What Is Pegging in Sex? Is It Safe? How To Do It?


Have you ever heard of pegging in sex, phallic belts, and role-swapping as part of heterosexual erotic encounters?

If the practice of prostate massage seems to be increasingly practiced by men worldwide, the game of pegging adds an extra level of transgression.

Let’s analyze what this sexual activity consists of in the context of heterosexual couples, how it comes about, why they like it, and the safest ways to practice it.

Pegging: what is it?

Pegging is anal sex practiced by women on men through the insertion of a strap-on dildo into the anus of the male partner. In some cases, it may involve the insertion of a different object, varying in shape and size.

Pegging is often used as part of BDSM play, although it can also occur without any form of bondage and has as its purpose:

  1. the mental stimulation of the couple through role reversal in the sexual act;
  2. male physical arousal through stimulation of prostate nerve endings.

Like outercourse, pegging is a new form of alternative sexuality within the couple.

Origins

The term pegging originated in the United States in the 1970s, where it was used primarily by gay men to describe a sex act with a female partner penetrating her lover with a strap-on phallus.

However, the practice was increasingly adopted by heterosexual couples as well.

In 1998 the term was first delivered to the general public through a celebrated sex education video by American sexologist Carol Queen.

In 2001 the American author and LGBT activist Dan Savage made it a recognized sexual practice.

Today, pegging is increasingly popular in the BDSM scene, which refers to a submission dynamic involving anal sex performed by a person while wearing a strap-on device designed to resemble a penis. 

Are those who practice pegging homosexual?

The practice of pegging is associated with lesbianism because of the use of strap-on phalluses for penetrative purposes or with male homosexuality because of the pursuit of anal penetration.

In reality, pegging is also increasingly experienced by heterosexual people (according to some studies, more than half of couples who use strap-on devices to ‘reverse’ their sex roles are heterosexual).

The anus is considered among the most sensitive parts of the male body (due to prostate stimulation) and, therefore, very suitable for sexual pleasure.

Therefore, it is not uncommon for men to enjoy being anally stimulated while not being homosexual. And, often, they prefer to receive this form of pleasure from a woman.

How to do pegging? 

As we said, the basis of this sexual practice is the use of a strap-on dildo (or any other accessory that can fulfill its function) and a phallic belt.

Strap-on dildo harness for pegging
Strap-on dildo harness for pegging

The first thing to do is to ensure that both partners are comfortable with each other. 

A lubricant is essential, and administering it (on the dildo and inside the anus) can already be considered part of the game, helpful in increasing complicity.

The woman will need to adjust the harness to which the strap-on is held around her waist, firmly but comfortably.

Once everything is prepared, it is time to begin.

Start gently, not forcing anything. Instead, try to stimulate yourself manually. Use a vibrator or massage oil to ease the tension in your body. Once you feel relaxed enough, it is time to insert the dildo.

If you are wearing a harness, slide it over your hips. Then, grasp the base of the dildo and pull it toward your anal opening, making sure not to push too hard (or too soon) when you are in contact.

Communication with your partner is key: you both must always know what you are going to do and how you intend to do it. 

Never forget the safeword: a pre-agreed password that, if spoken, immediately stops the action in progress.

Is practicing pegging safe? 

Pegging, in itself, is not a dangerous practice. Male anal stimulation, beyond preconceptions and clichés, can be pleasurable and safe.

However, the woman must use a high caution threshold, prudence, and gentleness, even more so if the man is not relaxed or has little previous prostate stimulation experience.

Data and fun facts

  • It is estimated that among heterosexual people, role swapping is a widespread practice, to the point of accounting for – in various forms – about 25 percent of sexual play within couples.
  • Pegging experienced sudden popularity in the summer of 2022 thanks to a (totally unverified!) gossip: that Prince William would practice pegging in extramarital sexual relationships with the approval of his wife, Kate.
What is pegging in sex - Google Trends data
Screenshot from Google Trends* (2022)

Summary and frequently asked questions

What is Pegging?

Pegging is a sexual practice involving anal penetration of a man by a woman wearing a strap-on dildo anchored to her body with a special harness.

Is Pegging a BDSM Practice?

Although using a strap-on dildo is very common in domination games and submission practices, pegging is not exclusively a practice attributable to the real BDSM world.

Are Those Who Practice Pegging Homosexual?

No, there is no direct correlation between pegging and homosexuality. On the contrary, the practice describes activities practiced by heterosexual couples in erotic games that include role reversal and prostate stimulation.

How to Do Pegging Safely?

The main points to keep in mind to practice pegging safely are:

  • Agree in advance with your partner on what to do and what limits to have
  • Use an anal lubricant
  • Choose an appropriately sized strap-on dildo (so small for men new to pegging)
  • Wait until the man is relaxed -mentally and physically- before beginning
  • Establish in advance a safeword to stop what you are doing immediately

More about pegging

Final Notes

Not just prostate massagers and sex toys exclusively for men: pegging represents the new frontier of male transgression, challenging centuries-old clichés about manhood and overcoming many contemporary social stereotypes.

Will it be one of the big new sex trends in the coming years?

Use the comments below, if you want, even in perfect anonymity (Sexypedia does not record any sensitive data of its users, not even their IP), to share your experience, give us your opinion, ask questions, or add items to this guide on pegging. We will publish your contribution quickly, and you can then dialogue with other readers or us!

*Sources


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