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How to Insert & Use Anal Beads (What They Feel Like)

How to Insert & Use Anal Beads (What They Feel Like)

Last Updated on June 8, 2023

Anal beads are one of the original types of anal sex toys invented and documented decades ago. Today, millions of Americans use them.

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

Common questions include: How to use anal beads, what are anal beads, how do anal beads work, what do they do and how to insert anal beads. Continue on for the answers to all these questions before you find the perfect anal beads to learn extra tips & advice – it's everything you've ever wanted to know!

Q. What Are Anal Beads?

A. Anal beads are an interconnected strand of round or spherical shaped balls placed along a silicone strand or a nylon string. They are inserted into the anus and pulled out to increase sexual pleasure. They can be used with a partner during sexual intercourse or alone during masturbation.

There are 3 main 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!

Q. How Do Anal Beads Work?

A. During both the male and female orgasm, the muscles within the anus & rectum pulse and spasm. The sequence of anal beads being pulled out of the bum one by one mimics this pulsing & spasming sensation to greatly amplify the pleasurable effect of the orgasm.

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.

Q. What Are Anal Beads For?

A. The purpose of anal beads is to increase sexual pleasure. Simply using them alone is not enough to bring a person to orgasm, they are an add-on to the sex toy collection and work in unison with other adult toys to turbocharge personal pleasure.

It's no secret that back door stimulation is a ticket to unrelenting powerful orgasms, and anal beads are one of the best accessories 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.

Q. What Do Anal Beads Do?

A. 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 .

Q. How To Insert Anal Beads

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


How to Use Silicone Anal Beads

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.

Q. How To Use Anal Beads to maximize Pleasure

A. Just before you feel the climax starting, grab the loop at the end of the strand and wait until the muscles in your groin pulse (indicating the start of the orgasm). Pull the beads out. You can pull the loop fast or slow based upon personal preference.

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.

How to Use Silicone Anal Beads

Q. What Do Anal Beads Feel Like?

Anal beads feel like a “thump, thump” as they are pass the sphincter while slowly being pulled out one by one. When anal beads are ripped out quickly, the thumping feels more continuous, or connected and is best described as feeling like a “ribbed” sensation.

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.

Time to Try Anal Beads for Yourself!

Now that you have watched my video and read instructions on how to properly use anal beads, it's time to start shopping and discover this whole new realm of adult sexual pleasure. If you're shy about suggesting it to your wife or husband, try it alone during masturbation. Do it in the shower. Enjoy the feel of your brand new powerful orgasms!


Basic Anal Beads

Basic Anal Beads - $9

Gentle & slick anal beads are an excellent choice for curious beginners.

Booty Butt Beads

Booty Butt Beads - $15

Sturdy silicone anal toy is a combo of butt plug and anal beads in one.

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. 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. Our Ram Inflatable Anal Toy was 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. 





Mayla Green

Mayla Green has been involved in the sex toy industry since 2004. Working behind the motto “Sex TOYS should be FUN”, Mayla provides unique tips & advice amassed from over a decade of hands on experience with adult products. She also coaches clients how to fully enjoy sexual pleasure and can be seen in major publications & magazines online.

Happily married since 2009, she knows firsthand how the sex life eventually becomes repetitive (which truthfully means boring), so if you're looking to spice things up in the bedroom, Mayla's your gal! Her literary pride & joy is covering topics for established couples needing inspiration to keep lovemaking exciting and fun.

Not in a relationship? Her other focus is teaching women how to properly handle the “little person in the canoe” to experience the best orgasms ever, no partner required! Her creative and innovative tips, techniques and advice is on par with a certified sex therapist or Sexologist, but with an extra advantage from her knowledge of the adult toy business.

View all articles published by Mayla Green exclusively for The Adult Toy Shop sex blog.

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