What are Anal Beads? - Definition from Kinkly

Anal Beads

Updated: APRIL 5, 2022

Reviewed by Kinkly Staff

on April 5, 2022

Anal beads are a type of sex toy used in anal play. They consist of a series of beads or spheres attached together with a string or shaped together into silicone, plastic or other materials, like metal or glass. They are designed to provide sensation and stimulation upon insertion and removal.

Anal beads are inserted into the anus and then are pulled out either slowly or quickly, depending on the intended effect. The pleasure this toy provides comes from the beads passing through the sphincter muscles which are highly sensitive.

Anal beads are popular anal toys because they are relatively small and inexpensive, but they can pack a lot of pleasure when used correctly.

Because they tend to be relatively small in diameter, they are also appropriate for beginners to anal play.

Anal beads can enhance the pleasure of an orgasm if they are quickly pulled out at the time of climax. They can also be used during foreplay to increase arousal. Anal beads can be used alone or during partnered sex. Removing them right before or during orgasm can increase an orgasm's intensity.

More About Anal Beads

Example of anal beads.
Although many people see anal beads as similar to a butt plug, the sensation and experience they provide is quite different. While a plug is intended to be worn, either during foreplay and sex or even everyday activity, beads are designed to be removed.

And while plug users are often looking for a sense of fullness or stretch, anal beads provide more of a titillating, intermittent kind of sensation. Many bead strings come in graduated sizes, allowing the user to start with smaller beads and move to larger ones as they wish. Many beads also provide vibration increasing the range of sensations provided.

Anal beads come either on a soft, flexible (think silicone) string, or a hard one (like glass). Soft strings are a bit more forgiving but harder to insert.

It is best to use anal beads that are seamless and made out of material that can be easily cleaned and sterilized. Silicone is a top choice here because it's non-porous, body-safe and can be boiled or easily sanitized with soap and hot water.

Avoid anal beads with a fabric string, as it can't be sterilized between uses and it is more prone to breakage.

All anal toys should have a large base so that it can't be sucked up into the anus. High-quality anal beads tend to have a large loop at the end. This serves as a stopper to prevent loss of the toy, while also making the beads easy to remove.

As with any anal play, lubricant is also essential as the anus is not self-lubricating and anal tissue can be delicate. It's also important to thoroughly clean anal beads after each use, using soap and water or antibacterial toy cleaner. Silicone, glass and metal toys can also be sterilized in boiling water.

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