Explore Solo Anal Masturbation Safely: Tips & Recommended Toys

Anal masturbation is self-directed stimulation of the anus and/or rectum for sexual pleasure. In this guide, the term includes both external touch (around the anal opening) and internal penetration (with a finger or a toy). It can also include partner-assisted use of toys when the individual remains in control and the activity centers on their own exploration and consent.

This article explains what anal masturbation means in practical terms, summarizes what recent U.S. data can—and cannot—tell us about how common certain anal touch techniques are among women, and outlines safety fundamentals and buying considerations so you can make informed, body-safe choices.

Definition: what “anal masturbation” means in this guide

To avoid confusion, we use the following working definition throughout this guide: anal masturbation refers to self-directed stimulation of the anus and/or rectum for sexual pleasure. It includes external touch—sometimes called Anal Surfacing—such as circling, rubbing, or applying pressure around the anal opening. It also includes internal penetration, such as inserting a lubricated finger, plug, beads, or a vibrator. Partner-assisted toy use can fit this definition when the individual maintains self-direction, for example by guiding speed, depth, and when to stop.

A quick anatomy note: the anus (the external opening) and the rectum (the internal cavity just beyond) contain sensitive nerve endings. Gentle pressure, stretch, and rhythmic touch can feel pleasurable, especially when combined with plenty of lubricant and a slow, relaxed pace.

Throughout this guide, we use the term “anal masturbation” because it reflects a topic many people are interested in; where clarity helps, we also distinguish between “external anal touch” and “internal anal touch.”

U.S. prevalence: what the data can (and can’t) tell us

Large, nationally representative U.S. research has begun to catalog anal touch techniques among women, including self-stimulation. A peer-reviewed study in PLOS ONE by Hensel and colleagues (based on the OMGYES/Ipsos KnowledgePanel dataset) describes external and internal anal techniques and how many respondents found them pleasurable. For example, the paper reports sizable shares of women identifying “Anal Surfacing” (external touch) and internal anal touch as pleasurable techniques, but the exact denominators (e.g., among those who tried anal touch vs. all respondents) depend on the survey items and weighting described in the methods. See the open-access article for details in context: Hensel et al., PLOS ONE (2022), Women’s anal touch techniques.

Two important notes for readers:

• These technique estimates come from a nationally representative U.S. sample and are weighted, but interpreting a specific percentage correctly requires checking the study’s method section. The authors provide definitions, item wording, and context in the paper linked above.

• Don’t conflate solo anal masturbation with partnered anal intercourse statistics from other surveys; they measure different behaviors.

The bottom line: interest in and enjoyment of external anal touch and internal anal touch are far from rare among U.S. women—normal enough that recent national data describe them in detail—yet the precise “how many” varies by definition and denominator.

Safety fundamentals for anal masturbation

Safety is about comfort, consent, and reducing avoidable risks—especially when moving from external touch to internal penetration. From both clinical guidance and real-world experience, these fundamentals matter most:

• Use generous lubrication. Water-based lubricants are compatible with condoms and with most silicone toys, and they’re easy to clean. Many sex educators recommend water-based lube specifically when using silicone toys to avoid surface degradation; check your toy’s manual for any exceptions. See an overview of preparation and lube choices in this clinical summary: Healthline’s guide to preparing for anal sex.

• Choose toys with a flared base for insertion. A wide base acts as a safety stop so the toy cannot slip fully inside.

• Go slowly and stop if it hurts. Numbness can hide injuries, so avoid numbing agents and sprays that mask pain.

• Use barriers on toys to reduce STI risk, especially if sharing or switching from anal to vaginal use. The CDC notes that shared sex toys can transmit infections via fluids; if sharing, cover toys with a new condom for each user and clean thoroughly after use. See the CDC’s condom guidance: CDC — Preventing HIV with condoms.

• Prevent cross-contamination. If you move from anal to vaginal stimulation, change the condom on the toy (or clean it first) to reduce infection risk. For a concise, harm-reduction overview of safer anal play (including flared bases, lube, and condoms on toys), see this factsheet: Planned Parenthood Toronto — Anal play.

• Clean your hands and toys before and after use. Wash toys with mild soap and warm water (or a purpose-made toy cleaner) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. See a cleaning overview here: How to clean sex toys (Healthline).

