Beginners Guide to Butt Plugs

A Beginners Guide to Butt Plugs

A Beginners Guide to Butt Plugs: Sizes, Materials & Safety

Need a beginners guide to butt plugs? Curious about butt plugs but not sure where to start? This beginners guide to butt plugs covers sizes, materials, how to choose, how to use, and safety—plus quick links to shop beginner-friendly options.

A Beginners Guide to Butt Plugs: Find it Fast

What is a butt plug—and is it safe?

A butt plug is an anal toy with a tapered tip, a body that provides fullness or pressure, and a flared base or T-bar that keeps it comfortably in place as well as easy to remove. That base isn’t optional—because the rectum can “suction” objects inward, an anal toys must have a base wider than the widest part of the toy. For some great tips on wearing a butt plug check out this article from Healthline.

Safety basics at a glance:

  • Use a flared-base plug only.

  • Start small first; size up gradually. Many educators recommend short wear times to start; some advise under 30 minutes per session. Manufacturers vary, so follow the product’s instructions and listen to your body.

  • Use plenty of lube. Water based lube is a safe all-rounder with toys and condoms; silicone lube is fine with metal as well as glass but avoid it on silicone toys.

  • Always clean before and after. Non-motorized silicone and steel can be boiled for deep sanitation; otherwise use warm water + mild soap or sex toy cleaner. Always check the brand guidance.

A Beginners Guide to Butt Plugs: Types of butt plugs

Beginner Butt Plugs

Small diameter, tapered tip, soft silicone, wide base. Ideal first step. Shop beginner Butt Plugs here.

Vibrating Butt Plugs

Add rumbly sensation; look for multiple speeds and IPX waterproof ratings for easy cleaning. Start on the lowest setting. Shop Vibrating Butt Plugs here.

Metal Butt Plugs

Ultra-smooth, weighty, non-porous, great for temperature play. Works with any lube. Choose size carefully—metal doesn’t flex. Shop Metal Butt Plugs here.

Glass Butt Plugs

Smooth, rigid and non-porous; can be warmed or cooled. Always choose borosilicate/body-safe glass from reputable brands. Shop Glass Butt Plugs here.

Inflatable Butt Plugs

Start slim, then add girth gradually via a hand bulb. Great for customizing stretch; avoid over-inflation and follow instructions closely. Shop Inflatable Butt Plugs here

Jewel Butt Plugs / decorative base

Sparkling bases with the same safety features (flared base). Pick body-safe materials for the plug itself. Shop Jewel Butt Plugs here.

Tail Butt Plugs

Novelty aesthetics attached to a safe flared base. Choose easy-clean attachments; watch dryer settings if it’s faux fur. Shop Tail Butt Plugs here.

Prostate plugs

Curved shapes and angles to target the P-spot; many like gentle vibration to amplify pressure. Shop Prostate Plugs here.

Large Butt Plugs

For experienced users. Warm up first, use lots of lube, and take your time. Shop Large Butt Plugs here.

A Beginners Guide to Butt Plugs: Butt Plug Size guide 

  • Diameter matters most. Beginners usually start under 1 inch and step up slowly as comfort increases. Exact limits vary by body—start smaller than you think. 

  • Insertable length. This affects fullness and pressure; longer isn’t necessarily “better” for a first anal plug.

  • Base width. This should exceed the plug’s widest point. This prevents unwanted “travel”.

  • Training kits. These kits can that include 3–4 sizes that can make progression easier.

How to use a butt plug: A step-by-step guide

  1. Prep & relax. Privacy, a warm shower if you like, and a calm pace.

  2. Lube! More than you think. Apply to the plug and to the entrance. Water-based lube works with all toys and condoms; silicone is fine for metal/glass. 

  3. Angle & breathe. Start with the tip, breathe out as you ease over the widest part; stop if it doesn’t feel right.

  4. Wear time. For first sessions, we suggest short wear. Less than 30 minutes. Increase only if comfortable, following the product’s guidance. Healthline have a gereat article here.

  5. Removal. Add a bit more lube, relax and gently withdraw by the base or T-bar.

  6. Aftercare. Clean, dry, and store the anal plug in a lint-free pouch.

Butt Plug Materials & lube compatibility

  • Silicone butt plug: use water-based lube. Always avoid silicone-on-silicone; clean with mild soap/water. Boil only if non-motorized.

  • Metal / Glass Butt Plug: any lube type; easy to sanitize; great for temperature anal play.

  • Vibrating plugs: check IPX rating; keep charging port sealed before washing.

Butt Plug are, cleaning & storage

  • Before & after use: wash with warm water + mild soap or a toy cleaner.

  • Deep clean: non-motorized silicone or stainless steel can be boiled (per brand guidance).

  • Storage: dry completely, store in a pouch away from dust and direct heat.

  • Hygiene: Do not move from anal to vaginal without cleaning or changing condoms first. 

Common Anal Plug mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a butt plug without a flared base is very unsafe.

  • Skipping lube or using the wrong lube for your butt plug or condom.

  • Jumping to large sized plugs too soon.

  • Wearing for long periods on your first try; start short. 

A Beginners Guide to Butt Plugs: Butt Plug FAQs

What size butt plugs should beginners choose?
Start small—usually under 1 inch diameter—and step up gradually as comfort increases. Training kits can help you progress at your pace.

Are metal butt plugs safe?
Yes—stainless steel is body-safe and non-porous; it’s also easy to sanitize. Always choose a flared base, add lube, and pick a comfortable size.

How long can I wear a butt plug?
For first sessions, many experts suggest keeping wear short often less than 30 minutes. Manufacturer guidance varies; follow your toy’s instructions and your body’s signals.

Which lube should I use?
Water-based lube works with all toys and condoms; avoid silicone lube on silicone toys. With metal or glass, any lube type is fine.

 

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