Your Top 10 Questions About Anal Play - Answered!

We could cite surveys. We could point to prominent stories in major publications. We could talk porn. Heck, we could even show you the search data for our website. But chances are that you already know that when it comes to making a sex bucket list, for many people, anal is where it’s at. And why not? The anus is packed with pleasure-sensitive nerve endings, and its proximity to the G-spot and prostate make it a novel - and often orgasmic - way for people to explore their bodies. Plus, much of the taboo that surrounded this - and just about any other sexual practice that doesn't involve putting a penis into a vagina - is falling away, making this feel like a much more legitimate option for the sexually curious.

But if you haven’t tried anal - or even if you have - you probably have a few questions. So, we reached out to Alicia Sinclair, a sex educator and the founder and managing director of b-Vibe, a sex toy manufacturer that specializes in anal play products, to get some answers.

So … What Exactly Does Anal Play Involve?

If your partner’s requesting “anal,” you might be wondering exactly what that involves. The answer is…it depends. And while you definitely need to discuss what that’ll mean with your partner, just know that there are plenty of options.

“Anal play can be everything from simple anal massage, to wearing a butt plug, to penetrative anal sex. There’s also pegging and prostate play,” Alicia says.

In other words, there’s a lot more you can do before (or besides) anal sex. That's good news for shy newbies who want to test the waters.

What Does It Feel Like to Put Something up Your Butt?

This is one of the most common questions we see on the site. The answer is exactly what draws people to anal play: it's a brand-new experience.

“It definitely feels different than putting something in your vagina, especially if it’s your first time” Alicia says. “The feeling has been described as tight, explosive, intimate and a totally new way to experience erotic pleasure.”

Is There Such a Thing as Anal Orgasm?

Yup. Anal orgasm is a real thing.

“If you have a vagina, internal anal play may stimulate the anterior fornix zone (also known as the A-spot). Those who have experienced this say it is similar to G-spot orgasm, while others say it’s even more intense. If you have a penis, the stimulation of the P-spot is said to be extremely intense and produces an amazingly strong, full-body orgasm,” Alicia says.

I’ve Heard Anal Can Hurt. What Can I Do to Make Sure It Doesn’t?

Alicia describes the anal sphincter as “strong yet delicate.” That means that coaxing it out to play takes time. The key is to start slow. But, hey, that’s true in a lot of cases, especially when you’re experimenting with something new!

“Start gently, with a finger or beginner-sized anal product and gradually work toward increasingly larger items as your comfort and pleasure allow. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the easier insertion will become,” Alicia says.

Oh - and don’t forget the lube! The anus is not self-lubricating like the vagina, so it is absolutely essential to use plenty of lube and reapply it frequently to keep things comfortable.

“Take your time, it’s not a race!” Alicia says. “The key to avoiding pain is to go slow and keep things slippery.” (You can also head over to b-Vibe and check out their article on Foreplay and Anal Massage.)

I Don’t Think I’m Ready for Anal Sex… What’s a Good Way to Start With Anal Play?

That’s totally OK! If the idea piques your interest, there are lots of fun ways to experience anal pleasure.