Is Using an Anal Sex Toy Dangerous? (Safe Anal Play Guide)

Editor's note: This article was updated in August 2026 for relevance and comprehensiveness.

Anal sex and anal play are becoming increasingly popular and accepted in society. More and more people are delving into the world of rear-ended pleasure, and we’re all for it!

But are anal toys? dangerous?

It all depends on how you use them because if you do it correctly, anal sex toys are safe and pleasurable to use.

But as with anything that’s a little outside the box, a lot of people might be met with fears and concerns around trying something new. If you’re looking to branch out and expand your sexual horizons, but the fear of what could go wrong is holding you back, then don’t stress! We’re here to put your mind at ease and help you start your journey to anal pleasure once and for all...

This article will cover how to ensure you're anal play is safe and pleasurable.

How to prepare for anal play with a sex toy

The key to anal sex of any kind, whether using fingers, toys or body parts, is using plenty of lubricant to avoid any potential pain or discomfort. The anus is not self-lubricating, which means anal play can be extremely uncomfortable and painful if there is no lube present.

Lubricant helps things slide in easier, providing a smooth formula to keep your most intimate bits safe at all times.

Using a specific anal lubricant from a reputable brand is essential. Lubes that are made specifically for anal sex typically have a slightly thicker formula, providing a little more cushioning to your behind.

If you’re using toys, always double check that the lube you’ve got is compatible with the toy’s material too!

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Start with a small anal toy

A common mistake that people make during anal play, is starting out with something much too big. You’ve got to work your way up slowly, or you could risk injury. Plus, working your way up slowly will help you find exactly what you like and what gets you going. The anus is much more sensitive than other body parts, and the tissue inside is very thin and delicate – meaning it can tear relatively easy. This is why a bit of practice is key!

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Anal training

Starting out with a beginner’s anal training kit will help to ease yourself into anal play. By purchasing a set, such as the Anal Fantasy Beginner’s Fantasy Kit you'll receive a few different sized anal toys to start out with. This set features toys that are designed for beginner’s, including anal beads, a beaded probe, finger sleeve, and anal plug. Plus, you’ll get a free 5-piece prep kit that includes everything you need like lube and toy cleaner.

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If anal plugs are your vibe, the Colours Pleasures Trainer Kit is perfect to move your way up in terms of size. With three plugs of varying sizes, this set allows you to start out small and eventually reach the larger sized plug. To learn more, check out our anal training guide for beginners.

Relax!

It can be very hard to engage in anal play if you are tense or stressed out, as this can cause the muscles to clench and make it hard to insert anything. Relaxing your anus can be a bit difficult to master and will take time and patience – practice makes perfect!

You can help yourself relax and get in the mood by making yourself comfortable and creating a safe environment. Light a candle, dim the lights, play some music – it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you can help yourself get relaxed and calm, it will help ease your mind and body a lot!

Warning signs that something isn't right during anal play

If you experience pain while using an anal sex toy, it's a sign that something isn't right. Anal play isn't meant to hurt!

It might be that your body isn't warmed up and relaxed enough, you might not be using adequate lubrication, or the toy you are using may be too big. Add more lubricant to see if that helps and if it doesn't remove the toy completely and either work on stretching and relaxing your sphincter muscles more or try a smaller toy.

It’s important to note that infections, bacteria and diseases, including STIs, can be transmitted through anal sex just as they can be through penetrative sex. It’s a good idea to use condoms if you’re participating in anal sex with a partner and aren’t sure of their sexual history. Better safe than sorry!

A lot of people are put off by anal sex due to the ‘mess’ that can happen as a result. Sometimes it’s totally unavoidable, so it’s a good idea to be prepared and place a towel down on your bed just in case. However, you can also look at purchasing a douche or enema for cleaning.

If you experience any pain or discomfort, or if anything feels out of place at any point, it’s best to stop immediately to prevent any damage.

Using anal sex toys doesn’t have to be dangerous – as long as you’re taking the correct precautions and listening to your body, you’ll be good to go!

What anal toys are best for beginners?

There are hundreds of anal toys out there, from anal beads to butt plugs and glass anal toys. Finding the perfect toy for you might take a bit of trial and error, but you can read our guide on the 7 best anal toys for beginners according to a sex educator to help get you started.

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Learn more about anal play

Keep expanding your knowledge about anal play with these articles written by our sexperts:

Want more?

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Adulttoymegastore has a huge range of sex toys including vibrators, dildos and cock rings for every occasion! With fast, 100% discreet shipping, and price guarantee, ATMS has everything you need to make good sex, great!

Editor’s note:

This article was originally published on 7 October 2019 and was updated in August 2026 for relevance and comprehensiveness. The information in this article has been fact checked and reviewed for accuracy by Adulttoymegastore’s team of content specialists and sexual wellness experts, including Sex Educator Emma Hewitt.

Content disclaimer:

Adulttoymegastore does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for illness. Any information published on this website, either by Adulttoymegastore or its authors, is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a medical professional.