First things first: Lube is your friend, and we C-A-N-N-O-T emphasize that enough. "Before you grab the butt plug, though, you have to remember that, unlike the vagina, the anus is not self-lubricating," says Dr. Oriowo. "This means you have to use lube. Don’t be shy with it, either—use just a bit more than you think is enough. Better to have more lube than less."

The type of lube you use matters, too. "As a tip for your lube choice, think about what you might like to do in your butt play session," Francis suggests. "Silicone lube is long-lasting but can be hard to clean and can't be used with silicone toys. Water-based lube is friendly for everyone, but you will need to reapply. Oil-based lubes give a lot of slip but, depending on the ingredients, can contain allergens and will absolutely stain your bedsheets."

When using a butt plug, sex and pleasure educator Luna Matatas suggests opting for silicone lube or a thicker water-based lube. As she previously told Cosmo, "For butt stuff, we want the lube to linger. Silicone lubes are a popular choice for anal enthusiasts because a little goes a long way, so they last longer."

Dr. Goldstein warns that leaving a toy inside your body for extended periods can irritate and inflame the sphincter muscles around the neck of the plug, making it tricky to remove (especially if it’s too small or the shaft is too short). “Less is always more when it comes to duration,” he says. “If you're someone who loves the pressured sensations of the butt plug staying put, then I recommend you start slow, with just a few minutes, and then you can gradually go for longer periods of time.”

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