Anal play is something that can add not only variety but incredible pleasure to your sexuality.   It can increase your sex options as well as add intensity to your orgasms.  Anal sex can certainly lead to better sex all around.  There are few types of anal toys to choose from, each providing a unique experience for your butt.

Basics

The thing to remember about anal play is that the anal canal is not like the vaginal canal; things can indeed get lost in your bum.  As such it's incredibly important to remember that anything you insert in your bum needs to have a flared base on it or a long tail so you can ensure its removal.

Using plenty of lubricant is also incredibly important with anal play.  As the rectum does not make it's own lubrication we recommend using a silicone lubricant so that the fragile tissues of the anus do not tear.  Since you cannot use silicone lubricants with silicone toys, choose a natural oil like coconut or canola oil or a water-based lube.  The lubricant will help the anal toy slide into your bottom with the least resistance.  Sometimes resistance and friction can feel good during vaginal penetration.  It's not so with anal penetration.  The walls of the rectum are thin and sensitive.  Small tears can form if there is too much friction, or if you go too quickly to a large toy.

To use anal toys, it's best to be very relaxed.  Many people find it easiest to accept anal penetration after they have had an orgasm or even had a sensual massage.  Different people like to be in different positions when inserting an anal toy.  Some like to be squatting, others in doggy style position and yet others like to be lying down.  As you explore anal play, explore which positions work best for you. 

Also remember: unless you use a condom, do not share anal toys with anyone else, and do not put a toy that has been in the anus into the vagina.

Anal Beads

Anal beads are sets of connected, graduating beads.  Some are made of plastic, some TPR, others silicone.   There are a few sets of anal beads that vibrate.  These are great for use by anal play beginners as you can start very small; most anal beads start with a 1" circumference, if not a little smaller.  You can insert one bead, get used to the sensation than insert the next, slightly larger bead, going only as thick as you wish.

The really unique aspect of anal beads is that a lot of times when beads are worn during vaginal intercourse the movement of the penis will cause the beads to move inside the rectum.  This can provide intense and unique sensations for both partners.

Being smaller, anal beads are also excellent for long term wear for added sensual stimulation during your day, or to simply get used to something being inside your butt.  If you choose to wear them long term, please re-lubricate every 2 hours or so.  The lube will dry up, so by re-lubricating you are ensuring safety and ease of removal when you are finished wearing them.

EXAMPLES: Asian Anal Beads , Delux Anal Beads

Butt Plugs

Similar to anal beads, butt plugs are anal toys that slide into the rectum and stay put.  Butt plugs are shorter than anal beads and have flared bases.  Some can vibrate.  Butt plugs come in sizes ranging from 3/4" circumference to over 4" circumference and do not graduate as gradually as anal beads.  They can be ribbed, bulbous or smooth.  Butt plugs can be worn during sex, during masturbation, used as its own masturbation tool or worn for extended periods of time.

Wearing anal plugs for extended periods of time can be an incredibly erotic experience.  Along with knowing that you're doing something sexual during routine tasks such as cleaning or shopping, it can also help you get used to anal sensation which can help get you comfortable accepting anal-penile penetration so you can engage in anal intercourse.  Plugs are also great toys to help you work up to larger toys.

Anal plugs tend to be made from a soft material such as jelly or rubber as it is more malleable and easier to wear for long periods of time.  These are not sterilizable though, so after cleaning them well they should not be shared or used vaginally.  However, if you want a sterilizable one, some plugs come in metal if you are a more advanced user and comfortable with such an unforgiving material, or silicone.

EXAMPLES: Silicone Ripple Butt Plug, Blue Glass Plug , Little Flirt

Prostate Massagers

Similar to the g-spot toy for women, the prostate in men can provide men with intensely pleasurable sexual stimulation.  Prostate massagers are sex toys, sometimes vibrating other times not, that are made to enter the rectum and curve to massage the prostate.  The toys will range from barely hooked to very hooked.  As every body is different, start with a small hook to see what yours likes.  You can always move up to a more hooked toy for more advanced stimulation.  Massaging the prostate stimulates the organ which keeps it healthy and in working order.  Along with that, it can feel very good, causing a distinctly unique sexual pleasure as well as more powerful orgasms.  Sometimes men experience non-orgasmic ejaculation with prostate massage, sometimes called "milking."  This is perfectly healthy and normal.  

Prostate massagers and women's g-spot vibrators have many similarities in design. If you want a prostate massager but find that you prefer the design of a g-spot vibrator, so long as it has a handle for easy removal; go for it!

EXAMPLES: Sinclair Institute Select™ Onyx Glass Wand, Lelo Billy , P-Rock Prostate Massager

Strap-Ons and Double Dongs

A woman can penetrate her partner using a strap-on harness and dildo or a dildo designed to be worn inside the vagina--like a strap-on without the straps! 

EXAMPLES: Feeldoe Slim Dildo, Bend Over Beginner Strap-On,

Other Anal Toys

Almost any dildo or vibrator can be used anally, if it has a flared base so that it doesn't get "lost" in the anus.  The material of the toy is also important if it is to be shared or used vaginally after anal use.  Make sure to use a new condom each time if the toy is porous, will be shared with more than one person, or will be used both anally and vaginally or orally.  

EXAMPLES: Double Erection Keeper, Anal Training Kit , Silicone Handmaiden Anal Dildo

Anal Douche

Using an anal douche, or enema, both cleans the rectum and feels great.  Use only lukewarm distilled water for anal douching.  Also, you will want to engage in anal douching a couple hours prior to any expected anal sex play.  This ensures that all of the water from the douche has left your system.  Do not douche more than once or twice a month, as douching can destroy the bacterial eco-system of your anal canal.

EXAMPLES: Deep Cleansing Kit, Sex Prep Beginner Enema

For more about anal play...

Watch a movie such as the Better Sex® Guide to Anal Sex or Tristan Taormino’s Expert Guide to Anal Sex.  If you prefer more in-depth explanations from books, try the Better Sex® Guide to Extraordinary LoveMaking or the Anal Sex Positions Guide. 

As with anything don’t be afraid to experiment.  Go slow and try again in a different position, with different foreplay and perhaps even with a different toy.  And as always; use plenty of lube! Anal sex play can really spice up your sex life!