Anal Masturbation: How To Make It Intensely Pleasurable

Plenty of women instinctively reach for a sex toy to stimulate their clitoris or vagina, or simply enjoy regular clitoral/vaginal masturbation — but the idea of anal masturbation can feel off-limits by comparison.

For some people, exploring anal play comes naturally; for others, it takes a bit of working up to, sometimes at a partner's suggestion. Either way, learning to masturbate anally in a way that suits your body can unlock more intense orgasms.

Why Do People Enjoy Anal Masturbation At All?

As a woman, you might wonder whether — or how — you could enjoy anal play, especially without a prostate (discover how to stimulate the prostate) the way a man has. Even so, plenty of women love incorporating butt play into their masturbation, and some can even orgasm from it. Even without reaching anal orgasm, inserting something or simply stimulating around the entrance (your bud) can feel fantastic.

Did you know giving pleasure this way can feel just as good? Discover why so many guys like anal sex.

Curiosity has always driven sexual exploration, and anal play is no different. (You'll find 19 great anal sex positions to try here.) If you're pregnant, look for a comfortable position, since you may feel more sensitive than usual.

Tips for anal sex and masturbation during pregnancy are here.

For some, the taboo itself is a huge turn-on; others simply enjoy the feeling of being stretched to the limit. Exploring anal masturbation can also help prepare you for more comfortable, pain-free anal sex with a partner (here's some solid anal sex advice). Some BDSM couples also use butt plugs as a form of erotic control!

Read More: Why Anal Sex Shouldn't Hurt

The nerve endings back there can make masturbation and other activities (including eating ass) feel amazing.

And unlike vaginal sex, there's zero pregnancy risk with anal masturbation (or with anal sex itself).

Once you start browsing toys to help with anal masturbation, you'll probably start wondering…

What Kinds Of Anal Sex Toys Are Out There?

Your local sex shop or a trusted online retailer will have plenty of options for internal anal play. Here's a quick rundown:

• Butt plugs are built to stay in place during sex or masturbation, thanks to a flared base. More on using butt plugs here.
• Dildos work anally too, provided they have a flared base. Try angled designs and experiment with thrusting. Dildos can also pair with a strap-on harness — learn more about what pegging is and how to peg your man.
• Juicing dildos are usually glass, with a flared base and a crank you turn rather than thrust.
• Anal beads are a string of graduated bulges. Similar silicone toys with built-in bulges tend to be more hygienic. While learning anal masturbation, you might enjoy inserting and removing them one bead at a time.
• Anal vibrators come in all shapes and sizes. Many are C-shaped or resemble G-spot toys. Depending on the shape, you can thrust with them or just hold them in place. Some have extra prongs or extensions for simultaneous perineum and/or vaginal stimulation.

Anal toys vary widely in size, color, shape, and purpose — some butt plugs come with decorative gems on the base or playful furry tails, while others are shaped like a tongue to mimic a rim job (more on rim jobs).

Related: What Does It Mean to Toss the Salad?

You can also work your way up gradually in size — a practice known as anal training.

Of course, your own fingers work just as well if that's what feels good — and honestly, that's probably the smartest place to start before spending money on toys.

Tips for anal fingering here.

Anal masturbation doesn't have to involve penetration at all, even though that's what most people picture. There are plenty of insertable options, but you're not obligated to use one, or to insert anything whatsoever. A vibrator or your finger simply resting on or circling the entrance might be all it takes to send a shiver down your spine!

Just remember: small vibrators meant for external use should never be inserted — more on why below.

Preparing For Anal Play

Even if butt play appeals to you, you might worry it'll get messy. Proper prep goes a long way toward minimizing that risk.

Generally, all you need is a bowel movement earlier that day, followed by a thorough clean with wet wipes or a shower. For extra peace of mind, a small anal douche can rinse out anything left in the canal.

Important: Skip anal play if you're feeling constipated or unwell, since that can lead to some unwanted, embarrassing situations.

