If your high school sex-ed experience was anything like mine, it was just informative enough to render all the barely-pubescent kids utterly confused. Most topics were kept vague, and some were skipped over entirely. Well, you can consider this your guide to the best anal sex toys for beginners if you're looking to expand your horizons, but don't know where to begin. I got in touch with Anne Hodder, ACS., who's a multi-certified sex educator and relationship coach, and her insights on the matter are sure to help any beginner out.
First, a few ground rules: "The most important piece of advice for anyone looking to try a sex toy for anal fun (aside from use lube, lube, and more lube): 'without a base, without a trace,'" Hodder says. "If there is no flared base on the toy, meaning some kind of wide point at the end, that product can easily be pushed too far into the anus and get stuck in the rectum — with no way out without the help of the emergency room."
"Also, go sloooooooooooow. Slower than slow. Like with most things, don’t force a toy if it doesn’t seem to be moving smoothly — and the instant you feel pain, stop what you’re doing and take a minute to breathe and survey the scene." Hodder also recommends starting with an orgasm. "Muscles (and minds) will feel especially relaxed, which will make the insertion process that much more pleasurable."
Finally, Hodder recommends making sure that the material of your toys is solid and hygienic. "Look for platinum-cured silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, treated wood, certain stones, or even ceramic. Make sure to avoid any material that is porous, because bacteria in and around the anus can easily get trapped inside — and it’s nearly impossible to clean them out." Other than that, "there’s a nice array of body-safe hygienic anal toys that are shaped and sized perfectly for someone’s first time."
Hodder recommends beginners try one these eight easy to use anal sex toys.