How to Insert & Use Anal Beads (How They Work)

Last Updated on September 16, 2024

What are anal beads? They are one of the original types of anal sex toys invented and documented decades ago. Today, millions of Americans use them, but do you know how they work and what they do?

Anal beads are not just a popular choice for gays & lesbians, but heterosexual men & women enjoy them equally and couples everywhere think they're one of the best additions to sex. Simply put, the purpose of anal beads transcends sexual preference and gender identification.

Even though anal beads for men & women are one of the classic sex toys that people stick in their butt, people often ask me questions about them, so its obvious that many don't fully understand the concept behind these butt toys.

3 Types of Anal Beads:

1. Single Piece Silicone Anal Beads
   A single piece molded strand with graduated sized beads ranging from small on the tip to large near the retrieval loop at the opposite end. The single piece variant would be our recommended choice for beginners taking their first steps into the world of anal beads and anal sex toys in general. 
2. Plastic or Metal Anal Beads on a String
   Plastic or metal spheres with holes punched through the center. These are placed along a nylon cord or string separated with knots along the way. String anal beads open up a whole new world of pleasure for you and your partner, as their added flexibility allows for extra teasing and all sorts of frisky love-making.
3. Vibrating Anal Beads
   The motor can be placed either at the tip to be felt deep inside the rectum, or at the end for stimulation directly on the sphincter. Vibrating anal beads are undeniably some of the most pleasurable sex toys out there – the feeling of anal penetration coupled with the soft, yet intense vibrations are bound to make you climax in no time!

Some users rip the anal beads out before orgasm and that's okay too, the balls work to increase pleasure even without the presence of muscle clenching orgasm because the bumpy feeling is highly erotic. The contrast between large bead and thin strand stimulates the nerve endings around the anus.

It's no secret that back door stimulation is a ticket to unrelenting powerful orgasms, and anal beads are one of the best sex toys for men or women because they are typically smaller than most butt plugs and probes so people who are not interested in something big to stick in the butt often choose butt balls because of their smaller size.

Of course we also have plenty of large, huge and big anal beads for extreme anal users; and on the opposite spectrum, there are just as many small, tiny graduated sizes best for beginners and first timers. Long anal beads are most popular but if you don't want to go deep, then choose a shorter version instead.

What Do Anal Beads Do?

Anal beads increase sexual pleasure from the combination of fast movement and heavy texture as they are pulled out of the rectum at the onset of orgasm.

Before you find out details on how to use anal beads, it's good to do some research first to find out if its something you'll actually enjoy. They are not for everyone. Sure you know what they look like and have seen pictures online, but what do anal beads do? What is their purpose in the bedroom?

They tuck into the rectum in a tidy row and stay there until the moment they are pulled out. Some people like to rip them out, and even though it sounds harsh, it feel great. Remember they are not inserted dry, each ball is lubricated and they literally glide out of the rectum in a quick, rhythmic flow .

How To Insert Anal Beads

Anal beads should be inserted one at a time. Make sure each bead is well lubricated before you pop it into the rectum.

Customers who ask me how to use anal beads are actually asking how to insert anal beads, because this is half the practice! Check out my video demo or follow the step by step instructions as follows:

1. Apply anal lubricant to each bead focusing mainly on the ones at the inserting end.
2. Spread your butt cheeks and wipe anal lube around the sphincter.
3. If metal or plastic beads: Insert the beads one at a time into the anus using your index finger.
4. If single strand silicone unit: Hold the middle of the strand with 2 fingers and insert it with a few firm pushes.
5. As your rectum becomes filled, use 2 fingers to “pop” the remaining ones in.
6. If you can't fit them all in – that's okay! Leave the remaining beads hanging out.
7. Line up the retrieval ring with the butt cheeks to keep it out of the way, especially if you'll be sitting down.

Once you've discovered how to insert anal beads, you're half way there, literally! All kidding aside, once they are inserted, now it's time to put them to good use. Here are the step by step instructions on how to use anal beads:

1. Follow steps 1- 6 above to insert the anal beads.
2. Enjoy sex, playing with your dildos or masturbation while leaving the beads in place where they are.
3. As you feel your orgasm approaching, grab the retrieval ring (or the bead closest to the sphincter if you were unable to insert all the beads).
4. At the onset of orgasm (just as you begin to feel the vaginal muscles clench for women, or at the time of ejaculation for men) pull the beads out in a smooth, consistent motion.
5. Be sure to clean thoroughly after use by using sex toy cleaner spray.

