Pegging explained: how to do it safely
Pegging starts with the right preparation. Pegging requires a giver (with a strap-on dildo) and a receiver (who receives the dildo in his or her anus).
Using a strap-on harness with a suitably sized dildo is essential. Beginners should choose a diameter of no more than 3 centimeters to let the anus get used to it. Always use a water-based lubricant to reduce friction and make insertion comfortable.
Hygiene plays a key role: clean the dildo before and after use with warm water and an antibacterial toy cleaner. Keep communicating throughout play about what feels good and what doesn't. Gradually increase penetration to give the muscles and nerves time to relax. Safe pegging also means using condoms on the dildo when it's used anally, especially when switching partners or moving from anal to vaginal play.
Pegging is closely related to BDSM and falls under the category of femdom. The power play is similar to CFNM or cuckolding, where the man is submissive to the woman.
Why some men enjoy anal stimulation
The male body contains the prostate, often described as the “male G-spot.” This gland is located a few centimeters inside the anus and is extremely sensitive to targeted pressure. Prostate stimulation can lead to more intense orgasms than are possible through penile stimulation alone.
(source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12128925/figure/f4/)
Many men also find the psychological aspect of pegging exciting: breaking traditional power dynamics, allowing themselves to be vulnerable, and exploring a new dimension of sexual pleasure. In a 2023 survey of 466 men, 39% said prostate stimulation led to more powerful orgasms and longer-lasting afterglow. (1)
The combination of a new stimulus (anal stimulation) and power dynamics (the giver has power over the receiver) makes pegging so interesting for couples.
Dangers of pegging
When pegging, it's important to watch out for the most common mistakes. Pegging requires preparation to ensure that the recipient doesn't sustain physical injury.
Therefore, always make sure to peg carefully, let the anus get used to the size of the dildo being used, and openly discuss when one of you no longer feels comfortable.
Pegging for lesbians
For women who are attracted to other women, pegging is a suitable way to have penetrative sex without using a male penis. The strap-on dildo does not need to be held, and this technique leaves your hands free to stimulate, for example, the breasts or clitoris.
Accessibility
Pegging is accessible and suitable for all sexual orientations, including heterosexual couples, gay men, and lesbians. This versatile fetish allows for greater exploration of anal stimulation using a strap-on dildo.
Alternative to pegging
An alternative to pegging, in which the other person is penetrated with a dildo, is to use a sex machine.
The controlling partner can determine how deep, fast, and intensely the penetration is performed by turning the sex machine's controls.
You can also use a sex machine for double penetration, allowing oral sex and anal stimulation to be performed simultaneously.
Reference
- Zaliznyak, M., Walton, A. B., Stelmar, J., Isaacson, D., Gaither, T. W., Knudson, G., & Garcia, M. M. (2025). Anal sex practices and rectal erogenous zone maps among men and women of diverse sexual orientations: an anatomic-map based questionnaire study. Sexual Medicine, 13(3), qfaf037. Accessed on 26/11/2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12128925/