Think of a flared base like a seatbelt—most of the time you won’t “need” it, but when you do, it prevents a scary scenario.

Materials and lube compatibility (with cleaning basics)

Nonporous, body-safe materials (medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, ABS plastic) are preferred for anal toys because they’re easier to clean thoroughly. Porous materials can trap microbes; if used, cover with a condom and avoid sharing.

Below is a quick-reference comparison to help with purchase decisions:

Two reminders: always read the manufacturer’s manual for cleaning limits (e.g., waterproof ratings for motorized toys), and store toys dry in a clean pouch to protect surfaces.

Choosing a toy: from curious beginner to confident explorer

Anal masturbation can start with external touch and graduate to small, well-designed toys. Here’s a simple decision flow you can adapt:

• Goal: relaxation and curiosity, or fuller sensations? For relaxation, begin with external touch and a dab of lube; for fuller sensations, choose a small, tapered plug with a flared base.

• Size and shape: start small (think pinky-finger diameter). A tapered tip eases insertion; a narrow neck on a plug improves comfort for longer wear.

• Vibration and control: non-vibrating plugs offer steady pressure; vibrators add rhythmic stimulation. App control can help with accessibility or partnered play—use only trusted apps and review privacy settings.

• Materials: prefer nonporous, body-safe materials (silicone, steel, glass, ABS). Pair silicone toys with water-based lube unless the manual says otherwise.

• Safety features: always choose a flared base for insertable toys.

• Care, warranty, and logistics: confirm cleaning instructions, waterproof rating, warranty terms, return policy, and discreet shipping.

Buyer’s checklist (save this for later):

• Flared base, smooth surface, body-safe material

• Starts small; tapered tip; narrow neck for plugs

• Water-based lubricant on hand; condoms for toy-sharing or orifice switching

• Clear cleaning instructions; waterproof rating if applicable

• Warranty details and discreet shipping noted

Recommended Svakom Toys from the Anal Collection

Svakom's dedicated anal toys collection focuses on interactive, app-controlled options with body-safe materials and essential safety features like pronounced flared bases or handles. All are made from premium medical-grade silicone, fully waterproof for thorough cleaning, and designed to prevent over-insertion—perfectly aligning with the quick buyer’s checklist above.

These toys pair perfectly with water-based lubricant, support Svakom's reliable app for solo or partnered control (with strong privacy settings), and include clear manuals for care and warranty.

Ready to explore safely? Browse the full Svakom Anal Toys Collection—everything ships discreetly in plain packaging, with easy returns. Start small, go slow, and let your body guide the pace. 

Practical scenarios and tips

Solo, external-first: Begin with warm water and soap for hands and toy, then apply lube around the anal opening and use slow, circular motions. If that feels good, consider a fingertip or a very small plug with a flared base.

Partner-assisted but self-directed: You can guide a partner’s hand or an app-controlled toy while staying in charge of pace and depth. Keep communication open, use a safe word if helpful, and change condoms (or clean) if switching from anal to vaginal stimulation.

Limited mobility or dexterity: Look for toys with handles, retrieval loops, or app control; choose a design with a pronounced flared base and a narrow neck for easier positioning and removal.

You’ll see the term anal masturbation again here to keep the focus on self-direction, whether you’re alone or inviting a partner to assist.

If something goes wrong: first steps and when to seek care

If an object becomes stuck in the rectum, avoid forceful removal attempts. Do not insert other tools. Seek urgent medical care, especially if you notice severe pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or signs of perforation. A consumer-friendly overview is available here: MSD Manuals — Foreign objects in the rectum. Clinicians can refer to Merck Manual Professional guidance.

Further resources

• Technique definitions and U.S. context: PLOS ONE (2022) — Women’s anal touch techniques

• STI risk and toy-sharing guidance: CDC — Preventing HIV with condoms

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane is a passionate sex educator and sexual wellness advocate dedicated to pleasure-focused, shame-free sexuality. With years of experience in counseling, workshops, and content creation, she empowers individuals and couples to confidently explore body autonomy, intimacy, and pleasure. Using a science-based and inclusive approach, Jamie shares honest sex toy insights and evidence-backed tips for deeper connections. Join her in breaking taboos and embracing a more fulfilling sex life.