What would you recommend to first timers in anal: plugs or beads?

I’ve read it all and still have no clue. Both me and my husband are COMPLETELY new to anal play, never ever tried anything back there, the whole area was off limits so far. We have now opened our minds to it, but even if we read just about anything found out there on the matter (including lots and lots of reviews right here on LH), we are still very much clueless on how to proceed. We would like to start off easily of course, as we both still have lots of doubts on the matter, however my basic question at this point is: what should our very first entry back there be: a butt plug or anal beads (or something else)? And what would eventually be better for him and what for her?

Thank you all.

Hi Era!
I am in the same boat as you are so i cant help with any advice but as i'm interested in this i'll follow the tread. :)

Hi I would recommend something smal to begin with to see if u like, a vibrating toy feels the best. Try a small butt plug or a long but thin dildo or even some butt beads, :) good luck x

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=30367

I would highly recommend this set. I was lucky enough to test it and it's fantastic. You have lots of options, a good lube, and you can get an idea of what you like going up there. Happy shopping!

If you are completely new, then I would suggest starting out with fingers. You'll want to take time and not rush into anything as you could do some serious damage if you are not prepared.

As you get used to the sensations, you can then explore getting a small plug or some anal beads (although both toys are designed to be used differently) - butt plugs are generally worn for longer periods of time, and many people use varying sizes to 'stretch' or 'gape' the anus. Others just wear them because it's pleasurable.

Anal beads are primarily used for stimulation, and provide an incredible sensation when you whip them out really quickly during orgasm.

Whatever you do, start small, use plenty of lube and take it slowly and be patient. If you are using fingers, make sure nails are not too sharp - and if at ANY point.. it feels painful or uncomfortable - STOP.

As you get more experienced, then you could introduce a prostate massager for him, and there's a whole range of anal dildos and vibrators that can be used by either.

Hi era, the best advice I can give is to take is extremely slowly and use lots of lube. I agree with David, it is always best to start with a finger - my Husband uses a glove when he does this so that afterwards you just turn it inside out and you have no worries about mess etc. We use these:-

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=10680

For lube, I personally use Sliquid Sassy or Lovehoney’s own Anal Lube as they don’t contain any chemical nasties, are slightly thicker than normal lube and long lasting:

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=11373

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=28339

The set that Crazy Horse recommended is a great little starter kit. The Tracey Cox beginners butt plug is also a good buy as are Lovehoney’s Beginners anal beads. I have both of these products and they are really great:

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=21767

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=2219

I have also added a few of Lovehoney Guide links which I think will be helpful:

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/sex-toys/anal-sex-toys/buyers-guide/an-overview-of-anal-sex-toys/

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/sex-toys/anal-sex-toys/buyers-guide/

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/sex-toys/anal-sex-toys/buyers-guide/anal-sex-toys-beginners-guide/

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/sex/buyers-guide/first-time-anal-sex-guide/

I hope this all helps and good luck :) xx

Hi I recently did a review on the booty call powerful vibrating set. Imo its ideal for beginners and offers both beads and a plug. If you want you can read my review. The kit is versatile and is non threatening. Top tip lube and more lube. Have fun and enjoy. Xx

I can wholeheartedly recommend this book: http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=1554

My partner and I have only recently started experimenting with anal - I had my doubts and troubles with various aspects of it and this book totally put me at ease, it's brilliant.

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=2041

this was my first anal toy, i like it because it's a dildo and anal beads and is a nice size for a newbie in anal ![](upload://ez5kOkpKXRZOxjavAURYmQxVTau.gif)

Thank you all for your inputs.

Spoonerism, I actually got this book, but not yet read it. I definitely will though. We also got this one http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=30607 and are planning to buy this http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=1553. Just to cover all angles, so to speak.

LilMissFrustrated, this is actually one inspiring set (http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=30227). Though not sure about the vibrations, but it does seem like a good value for money. I’m a bit intimidated about the circumference.

Scorpius, some of the LH guides I've read, the others were very helpful indeed.

About using fingers, we are quite reluctant to the idea I guess, and gloves would make it so “technical” and unnatural. They would however solve some issues, I very much agree, so I think if we will choose this option, we will most definitely wear them. Thank you for the tip.

David, you make a lot of sense. (I’ve been snooping around your posts and blog lately and I kind of like your mentality.)

Some of the products I was considering are (just to stay under £20 considering this is an experiment that might not go well):

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=16479 – because of its tiny size;

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=26072 – not because of the brand, but because of the shapes of the beads;

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=16528 – because of the silicone;

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=24636 – because of the inverse idea;

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=16665 – for him because of a combination of silicone+small size+price (now on offer).

What would your thoughts be on these?

Just curious: does anyone know what's the percentage of those who try anal and don't like it?

And Dota, welcome on my boat! :)

Hi era
I am fairly new to anal play , started with fingers then progressed to toys 2 months ago and like you I wasn't sure I would like it.
I would definitely start with some of the beginner beads and my first plug was the Lovehoney basics beginners butt plug ( which I thoroughly enjoyed ) which I used with lots and lots of anal lube .
I am now slightly obsessed with all things anal and have bought lots of different toys !!
Please do start with something small and tapered and go slow with lots of anal lubricant .....
Good luck x

I would go plug over beads for first time, purely because i think that the sensation of something going in is the weirdest one to get over, and with a plug there is only one time that you are stretched there, then it stays in place. With beads the in and out shape means that you will have many stretches and contractions, which feels very strange to start with so i would definately go for a small plug that you can just put in and leave, until you feel 100% comfortable to move onto the next step in anal. I might go for the cupids beginner plug on that list if i was you. :)

Hi era, all your choices are great, but I wouldn't recommend this one quite yet, as it is quite a firm toy, and may be a little bit uncomfortable for a first toy:

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=24636 – because of the inverse idea;

The Itty Bitty Butt Plug is excellent, but I would also still highly recommend the Tracy Cox Supersex Beginners Butt Plug:

http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=21767

This is for a couple of reasons - it has a very gradual taper, it's very smooth and due to its flat flared base you can also sit down while wearing it.

The other anal beads you listed are also very good choices. I would personally get a plug and some anal beads, and just experiment, to discover what feels the nicest for you both. As I said before, just take things slowly, use lots of lube (remember to use water based lube for silicone based toys), and have fun xx

Thank you all once again for the valuable advice. Much appreciated.

I'd go for something tapered to start with.
It does depend on personal preference. We like vibrating plugs