What You Might Not Know About Anal Toys — A Complete Melbourne Guide
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What You Might Not Know About Anal Toys
Anal toys are one of the most searched and least understood categories in the adult toy world. There's a lot of misinformation out there, a lot of unnecessary stigma, and a surprising number of things that even experienced toy owners don't know. This guide cuts through all of that — covering the things you actually need to know about anal toys, from the non-negotiable safety rules to the surprising facts about who uses them, what they do, and why so many people find them transformative once they get past the initial hesitation.
Whether you're completely new to anal play, curious but unsure where to start, or looking to expand what you already know, this guide is for you.
Quick links:
- The one rule that's non-negotiable
- Types of anal toys explained
- Top picks available in Melbourne now
- Complete beginner's guide
- Myths about anal toys, debunked
- Frequently asked questions
The One Rule That's Absolutely Non-Negotiable
Before anything else — before discussing types, techniques, or recommendations — there is one rule about anal toys that has no exceptions: every anal toy must have a flared base or a retrieval cord.
This isn't a preference. It's anatomy. The rectum doesn't have a natural stopping point the way the vaginal canal does — objects inserted into the rectum can be pulled inward by the body's natural muscular contractions and become impossible to retrieve without medical assistance. This happens more often than most people realise and results in genuinely serious, embarrassing, and expensive trips to emergency.
A flared base — a wide, flat base at the bottom of a butt plug — sits flush against the body and physically prevents the toy from being pulled in. Anal beads and toys with retrieval cords achieve the same result differently. There is no safe anal toy without one of these features. This applies regardless of toy size, regardless of experience level, and regardless of how "careful" you intend to be.
If you look at a product and it has a narrow base, a rounded bottom, or no retrieval mechanism at all — it is not safe for anal use. Do not use it anally, regardless of what the product description says.
Every single anal toy we sell at Sex Toys Melbourne has a flared base or retrieval cord. We don't stock products that don't meet this basic safety requirement.
What Most People Don't Know About Anal Play
It's incredibly common — more common than people admit
Survey data consistently shows that anal play is one of the most commonly practiced sexual activities, across all genders and orientations. The stigma around it bears no relationship to how widespread it actually is. A significant proportion of the people you know have tried it or do it regularly. The assumption that it's niche or unusual is simply wrong.
It's not just for men or gay men
This is the misconception that does the most damage. Anal play is enjoyed by people of all genders and all orientations. The anal area is densely packed with nerve endings in everyone — this is basic anatomy. For people with a prostate, anal stimulation can directly stimulate it (the prostate is sometimes called the "male G-spot" and produces very intense orgasms when stimulated correctly). For people without a prostate, the nerve endings in the anal area connect to the same nerve networks as clitoral and vaginal tissue, meaning anal stimulation can significantly enhance other sexual experiences.
Relaxation matters far more than size
The most common mistake beginners make is using too much force. The external anal sphincter is a voluntary muscle — it responds to perceived threat by tightening. If you try to force anything, it will resist. The key to comfortable anal play is arousal, relaxation, and patience — not force or willpower. When properly aroused and relaxed, the sphincter opens naturally. This is why starting with something small, using plenty of lubricant, and taking your time is far more effective than using a larger toy "carefully."
Anal play doesn't cause incontinence
This is one of the most common fears, and it's based on a misunderstanding of anatomy. The anal sphincter is a muscle, and like all muscles, appropriate use and stretching within normal ranges doesn't damage it. Incontinence is associated with extreme, prolonged stretching beyond normal range — not normal anal play. If you're using appropriately sized toys, being patient, and not forcing anything, there is no risk.
Lube is not optional
Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn't self-lubricate. This means friction without lubrication will cause discomfort and can cause micro-tears in the delicate tissue. Dedicated anal lubricant — thicker than standard lube to last longer and provide more cushion — is not a luxury, it's a requirement. Browse our full lubricant range including dedicated anal formulas.
Types of Anal Toys — What's Available
Butt Plugs
Butt plugs are the most popular and recognisable anal toy. They're designed to be inserted and worn — either during solo play, during sex with a partner, or even during everyday activities by more experienced users. The classic shape — tapered tip, widest point in the middle, narrowing to a neck, widening again to a flared base — is designed to stay in place once inserted. They come in silicone, glass, stainless steel, and hard plastic. Some vibrate. The variety is enormous.
Best for: Beginners, wearing during sex, prostate stimulation, adding fullness sensation
Anal Beads
Anal beads consist of a series of spheres or oval shapes on a cord or rigid shaft with a retrieval loop or flared base. They're inserted gradually and the classic technique is to pull them out slowly at the moment of orgasm, as the removal sensation through the sphincter significantly intensifies the orgasm for many people. Modern anal beads range from graduated silicone sets to rigid ABS or stainless steel strings of uniform spheres.
Best for: Enhancing orgasm intensity, experienced anal play users
Anal Vibrators
Anal vibrators are specifically shaped for anal use with tapered tips and always include a flared base. Unlike butt plugs which are primarily passive, anal vibrators add motorised vibration for active stimulation of the sensitive nerve endings in the anal canal and, for those with prostates, direct prostate vibration. Many have a curved design to angle toward the prostate.
