to make the anal muscles receptive to deeper anal penetration.

As you would come to expect of sex toys, very large butt- plugs are available for the people out there who really want to push their limits. There are also inflatable butt-plugs available. Although most are made of bendy silicon or rubber, more rigid metal or acrylic butt-plugs are also available. Some butt-plugs have something attached to the end that extends beyond the butt when inserted, this is usually as a part of a fetish scene. An example of this is pony play, in which participants may wear a horse tail buttplug where a horse tail is attached to the base end of the butt-plug, along with other horse gear.

Butt-plug tip: Usually, once a butt-plug is inside you can just leave it in there, concentrating on having fun. But if you are going to let it be there for more than an hour or so you should probably slide it out a little and add some lube before re-insering it about once an hour. This is to prevent unwanted tearing of the rectum in case the butt-plug dries out.

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Of course, one should always be careful when inserting objects into the anus, and the more lubrication used the better!