In this article, we’re going all in…on a pleasurable type of anal play called pegging. Consider this your sex education in a specific category of something we like to call, “butt stuff.” The term pegging was first used to describe the sex act of a cisgender woman anally penetrating a cisgender man, but today, it’s a whole lot more inclusive and expansive.
What is pegging?
How to define the term pegging? It is the sex act wherein one partner anally penetrates the other. Pegging includes any strap on anal penetration between partners. It is a sexual act open to all genders and sexualities. That means that is an act that can be enjoyed by people with or without penises – the penetration can be achieved with a penis or with strap-ons. It is a type of anal play that can be intimate and pleasurable – and can allow for some fun role switching…not to mention new types of orgasm.
The pleasures of pegging
What makes the act of pegging special? Well, in case you’ve never tried, anal penetration can be extremely pleasurable. And that’s because there are so many nerve endings in the anus as well as around the anal opening. So pegging, i.e., using a strap on for anal penetration, can stimulate that area.
More specifically, for people with penises, the act of pegging can stimulate the prostate, the erogenous zone between the base of the penis and rectum. It’s also known as the male G-spot. A dildo inserted into the anus can easily reach this area, initiating a very intense orgasm. For those with vulvas, this type of anal play can indirectly stimulate both the G-spot and clitoris.
Plus, it’s not just the receiver who gets to enjoy pegging. The dildo wearer can also get the pleasure of the practice – with every thrust, the base of the dildo presses into their pubis (and, perhaps, their clitoris, if they have one). So whether you wear a strap-on dildo, or you are penetrated by one, you’re getting something out of the deal.
5 tips so you can enjoy pegging
For lesbians (or anyone) looking to enjoy the sexual practice of pegging, we’ve gathered our top 5 tips for your pegging pleasure.
Tip 1: Talk about it
First things first – you don’t want to spring your dildo on anyone without having a conversation about it. Communication and consent are key with all sex acts, pegging included. If you’d like to integrate the practice into your sex life but aren’t sure how to bring it up, consider an approach that goes a little something like this: “I recently read an article about pegging, and I’m wondering if it's something you’ve ever wanted to try?” Or perhaps: “A friend shared about how they’ve been exploring pegging with their partner and said it was amazing. Is that something you’d be open to?” You’ll also want to discuss which one of you might want to wear a strap-on and which might want to be penetrated. Of course, you can flip roles at any time, another benefit of the practice.
Tip 2: Prepare the playing field
You’re not as likely as you think to put up with any literal shit during anal sex in general. That said, if you’re receiving, you may still want to give your butt a light wash before pegging. Warm water and soap will do the drink. Avoid any strong or astringent cleanser, as they may dry you out, making the delicate anal tissue more prone to tearing.
Tip 3: Find the right strap-on dildo
To get started, you need some key pieces of equipment: an anal-safe strap-on dildo, a strap-on harness, and definitely some anal lubricant (more on that below). You can shop full strap-on kits or find your essentials, one at a time. There’s such a variety to explore, and you and your partner may want to shop around to find the best fits.
Tip 4: Use lube
We cannot stress this enough: For pegging (and all kinds of anal play, really), lube is essential. With vaginal sex, stimulation and arousal generally lead to natural lubrication, but with anal sex, this is not the case. The anus has no self-lubricating capacities. And you definitely want ample lubrication to avoid any unpleasant feelings of friction. You’ll want to apply anal lubricant and you’ll want to apply it liberally. For use with latex condoms or silicone strap-ons, you’ll need a water-based lube. For other materials, you can use a lube that is silicone-based, oil-based or an oil-water hybrid.
Tip 5: Go slow
For pegging, especially if it’s a practice that’s new to you or your partner, you’ll want to take things slow. Take the time to get in the mood and to get intimate. Build arousal as you would with any other sexual experience – start with kissing or light touching and then amp up with other kinds of non-anal touch to get things going. Perhaps, before strapping on the strap-on dildo, consider some oral or manual stimulation of the anal area. This can help acclimate you both to what may be the new sensations of giving or receiving anal stimulation. Slowly stimulating the anus can help the receiver loosen up and relax the muscles. Once you’re both comfortable, then you can harness up for pegging.
Final thoughts on pegging as penetrative play
If we had to share one final bonus tip for enjoying pegging? Play with different positions, find your fit, and find your pleasure. It might be good to start in a missionary position, especially for first-time peggers, as you can more easily check in on facial expressions, to see what works best for you and your partner. Doggy style can be a great choice, too. Not quite getting the right angle? Pillows can be your friend – use them for some lift under the receiver’s hips.
We hope you’ve gotten at least a taste of what pegging can do for your sex life, no matter your gender, sexuality, or experience level. Ultimately, what is pegging, if not a totally democratized experience of pleasure? Consensual penetrative anal play for all!
