Key points
- Use plenty of lubricant; the anus does not lubricate itself
- Only use toys with a flared base or a retrieval loop
- Change condoms or gloves before moving from anal to vaginal or oral contact
- Douching is optional; if you do it, use small amounts of lukewarm water
- Pain or bleeding means stop
In detail
- Lubricant: water-based lube works with every toy; silicone lube lasts longer but can damage silicone toys. Avoid numbing lubes: pain is the signal that something is wrong
- Toys: the rectum can draw objects inward. Use only toys made for anal use, with a flared base or loop
- Hands: short, smooth nails and gloves (nitrile if anyone has a latex allergy) protect the lining and make cleanup simple
- Douching: a small bulb with plain lukewarm water is enough. Frequent or large-volume douching, soap or high-pressure shower hoses irritate the lining and may raise infection risk
- Cross-contamination: gut bacteria cause urinary tract and vaginal infections. Change the condom, glove or toy, or wash thoroughly, before switching
- STIs: HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis and HPV can be passed on anally. Ask for rectal swabs when tested; urine tests miss these infections
- Go slowly and start with smaller sizes. Relaxation achieves more than force
Warnings
- If an object is stuck, do not try to retrieve it with tools; go to an emergency department
- Heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain or fever after play need prompt medical care
- Never use household objects, glass not made for the body or anything that could break
- Alcohol and drugs mask pain and raise the risk of injury
Resources and next steps
- Sexual health clinics that offer rectal STI testing
- PrEP and PEP information from HIV organizations
- The toy cleaning and body-safe materials guides on this site
- A doctor you can talk to openly