Anal Masturbation 101: Tips for a Safe & Comfy Backdoor Play

Anal masturbation might not be as commonly talked about, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be just as enjoyable as playing with the penis or vagina! It may take a little more prep and patience since the area isn’t as naturally sensitive, but don’t worry, as this guide is here to walk you through the basics.

What is Anal Masturbation?

Anal masturbation is a sexual activity where you stimulate your anus using your hands or a sex toy. And no, penetration isn’t required! Simply playing around the anal opening, exploring with gentle pressure or shallow dips, can still count as anal masturbation. As long as the stimulation brings you pleasure, it’s valid.

While the anus doesn’t have as many nerve endings as the clitoris or glans penis, it can still be a source of enjoyable sensations. For people with vaginas, anal play can indirectly stimulate the A-spot (anterior fornix), an erogenous zone located between the cervix and bladder. This spot is highly sensitive, and for some, indirect anal stimulation can bring intense pleasure.

For people with penises, anal stimulation can target the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ often nicknamed the “Male G-spot.” It plays a key role in ejaculation and semen production, and when stimulated properly, it can lead to incredibly powerful orgasms, even resulting in prostate-induced ejaculation or “prostate milking.”

Types of Anal Masturbation

There are two ways to play with your anus:

1Fingering or Manual Stimulation

As the name suggests, this type of anal play involves using your fingers. It’s a great option for beginners, as fingers are easy to control, smaller in size, and help you get comfortable with the sensations before moving on to more love toys.

The main downside? Your fingers can get tired, especially if you’re aiming for a longer session or trying techniques like edging; this involves bringing yourself close to orgasm, stopping just before climax, and then repeating the cycle.

2Toy Play

Once you’re more comfortable exploring your backdoor with your fingers, you can move on to toy play. This involves using anal sex toys, like anal beads, butt plugs, anal dildos, probes, and prostate massagers (more details on each toy in the final section of this guide).

One of the great things about anal toys is that many are designed to target specific pleasure zones and come in various sizes and settings to suit your comfort level. That said, some toys might feel a bit intimidating at first. That’s why starting with finger play for your first few sessions is often the best way to ease in gently and get to know what feels good for you.

Tips

We get it—anal masturbation can feel a little intimidating at first. But take it slow, prep properly, and you’ll find that it can be a safe, satisfying, and even super fun experience. So, let’s ease into it with a few helpful tips to get you started:

1Make sure your hands, space, and bum are prepped and ready.

A little prep goes a long way. Wash your hands thoroughly, and make sure your nails are clean, trimmed, and filed to avoid any scratches. For your bum, cleansing the area with warm water and mild soap is a must.

While anal douching isn’t a must for everyone, some folks like using one to feel extra fresh and help avoid any potential mess. You can also try masturbating in the shower. It’s a convenient way to keep things clean. If there’s a bit of poop residue, the water’s right there for a quick rinse. Just keep in mind that shower spaces can be a bit cramped, so make sure to check if the space is completely safe before doing it in your bathroom.

Next, prep your space. Lay down a towel on your bed or wherever you’ll be playing, and keep your essentials, like water-based lube and any toys, within arm’s reach. Also, be sure to set aside some private, uninterrupted time so you can truly relax and ease into the deed without any pressure.

2Lube it up!

Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t produce its own lubrication. So, using lube isn’t just helpful, it’s vital! Skipping lube can lead to discomfort, pain, and even microtears in the delicate anal tissue. So before anything goes inside your peach, make sure it’s well-lubed.

If you’re using your fingers, both silicone-based and water-based lubricants are great options. Silicone lube has a thicker, longer-lasting texture, so you won’t need to reapply as often. However, if you’re planning to use sex toys, stick with water-based lube—silicone-based formulas can break down the surface of silicone toys over time, which isn’t ideal for your body or your toys.

3Setting the mood matters.

The anus naturally tightens up when you’re not relaxed, which can make insertion tricky, even with lube. That’s why setting the mood is so important. Take time to ease your body and mind into a more sensual state. You can watch a steamy movie, read some spicy fanfic over AO3, or enjoy a slow body massage, paying attention to your pleasure zones.

Another great way to get in the mood? Start by pleasuring yourself the way you usually do, whether that’s through clitoral, vaginal, or penile stimulation. Once you’re fully aroused, it’ll be much easier (and way more enjoyable) to shift into anal play. Take all the time you need for this part.

4Choose a comfy position.

