We recommend you kit yourself out with these items before you start on your journey to anal heaven:

1. Always practice safe sex. When it comes to anal play safe sex is crucial. We recommend that you use a condom whenever practicing anal sex in order to minimize the risk of passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between partners. Small tears that can occur in the anal lining during anal play increase the likelihood of STIs being spread via toys or genitals. The rectum also harbours naturally occurring bacteria that can cause nasty and persistent infections to the vagina. Therefore, refresh condoms and clean toys between anal and vaginal insertions during sex and clean thoroughly at the end of anal play. Vibe Clean is ideal for properly cleaning toys which should then be safely stored. The adultshop.com Vibe Pouch has been designed specifically for this. Before all this, it is also recommended that anal sex only occur when the bowel is empty and the anus clean. An anal douche can also be used to ensure maximum cleanliness.
   
   
2. Use a lubricant every time you engage in anal play or anal sex because the rectum produces no natural lubrication of its own. Using a lubricant ensures that insertion is safe, comfortable and stimulation is maximised. Going without increases the likelihood of anal tears and discomfort. Water-based lubricants are recommended because they are safe to use with condoms and will not damage sex toys. Some prefer greasier lubes, as they are very effective especially for longer sessions of anal play. Note that oil based lubricants like Vaseline or baby oil should not be used with condoms, as the mineral oils in these lubricants can deteriorate latex reducing your protection from STIs.
   
   
3. Always use toys with a flared base or wide handle so they do not get lost in the rectum. This one is pretty self-explanatory - you'd be pretty miserable if you lost something up there!
   
   
4. Do not insert anything large, straight, hard or sharp into the rectum. Remember the anus curves to the right quite dramatically - using short, bendy, soft toys accommodates for this fact. 4" is ideal length for an anal toy. Used incorrectly long toys can tear the fragile anal tissues and/or wreak havoc with the lower intestines.
   
   
5. Anal play should NOT be painful. Foreplay is important in any kind of sexual activity but particularly for anal play. In order to enjoy anal play the muscles that control the anal opening need to be relaxed. You need to be mentally and physically prepared for anal play. Mentally, if you are comfortable with the thought of anal play and are sufficiently aroused there is no reason why anal play would not be enjoyable. Physically, you can prepare for anal play or anal sex by beginning with small toys, using a gentle pace until the anus is fully relaxed. You can then slowly build up to accommodating a penis or a bigger toy. Don't forget to use lots of lube - it will make the whole experience a lot more pleasurable. If anal play is painful or uncomfortable at any time - stop!
   
   

Butt Plugs - are toys that are specifically designed to be inserted into the rectum during masturbation or genital stimulation. Butt plugs come in all shapes, sizes, and colours and are made from many different types of material. In addition, some have ridges to stimulate the nerves in the anal opening and some are curved to follow the natural shape of the rectum.

Anal Beads - also known as love beads or oriental beads, anal beads are strings of marble like beads that are inserted into the rectum then pulled out one by one at point of climax. Anal beads are a great way to introduce anal play into your lovemaking.

Toys that are designed to stimulate the vagina can also be very effective when used for anal play. Vibrators can be applied to the outer regions of the anus, which are very receptive to stimulation. Dildos or dongs are also ideal for penetrative anal use - especially the smaller, softer ones.

When it comes to deciding which anal toys are best for you, think about the type of stimulation you’d like to experience and what you will be comfortable with. If you’re unsure, an anal toy kit offering various options is a great way to experiment and help you find exactly what turns you on.

Keep in mind that while some people enjoy anal penetration, many just like to dabble in anal play. Regardless of how far you'd like to take anal eroticism, it’s crucial that you always allow the receiver complete control over the play.

There are two keys to an enjoyable anal sex experience – relaxation and lubrication.

Relaxation
As the anal muscles are unaccustomed to penetration, ensuring the ‘receiver’ is completely relaxed is the best start to anal play. A hot bath, body massage, even foreplay and vaginal sex are all relaxing activities. The products below can make foreplay and relaxation much more fun!

Lubrication
You can’t really use too much lubricant for anal sex – generally the more the better, especially for first timers. Don’t skimp on preparation time and take things slow – the more effort you put in here, the better the sex will be!

It’s also important to remember that the highest concentration of nerves is around the anal opening, and in men the prostate is located just a few inches into the anus. You don't need big or long toys to fully enjoy anal eroticism. Remember that the rectum is curved - try different positions and angles to see which is most comfortable and pleasurable. Relax, go slowly, be gentle and start small. Have fun and experiment with different types and methods of anal play and you're bound to find something you love! Finally, remember that anal play together with direct genital stimulation guarantees an explosive orgasm!

• Switching roles. Invest in a strap-on and transform from receiver to giver. The prostate is considered to be the male g-spot, and there’s only one way to get to it!
  
  
• A new toy. Anal toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures. Some even vibrate! Once you’re accustomed to back door pleasures, try one of our suggested toys below.
  
  
• Double penetration. A vibrator or dildo can be inserted into the receiver’s vagina while the giver penetrates the anus. This gives the receiver a full-up feeling and provides stimulating sensations.
  
  
• Heavy-duty lubricant. Do you prefer harder, deeper thrusting? For comfort without loss of sensation try a lubricant, spray or cream designed for more intense anal penetration.