Wellness

Anal Masturbation Tips: A Simple Guide to Anal Masturbation

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 4 min read

Whether you’re experienced in anal play or are looking to explore something new, consider adding anal masturbation to your self-pleasure routine.

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What Is Anal Masturbation?

Anal masturbation is the act of pleasuring yourself by stimulating the nerve endings in and around your anus and rectum, either with your fingers or a sex toy. With patience and preparation, solo anal play can add another layer of pleasure to your masturbation sessions, no matter your gender and sexual orientation.

3 Tips for Anal Masturbation Safety

Unsafe anal masturbation methods can result in minor bleeding, soreness, or discomfort. If you experience persistent or heavy bleeding, seek medical help immediately. Lubrication, proper hygiene, and patience are the key to safe anal play:

  1. 1. Lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential for pleasurable and safe anal masturbation. Start by applying a generous amount of lube in and around your anal opening, and apply additional lube to your finger or sex toy before insertion.
  2. 2. Hygiene: Any sexual activity related to the anus requires extra care when it comes to cleanliness. Without proper hygiene, bacteria that naturally live in your colon can spread to your vagina, penis, or mouth, potentially increasing the risk of disease and infection. Wash your anus with soap and warm water before a masturbation session.
  3. 3. Patience: Getting comfortable with anal penetration takes time—proper anal training can take weeks or even months. Try deep breathing exercises to help relax your sphincter muscles, and start with small objects like your finger, a small butt plug, or anal beads before moving on to larger toys like dildos.

8 Steps for Anal Masturbation

If you are curious about solo anal play, follow this step-by-step guide for how to anally masturbate:

  1. 1. Clean up. Try to have a bowel movement at least an hour before beginning your session, and take a warm, relaxing shower. Wash thoroughly with mild soap and warm water. If you’re concerned about cleanliness, consider using an enema.
  2. 2. Set the mood. Your sphincter muscles relax when you’re aroused, which makes it easier to enjoy anal stimulation. Get in the mood by listening to sexy music or lighting some candles.
  3. 3. Begin with your normal routine. Start with your typical masturbation routine before moving to anal play. Having an orgasm releases tension and relaxes your anal sphincter muscles.
  4. 4. Start small. It’s important to go slow during anal masturbation, especially if you’re a beginner. Begin with eternal stimulation. Apply lube to your pinky and use it to rub the outside of your anus. In your own time, slide your finger inside and hold it there for a moment, allowing your anal sphincter muscles to relax before pulling it out and taking a break. If you want to continue, reapply lube and use a larger finger, gradually working your way up to complete insertion. For penis owners, try stimulating your prostate gland, a firm walnut-sized organ found two to four inches inside your rectum. For the most comfortable experience, trim your fingernails and wear a glove, finger cot, or condom over your finger.
  5. 5. Find the right position. Experiment with different positions until you find one that is comfortable. Try lying on your side with your knees up to your chest, or lie face down with your hand behind your back. You can also lean back against a chair or wedge pillow. For hands-free penetration, try the doggy style position using a dildo with a suction cup mounted to a flat surface.
  6. 6. Experiment with sex toys. Anal sex toys—such as butt plugs, anal beads, prostate massagers, anal dildos, and anal vibrators—can bring your masturbation to the next level. The important thing to look for with these devices is a flared base or looped handle for easy removal. The best anal toys are typically made from a non-porous material like medical-grade silicone or stainless steel and do not have seams or rough edges. Reapply lube before inserting the sex toy. Remember to wash your sex toys before and after each masturbation session with warm water and mild soap or a sex toy cleaner.
  7. 7. Stimulate other erogenous zones. While it’s possible to achieve an anal orgasm from masturbation, additional stimulation of your other erogenous zones can add pleasure. Consider combining anal and vaginal masturbation, or focus on other erogenous zones like the scrotum, clitoris, neck, or nipples.
  8. 8. Consider bringing in a partner. You can include your partner in an anal masturbation session. Communicate clearly about why you find it sexy and why you want them to participate. If you and your partner are on the same page, explore mutual masturbation together, watching and learning what works for each other.

Let’s Talk About Sex

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a MasterClass Annual Membership and learn more about open communication with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).