Sex toys can make your sex life better, allowing you to experience different or more intense types of orgasm and helping to close the orgasm-gap. Sex toys are healthy intensifying intimacy and communication between couples, and solo self-exploration and sexual discovery, whatever your gender, sexuality or experience-level. They can help treat Vaginismus or erectile dysfunction.

Yes, as long as they are made from body-safe material, in a body-safe design. Always use sex toys safely with common sense; follow the instructions and use only for their intended purpose (ie. never use a non anal-safe toy, anally). Thorough cleaning and careful storing of sex toys is important, as is being extra careful around sharing sex toys ( always use condoms) is the most important safety advice, as toys can transmit STI's.

Q&A: How to Assfinger with Long Nails?

Dear Sh!
Whilst making love, my lover likes me to slip a finger in their ass but my nails are long and I'm worried I'll hurt them - Have you got any advice or tips on how to assfinger my partner, without doing any harm? Thanks!

Dear Tammy,

Excellent question! It's great that you're thinking about this rather than simply delving in, as ass-fingering with talons is tricky.

The anus is very delicate and easily torn, so all nails (long or short) should be well-groomed and smooth before going anywhere near a tush.

The anus is protected only by a thin skin. It's easily scratched, so ass-fingering should be done with latex-covered fingers. We recommend using latex (gloves and condoms) in all anal play as it adds a silky smooth touch and keeps butts safe.

A good tip is to squish cotton wool balls under long nails before slipping on a glove. The cotton wool takes the edge off your talons and protects the glove from potentially tearing.

This will protect your lover's ass but there are more reasons to rubber-up for ass-finger play.

Reasons to wear latex gloves for ass-fingering

Anal pleasure is a long leisurely journey and ensuring everything stays nicely lubricated for the full duration is key to ensuring it's all pleasure and no pain.

It's easier to apply anal lube when you are wearing a latex glove, plus the lube doesn't absorb as quickly when you wear gloves for ass-fingering.

Glove-clad fingers feel sleeker, so you'll be more in tune with what's going on.
Latex gloves help to take care of any cleanliness issues - both for your fingers and their anus.
The sight and sound of you snapping on a latex glove will make your lover tingle with excitement and anticipation!

Which are the best anal toys if you'd like to take exploration further than ass-fingering?

Sometimes it's hard to reach around and give your lover the anal pleasuring they desire with just your fingers. If you need extra reach or want to try something other than fingers, look at our range of anal vibrators, butt plugs and anal dildos.

We hope this helps!

Best Wishes,

Team Sh! xx