Some important things to remember before anal play are clean your toys beforehand, have your lubricant ready, and be sure to communicate with your partner, if playing with one. During play with anal toys, always use lubricant, go slow, and if something is painful, stop right away. The anal passage does not make its own lubricant (unlike the vagina, for instance) and thus any toys should always be well-lubricated before inserting. Many anal enthusiasts rely on silicone-based lubricants, which tend to last longer, but if you are playing with a silicone toy you’ll need to use a water-based formula. If mess is a concern, an enema can be used beforehand to cleanse inside, or a towel can be laid down beneath the user, along with a condom over the toy itself and a latex or nitrile glove over the hand holding the toy.