Best for: Active anal stimulation, prostate massage, more intense experience than a passive plug
Prostate Massagers
Prostate massagers are specifically designed for people with prostates — they have a pronounced curve toward the anterior wall of the rectum where the prostate gland sits, approximately 5–7cm inside. Direct prostate stimulation produces a distinctly different and often more intense orgasm than penile stimulation alone, and many people describe the first prostate orgasm as a revelation. Browse our full anal toy range to find prostate massagers.
Best for: People with prostates seeking prostate orgasm, intense internal stimulation
Anal Training Kits
Anal training kits include a set of graduated sizes — typically three plugs in small, medium, and large — allowing beginners to work up gradually over time. They're the most sensible starting point for anyone new to anal play who intends to use larger toys eventually.
Best for: Absolute beginners, people who want to progress to larger sizes over time
Inflatable Anal Toys
Inflatable anal toys insert at a smaller diameter and then inflate via a hand pump to fill the space. They give users complete control over the size — you inflate only as much as is comfortable. Useful for size play and for people who want to experience fullness without committing to a fixed large size.
Best for: Size play, experienced users who enjoy fullness sensation
Top Anal Toy Picks — Available Now in Melbourne
These are some of our best-selling anal toys available right now with same-day dispatch to Melbourne on orders before 2pm AEST. Every order ships in completely plain unmarked packaging.
Flawless Clear Anal Plug 4.5 — $19.99
A beautifully simple beginner butt plug in crystal clear body-safe material with a wide flared base. The classic tapered shape makes insertion comfortable and the flared base keeps it safely in place. At $19.99 it's one of the most affordable quality anal toys we stock — an ideal first plug for anyone exploring anal play for the first time.
11.5cm total length • Flared base • Body-safe material • Easy to clean
Adam & Eve Anal Rockets Trainer Set — $69.99
Three graduated butt plugs in one set — small, medium, and large — making this the ideal anal training kit for beginners who want a structured path to progress at their own pace. All three are body-safe silicone with flared bases. Consistently one of our best-selling anal toy products in Melbourne.
3-piece graduated set • Body-safe silicone • All sizes include flared base • Beginner to intermediate
Shop Anal Rockets Trainer Set →
LEVELZ Round Silicone Anal Balls (Large) — $69.99
Premium large anal beads from LEVELZ — smooth round 40mm silicone spheres for experienced anal play users. Each sphere provides a satisfying pop sensation during removal, and the all-silicone construction is completely body-safe, non-porous, and easy to sterilise.
40mm spheres • Premium silicone • Large size • Retrieval loop • Easy to clean
Size Up Ripple Inflatable Butt Plug — $79.99
The Size Up Ripple inserts at a comfortable small diameter and inflates via a hand pump to your preferred size. The rippled texture provides additional stimulation as you inflate, and you have complete control over how much expansion occurs. For experienced users who enjoy fullness or size play.
Inflatable via hand pump • 15.2cm length • Ripple texture • Flared base
Shop Size Up Inflatable Plug →
Anal Fantasy Vibrating Curve — $59.99
A curved anal vibrator with a pronounced angle designed to stimulate the prostate or the sensitive anterior wall of the rectum. Multi-speed vibration adds active stimulation. Ideal for users ready to move beyond passive plugs and explore vibration and prostate stimulation.
17.1cm total length • Curved for prostate • Multi-speed vibration • Flared base
Shop Anal Fantasy Vibrating Curve →
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Anal Toys
What to buy first
If you're completely new to anal toys, the single best starting point is a small silicone butt plug — around 2–3cm in diameter at its widest point. The Flawless Clear Anal Plug is a great option at the entry level, and the Adam & Eve Anal Rockets Trainer Set gives you three sizes to progress through without having to buy multiple products separately. Also buy dedicated anal lubricant at the same time. Browse our anal beginner accessories for starter recommendations.
Preparation
Most people find a simple rinse with warm water sufficient preparation for anal play. You don't need to use an anal douche unless you want to — it's a personal choice, not a requirement. If you prefer a more thorough clean, anal douches and enema kits are available in our anal douche range.
Step-by-step for beginners
Start by getting fully aroused. Apply generous lubricant to both the toy and the anal opening. Begin externally — using a fingertip or the tip of the toy to massage the external opening gently before attempting any insertion. When you feel the sphincter relax, apply gentle, consistent pressure. Don't thrust. Let the toy ease in at its own pace. Once the widest point is past the sphincter, the plug will settle naturally. More lube is always better than less.
When to stop
Pain means stop. A feeling of pressure or fullness is normal. Mild discomfort during initial insertion is common and typically passes quickly. Sharp pain, increasing discomfort, or any burning sensation means stop, remove the toy slowly, and reassess. Never force anything.
Myths About Anal Toys — Debunked
"Anal toys are only for gay men"
False. The anal area has dense nerve endings in everyone, and anal play is enjoyed by people across all genders and orientations.
