Anal Masturbation: Tips, Positions and Toys for Solo Anal Pleasure
Anal Masturbation Guide: Tips, Positions and Toys for Solo Anal Pleasure
The booty is an underrated source of pleasure for all anatomies, and it’s even more valuable to explore it on a solo journey before (or alongside) partnered anal play. We’re here to help you figure things out with all the anal advice you need.
There’s no one script for anal pleasure
Some people might assume that anal play can only occur with a partner, but anal masturbation is one of the most exciting forms of solo play out there. And there’s no one definition for it – masturbating anally can mean massaging the outside, using your fingers, wearing a butt plug, and exploring beads or a dildo designed for anal play.
While some people prefer the feeling of fullness and pressure, others prefer external stimulation only, which an anal vibrator can provide. While the tips in this guide can help you have an anal orgasm solo, that’s not necessarily the goal. Focusing on sensation and staying curious is the best way to discover likes and dislikes.
What is anal masturbation?
Anal masturbation can have a wide range of definitions, including massaging the outside of the anus, using a finger for gentle internal stimulation, wearing a butt plug or anal beads, or exploring with an anal-safe dildo. It’s worth noting that it can fully consist of outercourse – because of all the sensitive nerve endings around the outer anal area (which we’ll cover below) external touch can be perfectly satisfying on its own.
Why does anal play feel so good?
The anus and its surrounding areas are packed with pleasure-inducing nerve endings, so external touch alone can be a major source of pleasure for all bodies. For people with prostates, internal stimulation of what’s known as the “male g-spot” or the prostate can be enjoyable. For people with vulvas, anal play can complement external clitoral touch or another form of pleasure. Plus, there’s the perk of an anal orgasm, if you’re lucky enough to experience it! Many describe it as a deep pressure with full-body waves and warmth taking over the body.
Is it possible to have an anal orgasm?
With the help of sex toys, it’s common to orgasm from anal. That said, an anal orgasm isn’t a guarantee or a benchmark of how much pleasure you’re experiencing. It may happen from external touch, internal touch, or a combination of anal play with other erogenous zone stimulation, such as nipple, penis, or vulva play. Sometimes focusing too much on this quest can stop it from happening, so just sit back, relax, and focus on being present with the sensations you’re enjoying.
Prepping for anal solo play
Preparation for anal play shouldn’t feel like a scary checklist that you’re overwhelmed by. Find a time when you’re relaxed and unrushed, without interruptions. If exploring penetration, you may want to consider having a bowel movement beforehand for added comfort, and perhaps prefacing playtime with a warm shower and some deep breathing, paired with a relaxing playlist. Don’t forget to have nails trimmed and hands washed.
Try an anal massage with lube
Apply a few dabs of lubricant to the outside of the area and luxuriate in a few minutes of external massage to relax the area and reduce tension. If you’re planning on penetration with either fingers or a toy, be sure to have a bottle of lube on hand (water-based lube for use with silicone toys) since this part of the body doesn’t naturally lubricate.
Don’t skip the good bits, aka anal foreplay
Two words: slow down! Anal foreplay isn’t a quick hurdle to jump over before you get to the main event. In many cases, it is the main event. Begin with the outside of an anus using a well-lubricated fingertip (you can also use a finger condom) and play around with what feels best, whether that’s lightly traced circles, tapping, gentle pressure, or simply holding your hand there while stimulating another part of the body.
External anal touch often feels best when you’re already aroused. Consider pairing with a nipple arousal gel and touching either the penis or vulva in a way that turns you on. Breathing is also helpful. Exhaling slowly allows the pelvic floor to soften and can reduce clenching. If you do experience clenching, don’t force things – listen to your body. Take a moment to pause and add more lube, go back to external touch, or stop altogether.
How to anally masturbate with your finger
The best first step to internal anal masturbation is to use a finger. It can feel more familiar and approachable than a toy, plus it gives you more control over the depth and pressure. Begin with clean hands, short nails, and lots of lube on hand. Start with an anal massage, and when ready, apply gentle and steady pressure with a finger rather than rushing in. Allow the muscles to fully relax around your finger.
Start with slow and shallow movements, making small circles or exploring other angles. If you have a prostate, gently curl the finger towards the front wall of the rectum. If you feel any sharp or painful sensations, stop immediately – while anal masturbation can introduce a feeling of pressure and new sensations, it shouldn’t hurt.
The best anal sex toys for masturbation
The best anal sex toys aren’t always the biggest or fanciest, feature-rich toys. They are ones that feel comfortable and have a flared base or secure ways to retrieve them.
This is the main non-negotiable when shopping for butt plugs, prostate toys, and anal beads: anything being inserted into the anus needs a base that stays outside the body in order to avoid a trip to A&E! Not sure how to use anal sex toys for masturbation? In that case, read on.
