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: Best Toy for Anal Sex: Butt Plug or Dildo?

Dear Sh! Please could you give me some advice on which is best toy for anal sex - a butt plug or a dildo? I'm kind of new to all this and would appreciate some advice. Thanks in advance!

Hi there, thanks for getting in touch!

Choosing the right sex toy for anal play depends mainly on the kind of pleasure you want to experience.

We recommend starting your anal exploration with a finger and a bottle of anal lube. (You may have mastered this already, but bear with us!) Lube is crucial for sensual and pain-free anal play, as the ass doesn't make enough moisture on its own. Once you feel comfortable inserting a lubed-up finger, it's time to focus on sensations.

Do you like the feeling of fullness when you hold your finger still? Or do you prefer the sensation of your finger sliding in and out? This is the first indication of which toy will work best for you.

Butt Plugs - Best For A Feeling Of Fullness

If you prefer a feeling of fullness, a butt plug is a great anal sex toy for you. After the initial insertion, a butt plug isn't designed for much movement beyond a slight wiggle or tilt. The narrow neck at a butt plug's base ensures the plug stays in place - your sphincter will naturally close around the narrowest part.

There are no rules on how to play with sex toys, and you can certainly move the plug in and out if you want - but it may feel jarring once the butt has tensed around the narrow "neck" of the butt plug.

A butt plug is good for getting a 'feel' of what it's like to have something up your bum, which can be very arousing in itself.

Anal Dildos - Best For In & Out Strokes

If you love the feeling of stroking in and out, a dildo is the best option. Anal dildos lack the narrowing of the neck, so they can be slid in and out without a jarring "stopper."

Again, there are no hard and fast rules; you can glide a dildo inside and hold it there. But, unlike a butt plug, you can't let go. The anus' natural instinct is to expel - so the dildo will slide out unless you hold it in place.

Our handmade dildos start from one-finger size: Wirly 1 Slim Dildo. This one is great for handheld anal play. If you plan to strap on a dildo for anal sex with your lover, a longer dildo such as Wirly 2 Slim Dildo or Wirly 3 Slim Dildo is better.

Wirly dildos popular anal dildos. They're slim enough for anal sex and feature gently ribbed shafts for extra stimulation. The extra length of sizes 2 and 3 allows for proper strokes without the dildo slipping out - which can be frustrating!