Of course, that is not the only way in which people enjoy playing around with anal beads. Many individuals also get a kick out of sticking them in their rectum and going out to do errands or just take a walk in the park.

They derive pleasure from the anal sensations of the beads, as well as the excitement of having a naughty secret that only they’re privy to as they go about their day. 

Ultimately, it’s up to you and your sexual partners how you’re going to use anal beads to maximize pleasure in the bedroom. Whether you’re playing with one or numerous partners, remember to always make sure that you have the consent of everyone involved before you start sticking anal beads up their butts.

Think of it as the same concept as when you drive quickly over potholes in the road – going slowly will emphasize each divot and bump. If you drive quickly, they all seem to blend together seamlessly into one smoother sensation. Anal beads feel the same way.

With that being said however, the individual sensation feels different based on when they are being pulled out. If you pull them during orgasm, the muscle clenching pulses will match the pulses of the sphincter as each bead is pulled out. The result is sexually incredible. This is the moment when anal sex beads shine.

Homemade & DIY Anal Beads – Safety Considerations

You'd assume that I have conflict of interest when I advise people not to DIY anal beads or make homemade anal beads yourself. I sell them online, so obviously, I don't want anyone making DIY anal beads as this can cut into my sales volume.

Honestly, butt beads are so cheap in the grand scheme of sex toys that the amount profited from these is so minimal. I'm telling you never to try homemade anal beads because they are not safe. Simple as that.

Why? Single strand pieces can not tear inside the body. The strings used to connect metal or plastic beads are strength tested and certified safe to use. There is considerable pressure placed on the balls when ripped out of the butt, if you DIY your own using twine, it can possibly break and some of the beads can get lost in your butt, requiring a visit to the emergency room.

For safety reasons, spend the $8 and buy beads that are designed specifically for this purpose. Never stick foreign objects into your butt. Just don't.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Other Anal Sex Toys Can I Try If I Liked Anal Beads? 

If you enjoyed the pleasurable sensations when using anal beads, there is a wide variety of toys you can try to further spice up your sex life. Check out my anal toy tutorials for instructions on how to use anal toys of all types. For example, you can choose between our offer of dildos available at The Adult Toy Shop, ranging from small and playful items all the way to giant, ribbed dragon dildos thicker than anything you’ve tried before. 

Butt plugs are another good option if you’re looking for a lengthy, sustained pleasure. Having one of such plugs inside of you during sex will intensify every single sensation, whether you’re engaging in oral, penetrative sex, or good old hand stuff. 

As I already mentioned earlier, you should never put any objects up your butt that weren’t designed for that purpose. They can cause all sorts of nasty infections, or even break in half when inside of you. Believe me – going to an emergency room and explaining that you need help getting a foreign object out of your rectum is not something you want to experience! 

How Can I Prepare Myself For Anal Play? 

Anal sex can be a lot of fun. It opens you up to completely new experiences in the bedroom, and widens the spectrum of pleasure for you and your partner. However, it’s important to remember that if you’re an anal virgin, you need to prepare yourself, especially if your end goal is anal penetration. Without taking the right precautions, you might seriously hurt yourself, resulting not only in physical discomfort or injury, but also serious health problems in the more severe cases. 

This is why anal training is such a crucial part of anyone wanting to start exploring butt play. Begin with gentle finger insertion, gradually increasing the depth and number of fingers as you grow more comfortable with it. You can do it by yourself, but the experience of anal training is enhanced if you have a consenting partner to do it with. It can bring the two of you closer together as you explore the new depths of your sex life. 

There are also great toys you can get to get started. Most of our beaded anal vibrators are specifically designed with beginners in mind. The small, rubber and latex dildo is the perfect introduction into penetrative anal toys. It also comes with vibrating components, further enhancing the experience. Once you get it in there, you can inflate it, increasing its girth near the base, stretching your butthole one press at a time.