Getting into a comfortable position can make a huge difference in the experience. The key is to find a pose that gives you easy access to your anus and lets you feel at ease.

You can try the missionary position by lying on your back with your knees bent and lifted; this exposes your anal opening and gives you control. Doggy style is another popular option: get on all fours, rest your head on the bed, and keep your booty up in the air. If you prefer something more laid-back, spooning works well too! Just lie on your side and curl your legs slightly toward your chest, kind of like a half-moon or fetal position.

If you’re playing with a suction cup anal dildo, you might enjoy more dynamic positions like queening or cowgirl. Stick the toy onto a smooth surface, squat over it, and slowly lower yourself onto the lubed-up shaft.

5Start slow and listen to your body.

We know we’ve said this a few times already—but it really can’t be stressed enough: take things slow and steady when exploring anal play. The area is sensitive, and rushing through it can quickly turn the deed into a painful one.

Always listen to your body. If anything feels off or starts to hurt more than it should, it’s totally okay to pause or even stop altogether. There’s no pressure to push through! You can always try again another time. And if this kind of play isn’t your thing, it’s okay, too.

Sex Toys for Anal Masturbation

When it comes to love toys, there’s no shortage of options made specifically for anal play. These toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they generally fall into four main categories.

1Butt Plug

Butt plugs are often shaped like a spade and are designed to be gently inserted into the anus and stay in place. People use them to get that “full” feeling or for targeted stimulation, especially with vibrating butt plugs. It’s also sometimes used by people who haven’t had anal sex yet to train their butts for the insertion.

A standard butt plug is made up of three parts:

• Bulb – This is the part that goes inside your bum. Classic bulbs are slim and spade-shaped, perfect for beginners. But there are also uniquely designed plugs with bulbs that curve, ripple, or expand—those are best saved for when you’re more experienced.
• Neck – Also known as the notch, this narrow section lies between the bulb and the base. It helps the toy stay in place once it’s inserted.
• Flared Base – This is a must-have feature for any anal toy. The base prevents the plug from slipping too far inside your rectum, ensuring safe and stress-free play.

To use this toy, always start with a generous amount of water-based lubricant. Gently insert the plug into your anus. Once it’s in, what you do next depends on your toy and your pleasure style. You can keep it in and focus on stimulating other erogenous zones, gently thrust it in and out, or, if you’re using a vibrating or rotating plug, just pick your preferred setting and let it work its magic.

2Anal Beads

Another popular pick is anal beads. These toys have a distinct design: a string or flexible rod lined with several beads that gradually increase in size. They’re usually made of body-safe silicone, glass, stainless steel, or ABS plastic.

Unlike butt plugs, anal beads are all about movement. Instead of staying inside, they’re meant to be inserted and then slowly pulled out to stimulate the sensitive nerve endings around your anal opening.

To use them, start by lubing each bead generously. Gently insert the smallest bead first, and go at your own pace as you work your way in deeper. Once inserted to your liking, you can move the beads in and out slowly or save the pull-out for the moment you’re about to climax.

3Anal Dildo

Once you’re comfortable using beginner-friendly anal toys, you can now explore anal dildos. These are similar to regular dildos in terms of their phallic shape, but they’re specially designed for backdoor play.

Most anal dildos feature a slimmer shaft for easier insertion and a flared base for safety, so they stay securely in place during use. Whether you prefer something smooth and realistic or enjoy textured designs, there’s a wide variety out there to suit your preferences as you level up your anal play.

To use an anal dildo, start by applying a generous amount of water-based lubricant on the shaft to ensure a smooth glide. Gently insert the toy into your anus, taking your time and moving it slowly back and forth to build up the sensation. If your dildo comes with a suction cup base, you can stick it onto a flat, tiled surface, like your bathroom wall or floor, and ride it hands-free. Opt for positions like cowgirl or doggy style, depending on where the toy is placed.

4Prostate Massager

For people with penises, a prostate massager is definitely worth trying! It works similarly to a butt plug but is specially designed to stimulate the prostate gland. Most models feature a slim, curved, and segmented body that targets this sensitive area more precisely.

To use it, gently insert the shaft into your anus and adjust until the tip is pressing against your prostate. Once it feels right, turn on the vibrations and enjoy!

Takeaway

Anal masturbation isn’t just great prep for anal sex—it’s also a fun way to explore new sensations and discover what feels good for you. While it may seem intimidating at first, it can actually be a gentle and enjoyable experience when done right. The key is to prepare properly, listen to your body, and take things slow.