Available in a range of sizes, shapes and materials, butt plugs are becoming increasingly popular as anal sex loses its notoriety and becomes more "mainstream".

Butt plugs are sex toys that are designed to be inserted in the anus and rectum for sexual pleasure. In some ways, they are similar to a dildo, but they tend to be shorter, and to have a flared end to prevent the device from being lost inside the anus. Contary to popular belief, butt plugs can be enjoyed by both men and women, hetrosexual and homosexual. For men, it is the presuure exerted on the prostrate gland and for women it is theorized that it is possible to reach deeper parts of the clitoris although this is so far unproven.

Butt plugs tend to be shorter than dildos and dongs because the lower rectum can be perforated and they are varied in terms of thickness. Texture wise, butt plugs tend to be smooth to avoid damage and usually have some sort of flared end to prevent the plug from slipping to far into the body. They come in all sorts of materials such as latex, neoprene, wood, metal, stone and silicone.

Butt plugs need to be treated with the same approach to any anal sex, and should be used gently and with lots of lubrication.

Butt plugs are often used covered by condoms for hygiene, and to allow the easy disposal of any feces that they may come in contact with. Nevertheless, they should not be shared with other people, due to the risk of blood-borne diseases, including HIV that can arise from the transfer of body fluids from one person to another.

Butt plugs can be moved in or out for pleasure; for this type of activity ribbed butt plugs can increase pleasure. They can also be worn continuously for long periods of time, and some enthusiasts wear one continuously during their daily lives. This may be part of a BDSM practice or fantasy or as part of a fantasy bondage gear scenario.

Some butt plugs are manufactured with long hair or simulated animal tails attached to the base for use in human pony play or other animal fantasy role play.