Small butt plugs
This is one of the most popular beginner-friendly options, letting you explore that feeling of fullness without requiring much movement. When shopping for a plug, you’ll want to look for options like the below with a tapered tip and a wide, flared base. Many of them are available in graduated sizes, letting you progress with time.
A silicone anal plug is often better for beginners than metal butt plugs. However, if you want to experiment with a more weighted feel or temperature play, with some time and experience, you can graduate your anal masturbation routine to include metal or glass butt plugs.
You may want to combine wearing a small plug while you indulge in other kinds of solo touch, such as using a vibrator, a stroker, or your hands.
Vibrating anal plugs and prostate plugs
A vibrating butt plug brings a little extra “oomph” to your pleasure routine without adding anything too complex into the mix. They’re ideal for people who enjoy a hands-free sensation or the feeling of vibration, which can also travel to the perineum.
Vibrating plugs can be used for external anal play, making them perfect for those who want to prioritise outercourse. Remember to start on a low setting and slowly work your way up.
Anal beads
Rather than a single, larger plug, anal beads include a series of graduated beads which are attached to a flexible loop or strand. If you like the idea of gradually working your way up in size and starting very small rather than using a fixed size, this is a better choice than a plug.
Anal safe dildos and thrusters
An anal dildo should have a flared base and an appropriate girth that matches your experience level. A thruster does the work for you, but may feel intense if you’re just starting out. A curved dildo might be appealing to people with penises who want to stimulate their prostate. Many anal dildos and thrusters also have a hybrid plug design with a ring that lets you easily pull it out.
Loving Joy Curved 5" Silicone Dildo with Suction Cup
Best positions for Anal masturbation
The logistics of anal solo play can be a little trickier than your standard vulva or penis play – ultimately, you’ll want a position that allows you to feel relaxed and in control while being able to reach the areas that feel good. Here are some of the best anal orgasm positions to get you there comfortably.
On your back with knees bent
This combines easy access and control. Lie back on the bed with your knees up and your feet firmly planted on the bed. Placing a pillow beneath your hips can make reaching easier. This position works well with fingering or a small butt plug, and also gives you access to other erogenous zones like the clitoris or penis.
On your side with a leg lifted
Lying on your side is one of the lowest-effort and comfiest anal masturbation positions. Lie on your side, lifting your top leg slightly, adding a pillow between your knees for more comfort. This position can help make you feel more relaxed and less exposed.
Face down with a pillow under your hips
If you have a vulva and enjoy grinding, you might already be familiar with this one. This position can also leave your hands free for other kinds of stimulation, and if you do want to bring grinding in, you can place a vibrator underneath your body (or put an open-ended stroker on) and grind on it.
Seated or riding a toy
This is one of the best anal dildo positions and the best anal penetration method for people who have already experimented with plugs and beads and are ready to graduate to something a little larger. Safely secure the suction cup end on a stable surface of your choice and slowly lower yourself down, keeping your hands free to steady yourself.
How to make anal masturbation feel better
Things might feel a bit awkward at first, and that’s completely normal. Just because it doesn’t start off with smooth sailing doesn’t mean that anal masturbation isn’t for you – it might simply mean that your body is craving a different kind of position, pace, or stimulation.
Get turned on first
Foreplay is a must – especially if you’re planning on penetration down the line. Anal play (and most sexual activity) feels better when you’re already aroused.
Start externally
Even if you plan to use a toy later, always start with massage and external play.
Change factors one at a time
Don’t try to experiment with too much at once. Change one thing at a time. You might start with a new position, then the next session try a new pressure, depth, or angle.
Keep your sessions short
You might be so curious that you want to try everything at once or explore an extended session, but if you’re just starting out, start with shorter sessions so your body isn’t pushed past its limit.
Reapply lube
Whenever there’s friction, or you feel the lube running low, add more. Silicone-based lube might last longer, but it’s not always compatible with silicone toys, so keep a plush, anal-specific water-based formula on hand.
Anal masturbation safety tips
The three commandments of anal play are to always use plenty of compatible lube, start small and go slow, and only use anal sex toys with a flared base. Listen to your body and its cues to pause rather than forcing penetration, and always clean hands and toys before and after playtime.
Don’t go DIY
While it can feel tempting to use household ingredients or an item like a cucumber or banana for your anal masturbation session, it’s important to remember that these items weren’t designed for anal use, and because they don’t have a flared base, they shouldn’t go up there!
Explore anal pleasure on your own terms
Anal masturbation isn’t about ticking off an item on your sexual bucket list or showing off how adventurous you are. Part of what’s so beautiful about solo anal play is that you get to set the terms, discovering what feels good at your own pace, whether that’s one of our silicone anal plugs, a set of beads, or simply a lubricated fingertip. So take your time, and don’t underestimate the power of a little external touch!