Whatever you insert needs to be free of ridges or sharp edges — including fingernails. Keep them trimmed and filed short, since sharp nails can tear the anal lining, and bacteria can then trigger an infection (and can also get trapped beneath the nail itself).

Finally: lube, more lube, and then even more lube. Unlike the vagina, the anus can't self-lubricate. A thick lube makes insertion far easier, while a silicone-based one tends to last longer than water-based options. Just don't use so much that you lose your grip on a toy — apply generously and keep the bottle within reach for touch-ups.

You'll find more helpful tips on preparing for anal masturbation and anal sex here.

Getting The Most Out Of Anal Play

Before things get going, make sure you're relaxed. Set the mood with lighting, candles, or music. Explore your body with your hands first. Masturbate as you normally would (more great masturbation tips here), perhaps even bringing yourself to orgasm first (discover how to have anal orgasms) to fully relax your muscles. You may clench up when first inserting something — relaxing your throat can have a surprisingly similar effect on your backside. A gentle push outward helps expand the ring of sphincter muscles, easing insertion.

Smooth materials go in more easily, while ridged or velvety-textured toys create more drag and need extra lube. Warming a toy in a bowl of warm water, or wrapping it in a warm cloth beforehand, can help your anus stay relaxed enough to continue. A cold toy, on the other hand, can startle the body — exactly the opposite of what you want.

There's no single correct way to masturbate anally — everyone finds their own preferences.

• You might enjoy wearing a butt plug while masturbating vaginally with a favorite G-spot toy.
• Or slow, steady in-and-out thrusting of a finger might be your go-to.
• As you approach a clitoral orgasm, circling your finger around the entrance might feel incredible.
• Or maybe hard, fast thrusting with a dildo or vibrator is more your style.
• Some women pick up extra vaginal stimulation while playing anally, too.
• Try orgasming anally at the same moment your partner cums for something more intimate.
• With a toy in both openings, anal masturbation can deliver dual stimulation — if one's a vibrator, the sensation can travel through the thin vaginal wall to the other side.

Staying Safe While Learning Anal Masturbation

Safety matters a lot here — for solo anal masturbation and any partnered backdoor play alike. Keep these essentials in mind:

Plenty of anal numbing creams are on the market, but remember: pain or discomfort is your body telling you something's wrong. If inserting anything hurts, especially intensely, slow down and reach for more lube. Being properly relaxed, and maybe having an orgasm or two beforehand, can make a huge difference before trying anal toys.

Never use a toy anally that lacks anything to stop it being drawn further into the rectum — that's a trip to the ER nobody wants.

Toys that are safe for anal use will have a flared or flanged base. Dildos made for harnesses are perfect for this — straight, slim vibrators without a flare are not. An anal toy with a loop or handle at the end also helps you keep hold of it, even during more vigorous play.

Aneros specializes in anal toys built for men, though you might enjoy them too — their designs include handles on either side that stimulate the perineum while keeping the toy safely graspable.

Read: Is Anal Sex Safe? Here's What You Need To Know

Material matters just as much as shape when it comes to safety. Never insert a toy vaginally after anal use without sterilizing it first, since bacteria transfer can cause infection. Some materials can't be sterilized at all and should be reserved strictly for anal use — never shared between partners, if used at all. These include:

• Jelly
• Any "real" skin material that isn't silicone
• PVC
• Rubber
• TPR/TPE
• Silicone blends
• Latex

The microscopic pores in these materials trap bacteria that re-enters your body every time you use them again. Jelly-based toys also rely on chemical softeners that can leach out over time. Fortunately, plenty of body-safe materials exist for anal play, including silicone, glass, plastic, stainless steel, treated wood, and ceramic.

Even the fanciest luxury anal toy might just not be for you, and that's completely fine. Your GI tract, stress levels, and where you are in your menstrual cycle can all shift how enjoyable anal play feels from one day to the next. Still, you might find it becomes a pleasurable addition you like to bring into your masturbation routine now and then.

October 23, 2020