News, updates, and curated collections from the MythToy HQ.
The Inner Circle
Unlock 15% Off
Join our newsletter for expert intimacy tips, discreet guides, and exclusive member-only offers.
If you have ever typed "what is a butt plug" or "how to use a butt plug" into Google, you are not alone. Over 27,000 people search for information about butt plugs every month — and most of the advice online is vague, misleading, or written by people who have clearly never used one.
This guide is different. We are MythToy, and we design and manufacture these products at the factory level. We see the silicone before it is molded, the motors before they are sealed, and the QC reports before anything ships. So when we explain what a butt plug does and how to use one safely, it comes from engineering reality — not marketing copy.
Here is everything you need to know about butt plugs in 2026: what they are, what they feel like, how to insert one, how long you can wear it, and which one to buy as a beginner.
What Is a Butt Plug?
A butt plug is a sex toy designed for anal insertion. Unlike a dildo — which is typically used for thrusting — a butt plug is meant to be inserted and left in place. The body of the plug creates a sensation of fullness, while the narrow neck allows the anal sphincter to close around it, keeping the plug secure.
Every safe butt plug has three parts:
The Tip: Tapered for smooth insertion. Rounded, never sharp.
The Neck: A narrow section that sits between the internal and external sphincters. This is how the plug stays in place.
The Base: A flared, wider base that sits outside the body. This is the most important safety feature. A plug without a flared base can get pulled inside — and that is an ER visit. Every MythToy plug, including The Gem, has a T-bar safety base.
Factory note: We reject any plug design where the base is narrower than the widest part of the insertable body. This is a non-negotiable safety requirement on our production line. If you are shopping elsewhere, check this before you buy.
What Does a Butt Plug Do?
A butt plug creates a sensation of fullness and pressure in the anal canal. For people with prostates, the plug presses against the prostate gland (often called the P-spot), which can produce intense, full-body orgasms. For people with vulvas, the plug presses against the back wall of the vagina — indirectly stimulating the G-spot and creating a tighter sensation during vaginal penetration.
The plug does not "do" anything on its own — it is not a motor. It is a passive tool. The sensation comes from the body's response to being filled, combined with whatever else is happening (solo play, partnered sex, or simply wearing it during daily activities).
Some plugs, like The Gem, add vibration and remote control — 10 vibration modes you or a partner can cycle through wirelessly. This adds active stimulation on top of the passive fullness, changing the experience completely.
What Does a Butt Plug Feel Like?
The honest answer: it depends on the material, the size, and you.
Metal plugs (like The Gem): Cold at first, warming to body temperature within seconds. Heavy. Smooth. You feel the weight — it is a grounding, present sensation. Ideal for temperature play: run it under warm water before use, or chill it for a few minutes for a thrilling contrast.
Silicone plugs: Soft, velvety, and forgiving. Warms instantly to body temperature. Better for beginners who want comfort over intensity.
Glass plugs: Ultra-smooth, frictionless, and visually stunning. Also temperature-play compatible. Heavier than silicone but lighter than metal.
The initial insertion feels like gentle pressure, not pain. Go slowly, use plenty of lube, and stop if anything hurts. Once the plug is in place and the sphincter closes around the neck, the sensation shifts from "something is entering" to "something is comfortably there." Many people describe it as a deep sense of fullness — not sharp or uncomfortable, just present.
How to Insert a Butt Plug: Step-by-Step
Lube first. Always. The anus does not self-lubricate. Use a thick water-based lubricant — silicone lube can damage silicone toys. Apply generously to both the plug and yourself.
Relax. Tensing up makes insertion harder and more uncomfortable. Take a few deep breaths. Push out slightly — as if you are having a bowel movement — this actually relaxes the sphincter and opens the way.
Go slow. Position the tapered tip against the opening. Do not force it. Let your body accept the plug at its own pace. Gentle, steady pressure — never a hard push.
Stop at the neck. Insert until the narrow neck sits between the sphincters and the flared base rests against the outside of the body. The plug should feel secure. If it feels like it might slip out, push it slightly deeper until the neck locks into place.
Adjust. Once in, you may need a moment to get used to the sensation. Adjust your position — lying on your side often works best for first-timers. Breathe. Let your body acclimate.
