Come one, come all! I have a very special edition of Ask Gigi for you today: I’m reviewing the brand new (and truly epic) Soraya Beads from LELO. The thing I love about vibrating anal beads, especially the Soraya, is that they come in a variety of sizes. This means you basically get an array of anal sex toys, in an array of sizes, all in one. What’s not to love?

Let’s do it!

Anal sex is finally starting to leave its taboo past behind. And we love to see it. With that being said, people can still be a bit frazzled when it comes to anything to do with the butt. So, today we’re going to break down how to have anal play in a safe way, how to use anal toys, and why vibrating anal beads can be a really amazing tool in exploring anal pleasure. 

Firstly, why is anal play pleasurable? 

It’s actually more simple than you think: The anus is packed with never-endings. These nerve-endings are particularly clustered in the anal opening. It’s important to consider this because I think we often think anal pleasure needs to include sticking large things way up our bums – and that just isn’t true. While this CAN be fun for some folx, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. 

Activities such as rimming, anal fingering, and playing with anal toys (including anal plugs and anal beads!) can stimulate the very sensitive anal opening and bring us into a world of pleasure. 

All of this to say: You can totally have amazing anal experiences without having to get ~too intense~, if that’s not your jam.

Another reason anal play may be particularly great for penis-owners is the prostate. This gland is located near the bladder and is responsible for making a fluid that is found in sperm. When it is internally stimulated, it can feel incredibly pleasurable. You can easily access this area using your hands or an anal toy.

For vagina-owners, you can reach the A-Spot with anal penetration. The A-spot is part of the internal clitoral structure. This area is accessed through anal because the walls between the vagina and rectum are actually quite thin. If you’re an anal orgasm girlie, I see you.

1. You need to be relaxed. 

Before you get all up in that bum-area, you want to be sure you’re feeling relaxed and ready. This is ESPECIALLY true before doing any sort of penetration.

To relax, try taking deep belly breaths and allow the anus to fully chill out. 

Why is this so important? There is a pervasive myth that anal penetration is supposed to hurt – and that just isn’t true. When we experience pain during anal it’s often because we’re tensed up. If you’re nervous, you’re going to clench your bum muscles, and this is not conducive for pleasure. So, take some time to feel fully ready before you go for it. 

2. Practice alone first.

While partnered stuff is super fun, it can be helpful to try anal stimulation on your own first. If you don’t know what you like, you won’t be able to communicate these needs with a partner. We are so here for masturbation – and anal masturbation, too.

First, try massaging the anal opening and perineum (the patch of skin between the vulva/penis and the anal opening). Explore how it feels for you. You can use the Soraya for this exploration, too. Just because it’s an internal toy doesn’t mean it isn’t versatile. This toy comes with a very helpful handle so that you can reach the backdoor area without too much effort. Massage, and massage, and massage. Stay curious!

Once you’re ready, you can experiment with a wee bit of penetration (jump to “choose the right gear” for more information on that).

3. Communicate with your partner.

If you’re playing with a partner, always communicate how you’re feeling throughout the process. 

Contrary to popular belief, it’s the receiving partner (not the penetrating partner) who should be in control during anal play. If something feels uncomfortable or painful, take a break. It’s totally OK to stop and have a breather.

Have regular check-ins – before, during, and after anal play. You want to be sure both you and your partner are on the same page, enjoying the experience to its fullest extent.

4. Get yourself some lube.

When engaging in anal play (or with anal toys), you absolutely MUST have a reliable, water-based lubricant. The more lube, the better, I always say! The anus doesn’t naturally lubricate in the same way a vagina does (though I highly encourage you to use lube during ALL forms of sexual play). This means we need to be sure we’re really lubed up and ready to play before we do anything with our bums.

I really love the water-based lubricant from Lelo. It has amazing staying power – and isn’t made with yucky, irritating ingredients like petro-chemicals or glycerine. Apply the lube to your anal toy or anal vibrator – and to the anus itself. It should really feel like you’re going down a water-slide. That is the best way to ensure the experience is pleasurable and comfortable.

Feel free to reapply, where needed. 

5. Use the right gear.

What I love about the Soraya Beads is that they have a cascading pleasure design. This is a cute and fancy way of saying that the beads start small at the top, and get bigger as you make your way down. This makes this set of vibrating anal beads ideal for both beginners and advanced anal-lovers alike. 

The Soraya is made from body-safe silicone (an Auntie Gigi must-have!) and has 8 unique settings. I suggest turning the toy on first and experimenting with the settings on your hand and arms, to see what feels most enticing for you. If you’re brand new to the anal game, I’d suggest starting with the lowest setting and working your way up, as you get more confident. The handle with the control panel attached makes changing modes super simple.

Another thing I absolutely love about the Soraya Beads is that it has a super rumbly sensation. Because the anus is so full of delicious nerves (sorry, not sorry for saying delicious), this anal vibrator is great at getting really deep into the tissues for maximum pleasure.

6. Go slowly.

I cannot, for one second, emphasize this enough: When it comes to anal play, GO SLOWLY. Like, a glacial-pace, for real. Keep breathing into your body. If you find that something isn’t working for you – or is causing discomfort – slow down even more. This isn’t a rush game – and if you go too fast, you’re likely to tense up those butt muscles. And no one wants that for you.

7. Move to bigger sizes, when you’re ready.

Or, you know, don’t. It’s all about what feels right for you. 

If you pop in the top bead on the Soraya and think: Hmmm this feels good, but I could use a little more. – You can go ahead and pop in the next anal bead. Like I said, what makes these beads so great is that you can move up to bigger sizes, if you want to. 

8. Try pulling them out when you orgasm.

Just when you thought this couldn’t get better, it does! A really unique thing about anal beads is the sensation they give you when you’re pulling them OUT of your butt. When you’re getting close to the grand finale, try pulling the beads out one-by-one. I promise, it is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.

All in all, your anal journey is entirely what you want it to be. I highly recommend giving the Soraya Beads a go because this toy is easy to use, looks very pretty (you know I love me some purple), and is customizable to your needs. 

Enjoy!

XOXO GIGI

This blog is sponsored by LELO.