"If you enjoy anal play as a man, it means something about your sexuality"
False. Sexual response is physiological. The prostate is a physical gland that produces intense orgasmic response when stimulated. Enjoying prostate stimulation says nothing about sexual orientation.
"Anal play is always painful"
False. Pain during anal play is almost always the result of insufficient arousal, insufficient lubrication, or going too fast. When done correctly — with adequate arousal, generous lube, and patience — anal play should be comfortable and pleasurable.
"Any toy can be used anally"
False and dangerous. Only toys specifically designed for anal use with a flared base or retrieval cord are safe to use anally. Dildos, vibrators, and other toys without a flared base should never be used anally, regardless of size.
"Anal play will permanently stretch you out"
False. The anal sphincter is an elastic muscle. Normal anal play with appropriately sized toys within comfortable ranges does not cause permanent stretching or damage.
Cleaning Anal Toys
Non-motorised silicone toys
These can be fully sterilised — boiled in water for 3–5 minutes, or run through the dishwasher on the top rack without detergent. Alternatively, wash with warm water and toy cleaner.
Motorised silicone toys
Never boil or submerge unless rated fully waterproof. For waterproof toys, rinse thoroughly under running water with toy cleaner. For non-waterproof toys, wipe clean with a damp cloth and toy cleaner, being careful around charging ports.
Glass and stainless steel
Both can be boiled, run through the dishwasher, or cleaned with anti-bacterial soap. These are among the easiest anal toy materials to sterilise fully.
Anal Toys for Couples
Anal toys are a popular addition to partnered sex for both people. A butt plug worn by one partner during penetrative sex adds a fullness sensation that many find significantly enhances the experience. Vibrating plugs add motorised stimulation on top of this. Remote-controlled vibrating plugs let one partner control the other's toy during sex.
Prostate massagers worn by a partner with a prostate during sex can produce dramatically enhanced orgasms for them while requiring no change to what either partner is doing. Browse our couples sex toys range for toys designed for partnered play including anal options.
Melbourne Delivery — Discreet, Fast, Reliable
All anal toys ordered from Sex Toys Melbourne ship in completely plain, unmarked packaging. No branding, no indication of contents, generic sender name, discreet bank statement reference. Orders placed before 2pm AEST on business days are dispatched same day. Standard delivery to Melbourne metro typically takes 1–3 business days. Free standard shipping on orders over $99. Contact us via our contact page — we respond within 24 hours and all enquiries are handled with complete discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anal Toys
What anal toy is best for absolute beginners in Melbourne?
A small silicone butt plug around 2–3cm diameter with a flared base is the best starting point. The Flawless Clear Anal Plug ($19.99) is a great single first toy. The Adam & Eve Anal Rockets Trainer Set ($69.99) gives you three graduated sizes to work through at your own pace.
Do I need anal lubricant or can I use regular lube?
Dedicated anal lubricant is strongly recommended. Anal lube is formulated to be thicker and longer-lasting than standard water-based lube, providing more cushion and lasting longer during use. Always use water-based lube with silicone toys.
How do I know if an anal toy is safe?
Two things to check: (1) it has a flared base or retrieval cord — no exceptions, and (2) it's made from a non-porous body-safe material (silicone, ABS plastic, glass, or stainless steel). All products we sell at Sex Toys Melbourne meet both criteria.
Can anal toys be used during sex?
Yes — this is one of the most popular ways to use them. A butt plug worn during penetrative sex adds a fullness sensation that many find significantly enhances the experience for the wearer. Vibrating plugs add motorised stimulation simultaneously.
Are anal toys safe for people with no prior experience?
Yes, when used correctly. Start with a small toy, use plenty of anal lubricant, get fully aroused first, go slowly, and listen to your body. Pain means stop.
What is a prostate massager and who is it for?
A prostate massager is an anal toy specifically curved to stimulate the prostate gland in people who have one. The prostate sits approximately 5–7cm inside the rectum against the anterior wall. Stimulating it produces intense orgasms that many describe as significantly more powerful than penile stimulation alone.
How do I clean anal toys?
Thoroughly after every use. Non-motorised silicone toys can be boiled or dishwashed. Motorised waterproof toys can be rinsed under running water with toy cleaner. Glass and stainless steel can be boiled or dishwashed. Never share anal toys without proper sterilisation between uses.
Can anal toys cause permanent damage?
Not when used correctly with appropriately sized toys, sufficient lubrication, and without force. The sphincter is an elastic muscle and normal anal play within comfortable ranges doesn't cause permanent changes.
Explore Our Full Anal Toy Range in Melbourne
- Shop all anal toys Melbourne
- Shop anal beginner accessories and starter kits
- Shop anal toys for women
- Shop anal douches and cleansing accessories
- Shop anal lubricants
Every order ships in plain discreet packaging. Same-day dispatch before 2pm AEST, free shipping over $99, 30-day returns on unopened items.
Ready to explore? Visit Sex Toys Melbourne — Melbourne's biggest online adult store. Discreet delivery across Melbourne and Australia-wide. Australian owned since 2002.




