Can I use a dildo anally?

by Sophie McGrath June 15, 2021

When searching the word 'butt plug' or 'anal toy' online, there is an abundance of designs to choose from - so much so that it can definitely feel a tad overwhelming. Where do you even start? How many bumps do I want? Or how much girth? What if that is too much girth? Choosing the right anal toy can be a real challenge, especially when shopping online. But what if you have another sex toy that you could try? Could the dildo you already own be a possible option?

A tube of organic lubricant, a 6 inch curved ceramic dildo and a matching massage candle in a blue speckle pattern stand in a row on a wooden table. An aloe vera plant in a white pot is visible in the background to the right.

When you typically think of an anal toy, butt plugs or anal beads are often the first options to come to mind. With good reason of course; the names literally have references to the anus! These types of products are definitely great options for anal toys, after all, they are designed for anal play in particular. But not everyone wants to invest in an anal toy if they aren't sure if they will like the sensation.

For many people, anal play can feel a bit daunting at first. If you have never experienced any type of anal play or penetration, the idea of a functional part of the body like the anus suddenly producing pleasurable sensations can seem strange at first. Many only see their butt as an 'exit only' lane, but this is definitely not the case for everyone!

Before diving into purchasing a specific anal toy, there are a few things you can try to test the waters. Utilizing a lubricant is crucial if you want this to feel good - especially a lubricant that is long-lasting and designed for anal play, such as an oil-based or silicone lubricant.

The next thing to try is the use of a finger to stimulation in or around the anus. For some, a finger may be too far outside of their comfort zone. Even if the size of the finger isn't an issue, many struggle with the idea of using a finger anally. Which is when an anal toy may be a good thing to try.

Before you rush off to buy an anal toy, you could consider trying another sex toy in your collection for anal play. Depending on the toys you have available, a dildo is a great option to try anally. Typically streamlined in design, dildos can be great for dipping your toes into anal play - as long as you don't go too big too soon!

Two tubes of Bonk organic lubricant stand either side of a 4 inch classic ceramic dildo in a dark green to light blue gradient pattern. The items stand at the end of a wooden shelf on a white wall, with circular mirrors inserted into the shelf. A pot plant stands at the other end of the shelf.

But not every dildo is created equally. Some dildos are made from porous materials, which should definitely not be used anally as these are impossible to properly sterilize after anal play. Ceramic is ideal for anal play as the material is non-porous and won't soak up any lubricant during play. If your dildo doesn't have a flared base, it is also not compatible for anal play as a flared base is a must have for safe anal play.
If you do decide to purchase a sex toy to try anal play, and you aren't too sure whether you may like the sensations or not, we definitely recommend purchasing a dildo with a flared base. The main reason being that a dildo can be repurposed more easily than a butt plug or anal beads. If you find that anal play just doesn't do it for you, then you now have a dildo that you could use in other ways!

This is a contributing factor as why all of our Clean Satisfaction dildos have a flared base. Not only does this mean that our dildos are harness compatible, and are easier to use if you have trouble with your dexterity, it also means that our dildos are multi-purpose. Thus allowing those who want to try anal play, the option to do so safely.

If you haven't tried anal play yet, we highly suggest pushing that button and getting started!