So you think you’re ready to dive into the pegging and prostate play world. Yay! We know that these kinds of anal play are fun and exciting, but that doesn’t mean they come without risk. Don’t be alarmed, though. We’re here to help! Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your pegging experience is safe and nothing short of a good time.

Avoiding Toxic Toys

Not all toys are created equal! Don’t be fooled by toxic toys. What exactly is a toxic toy? For starters, make sure any toy you purchase is phthalate-free. (Psst – all of our toys are!) A phthalate is a group of chemicals that makes plastic more flexible. The downside to this is that phthalates, according to recent studies, can have negative effects on a person’s health, including the reproductive system. Yikes! Stick with high-quality, body-safe products like silicone. If you see a toy that is more “jelly-like,” there’s a good chance its unsafe, as the materials that make those toys so “bendy” often include phthalates.

Unfortunately, it’s not just phthalates you should be on the lookout for. Some toys can contain a heavy metal called cadmium, which is another agent used to soften plastic and can be used in yellow coloring. Additionally, certain glass toys can contain lead, so be aware of the quality of glass you’re buying and where it was made.

You also should check how porous your toys are. You should be looking for 100% silicone, glass, or stainless steel when making your purchases. If a toy is too porous and soft, it could hold mold, bacteria, fungus, and is much harder to clean in a sanitary way. Plus, porous toys tend to break down over time due to the low quality of their ingredients. Lucky for you, none of our toys that we sell are made from porous materials, because we want to make sure you’re only playing with items that are not going to be harmful to your health.

Cleaning Your Toys. . . the RIGHT Way

Okay, so you have the non-toxic toys in hand. This doesn’t mean you’re in the clear – you should know how to properly clean the toys you have to make sure they remain safe for use.

First off, you should be washing your toys before and after each use. Washing them before makes sure that any dirt is removed from the surface, and well, washing after use is just common sense! We also do not recommend just throwing them in a random dresser drawer and calling it a night. Consider buying yourself a “toy box” to keep them cleaner and away from dirt and germs.

Second, be sure not to submerge any battery-operated toys in water. Clean these toys with an unscented soap, water, or try our toy cleaner in our store to ensure any remaining bacteria is killed. Our Jelique toy cleaner doesn’t contain harsh detergents like other cleaners do, so it won’t cause damage to your toys. It also contains no triclosan, which is an anti-bacterial agent that can kill good bacteria and has come under scrutiny in recent years for being linked to health issues.

You can also boil stainless steel and silicone toys – 10 minutes in boiling water should do the trick.

Lastly, make sure you’re using the right lube. Always use a water-based lubricant, as a silicone-based lube can be detrimental to the surface of your toys. However, it’s not just the toys you should be worried about damaging. . .

Choosing the Right Lube

It may seem obvious to some, but don’t forget about the lube! Not having proper lubrication while playing with anal toys can lead to discomfort. While pegging play is generally very safe, small tears can occur inside in the rectum, though those tend to heal fairly quickly. Be sure to lube up and go slowly, so as not to cause any ripping, tearing, or pain. Though studies generally show that anal play is not linked to any serious anal damage, we want this to be as positive for you as possible.

But don’t buy just any old lube – like other sexual hygiene products, lube is not often regulated, so you need to be aware of what you’re buying. Try to find natural lubes, rather than ones that contain parabens, glycerine, and alcohols. Parabens have come under fire for potentially acting as an endocrine disrupter. They are being pulled from many cosmetic products, as well as glycerine, which is a sticky emollient filler that can throw off your pH. Alcohols, like propylene glycol, are drying and can damage sensitive tissue in and on your body. Propylene glycol is cheap, which is why it’s so common, but did you know it’s also an ingredient in anti-freeze? That’s not something that should go in your body.

We make it a point to only offer safe, non-toxic products in our store. The Sliquid brand lubricants we sell are all-natural, non-toxic, vegan, and organic. They are also all water-based. Buy yourself a bottle (or two) and be sure to use an ample amount of lube each time you play, especially when experimenting with bigger toys for the first time.

Avoiding Numbing Creams

Do not buy into the idea that you need numbing creams to enjoy pegging or prostate play. Many people are terrified about anal stimulation being so painful that they feel they need a substance to help them “get through it.” Not only is this false and perpetuating a long-withstanding myth, but it can be dangerous. When your ass is numb, how are you going to be able to know if something feels painful or uncomfortable? You don’t need a numbing cream – you need patience and communication. . . which brings me to my next point -

Communicating Properly

We’ve mentioned this over and over, but it’s only because we can’t drive this point home enough – you must communicate with your partner. If the lines of communication aren’t open, things can go seriously wrong in the bedroom when you’re playing with pegging toys. Every so often, check in with each other to make sure things are still going as planned. Encourage one another to speak up. Be sure you play with a partner who you feel comfortable opening up to – otherwise your pegging experience could be less than ideal (at best) and painful (at worst.)

Overall, pegging is not something that should scare you. It’s generally safe, as long as you are smart and have done your research. Here’s a bonus: there actually could be some health benefits to pegging as well, believe it or not. Some studies have shown that prostate stimulation can help reduce the risk of an enlarged prostate, due to the fact that it can help release prostatic fluid. Another bonus is that prostate massage can help with erectile dysfunction because it helps stimulate the blood flow to that part of the body. Winning!

We aren’t doctors, so you should consult yours if you have any questions or concerns. However, we do love to see people breaking boundaries and letting themselves feel comfortable enough to explore a new side of sexuality that isn’t nearly as scary as what it may seem.

Go lube up and have fun! If you don't yet have a pegging partner, be sure to check our guides on "How to find a pegging partner" and "How to tell your partner you want to try pegging."