Pain is a stop sign. A small amount of pressure is normal. Sharp pain, burning, or tearing sensations are not. If it hurts, stop, add more lube, and try again later. Your body is not broken — it just needs time to learn.
How Long Can You Wear a Butt Plug?
For a beginner session, 15–30 minutes is a good target. Your body needs time to adjust to the sensation, and the anal tissue is sensitive. There is no prize for endurance.
Experienced users sometimes wear plugs for 1–3 hours — but this requires practice, high-quality body-safe materials, and awareness of your body's signals. Never wear a plug overnight. Never ignore discomfort.
Safety rules for extended wear:
Remove immediately if you feel numbness, sharp pain, or unusual pressure
Reapply lube every 30–45 minutes during long sessions — the anal canal absorbs moisture
Use only non-porous materials (medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, or borosilicate glass) — porous materials like TPE/TPR trap bacteria and cannot be fully sterilized
Never use a numbing cream or desensitizing spray — pain is your body's warning system; silencing it is dangerous
Which Butt Plug Should a Beginner Buy?
Start with a plug that is small, body-safe, and has a flared base. Here is what to look for:
Diameter: 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less for your first plug. Do not be tempted by something larger — you can always size up later.
Material: Medical-grade silicone (soft, warm, forgiving) or stainless steel (smooth, weighted, temperature-play ready). Avoid jelly, rubber, PVC, and TPE/TPR — they are porous and cannot be properly sterilized.
Base: Must be flared. T-bar bases are more comfortable than round bases for extended wear.
The Gem is made from body-safe, nickel-free metal — non-porous, hypoallergenic, and compatible with any lubricant. The smooth, tapered tip is shaped for comfortable insertion. The T-bar safety base keeps everything secure. And the wireless remote adds 10 vibration modes — from gentle pulse to powerful throb — so you (or a partner) can experiment without breaking the moment.
For those who prefer the softer feel of silicone, browse our full butt plug collection to find the right fit.
How to Clean a Butt Plug
After every use — no exceptions:
Metal plugs: Wash with warm water and mild antibacterial soap. Rinse thoroughly. For sterilization, boil for 5–10 minutes or wipe with isopropyl alcohol.
Silicone plugs: Wash with warm water and mild soap. Boil for 5–10 minutes for full sterilization (non-motorized only). USB-rechargeable plugs with electronics — wash the silicone body with soap and water; do not submerge the charging port area.
Drying: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth or air dry completely before storing.
Storage: Keep in a breathable fabric pouch, away from other silicone toys (silicone-on-silicone contact can cause material degradation over time).
No — when used correctly, with enough lube and a beginner-appropriate size, a butt plug should not hurt. You may feel mild pressure or a stretching sensation during insertion, but sharp pain means stop immediately. The body needs time to learn to relax — do not rush it.
Can a butt plug get stuck?
This is why the flared base is essential. A properly designed plug cannot get "lost" inside because the base is wider than the body of the plug — it physically cannot pass through the sphincter. Never use a toy without a flared base for anal play.
Do I need special lube for anal play?
Yes. Use a thick, water-based lubricant — it stays in place longer than thin formulas. Avoid silicone lube with silicone toys (it bonds to the surface and ruins the material). Avoid numbing lubes — you need to feel what is happening. Our full lube guide covers the details.
Can I wear a butt plug during sex?
Yes — this is one of the most popular ways to use one. The plug creates a sensation of extra fullness during vaginal penetration, and for people with prostates, it adds direct stimulation. A vibrating plug like The Gem takes this further — the remote lets either partner control the intensity without interrupting the moment.
How do I know what size butt plug to buy?
Start small. Your first plug should be no wider than 1–1.3 inches (2.5–3.3 cm) in diameter. You can always move up in size later as your body adapts. Do not size up by more than 0.25 inches at a time.
The Bottom Line
A butt plug is not complicated. It is a simple, body-safe tool that creates fullness, pressure, and — for many people — significantly more intense orgasms. The key is starting small, using plenty of lube, going slowly, and choosing a product built from safe materials by a manufacturer who actually cares.
As the people who make these products, we have one rule on the factory floor: if we would not put it in our own bodies, it does not leave the building.
