We’re all aware of BDSM and the numerous fetishes that come along with it. Although somewhat taboo and often looked down upon in the mainstream, it can be a powerful form of sexual escapism. As such, we think it’s important to explore toys and gadgets that kinksters use in bondage. In our article, we’ll answer all of your questions about anal hooks as well as explain how to use them safely.
What are they?
The first and most logical step to take is to state what anal hooks are. The history of rectal hooks dates back to medieval times. Back then, people would use them for torture. However, times are different nowadays, and hooks are essential gadgets in the BDSM community.
They come in two forms — resembling U and J letters. The point is to use one end for insertion and link the other to a rope. Some of them have bulbs attached for additional pleasure, while others can act like prostate massagers. The rope you link to the hook is what you or your partner use for pulling or tying to other sex toys like cock rings, cages, or nipple clamps.
Hooks are available in different materials. But it’s best to use stainless-steel types because they’re easy to clean and won’t infect your body with bacteria if you sterilize them. That is essential for all users since STIs aren’t something you’d like to experience and have problems with. Let’s talk about why BDSM kinksters use them now, shall we?
Why do people use them?
If one can enjoy all sorts of anal play toys like butt plugs and rectal beads, why would they choose something so extreme like hooks? That’s a good question, but we have a couple of even better answers. Namely, hooks and BDSM go hand-in-hand, and bondage isn’t what you’d call gentle. Anal hooks allow for all sorts of bondage and shibari scenarios that allow participants to feel consensual torture and degradation.
These gadgets restrict movement and make users be still. As such, people can fully experience being submissive to their Dom. Also, the cold steel makes the whole act more intense and perverse. If you attach your hook to other BDSM toys like chastity devices or nipple clamps, you can fulfill your perverse fantasy to the fullest.
In some ways, hooks can prove to be the final test of your bondage career. What we mean by that is that the whole experience is over the top, and if you can take it, the sky’s the limit for you. But anal hooks can also be fun and have a positive effect on your sex and relationship overall. They’re not torture devices like in medieval times. They’re all about consent and safety.
How to use an anal hook?
When it comes to their use, there are a couple of steps to remember. Firstly, you’ll need to clean your rectum and toy. You should douche your anus at least a couple of hours before use. After that, arouse yourself and relax your ass. Using an anal hook while your body is stiff and tight will hurt like hell. You don’t want that, do you?
Before you insert the device into your anus, make sure you lubricate. And when we say lubricate, we mean use plenty of water-based lube as it’s the best. It will help the whole act feel more comfortable and safe. Without it, you’re risking tearing your anal tissue, which is something you’ll be looking to avoid. Trust us.
When you insert the hook, you can do all sorts of things with it. For example, you can allow your partner to pull the rope, making motions inside your anus. Also, some people like to tie it to their hair, pulling their head backward. But you can attach it to a harness under your clothes and go about your day too.
Other forms of anal hook play include temperature play, tying it to an object, getting into shibari positions, adding other sex toys to the equation, and so on. There are all sorts of scenarios that you can explore once you become comfortable with basics like pulling.
What to consider when buying one?
Here’s what to keep an eye out for before buying an anal hook.
- Budget — The first thing that comes to mind is how much you are willing to spend on a toy like this. And since it’s a pretty delicate piece of equipment, we would suggest that you invest a bit. You don’t want a cheap, plastic hook. It won’t be comfortable enough, and you won’t be able to clean it properly.
- Insertable Part — Hooks come in many shapes and sizes. You can see bulbs as well as plug-shaped and flat ones. The bulbs and plugs will be much more comfortable for newbies when they insert them, so we wouldn’t advise you to pursue the flats.
- Curve — As we’ve said, there are J and U types. Both can work great, so this is more of a personal thing. In case you have a bigger budget, it would be a good idea to buy both and see which feels better.
- Material — Although available in different materials, we would always suggest stainless steel. It’s safer and easier to clean, so you shouldn’t make any compromises when it comes to this.
Are they safe to use?
Like all sex toys, anal hooks are safe as long as you use them properly. Here’s what to look out for.
- Clean your anus and toy both before and after use. Also, use lots and lots of lube no matter how experienced you think you are.
- If you’re using a hook that has a plug or a bulb on the insertable part, you should always make sure it is screwed properly before use.
- Tying your hook to a rope and another object sounds fun and all, but it’s vital to have scissors near you in case it becomes uncomfortable.
- In case you’re playing around with shibari, don’t use the hook as a suspension point.
- Remember that pain is only pleasurable to some degree. Stop immediately if you feel it’s becoming too much for you to take.
- BDSM without safewords isn’t what you’d like to experience.
- You shouldn’t experiment with flat hooks if you’re a newbie.
- It’s important to have realistic expectations and not play with hooks that are out of your comfort zone with their size.