In the sex toy family, the anal plug is a well-established toy. In the shape of a ball or cone, this intimate accessory is the most widespread when it comes to anal pleasure. It has also been adopted by a small part of the population in France: according to a big investigation ordered in 2017 by Dorcel from the IFOP, 4% of French women would in fact use it. While brands offering sex toys fill their shelves with gadgets of all kinds, it is sometimes difficult to find your way around, especially when you don’t know much about them. Angélique Braise, sexologist, guides us to choose the right anal plug and adopt the right actions to maintain it.
Anal plug: what shape and material to choose?
In stores, faced with the multitude of gadgets available for purchase, it is important to take into account a few criteria. Starting with the shape, which varies according to your desires. Firstly, there are ball or egg-shaped anal plugs, which are rather flexible. “They are generally smaller, offer gentler stimulation and allow you to discover sensations gently with progressive sizes”, indicates Angélique Braise. They can also be more rigid and thus wider.
Cone-shaped anal plugs are more rigid and come in different options or accessories, such as the vibrating function. “The most important thing is to choose the one you want”recommends our sexologist. “When in doubt, choose the ‘smallest’ option even if it means increasing it later”, she adds, while recalling the importance of lubricating the toy well before use.
The materials are also varied and generally oscillate between silicone, glass and metal. Each has its advantages or particularities. For example, metal or glass anal plugs offer partners the opportunity to play with hot and cold sensations by placing the sex toy under hot or cold water. These sex toys are compatible with all lubricants. As for silicone, it has the advantage of reproducing the softness of the skin. A sensation can be more reassuring for people trying anal pleasure for the first time.
Maintaining your anal plug: advice to follow
Maintaining a plug varies depending on its composition and does not involve the same precautions depending on each material. In the case of a silicone toy, which is a porous material and therefore requires specific cleaning, “choose special cleaners which are suitable for cleaning silicone and prolong the life of the toy”, recommends Angélique Braise. Furthermore, it is recommended to only use a water-based lubricant in this specific case, as other products could alter the quality of the sex toy. For glass or metal toys, you can clean them in lukewarm water with an intimate hygiene soap.
In any case, it is wise to keep your toy in a protective cover and clean it systematically. A first wash is also recommended before first use.
Following these tips, you should have in your hands an anal plug that suits you and whose maintenance you can control. During the first use, before even switching on the vibrator option or inserting the sex toy, it is important to remember the importance of using it correctly and for the right reasons. This experience must be lived for yourself and at your own pace, as well as respecting everyone’s consent. Stop any practice if it is painful and promote lubrication to feel real comfort. So, you should enjoy the moment.