Anal masturbation can be pleasurable for men and women of any sexual orientation, as the anus contains many sensitive nerve endings. For men, anal masturbation can be especially pleasurable because it often stimulates the prostate, which also contains sensitive nerve endings. Indeed, some butt plugs for men are specifically shaped for prostate stimulation. For women, insertion of an object into the anus can indirectly stimulate the vagina. Since the muscles of the anus contract during orgasm, the presence of an object holding the sphincter open can strengthen the sensation of the contractions and intensify orgasm for both men and women.

Enemas or anal douches are, for hygenic reasons, often taken prior to anal masturbation, but they can also be a form of anal masturbation themselves: see klismaphilia. Using enemas too frequently can lead to a physical dependence on them in order to have a bowel movement, however.

Since the anus does not produce natural lubrication, it is often necessary to apply lubricant to the anal area before insertion of any object.

Commonly inserted objects include butt plugs, anal beads and phallic vegetables.

Anal orgasm
An anal orgasm is a sexual climax (orgasm) in a man or woman brought on through anal stimulation, either from an inserted finger, penis, or sex toy. Some men and some women, though not all, are able to achieve an anal orgasm, resulting in a complete sexual climax.

In men, stimulation of the prostate by a partner and possibly additional stimulation of the penis by a partner may cause an orgasm to occur.

In women, stimulation of the nerve endings in the vaginal wall, (which are close to the rectum), from a partner's penis and possibly additional manual stimulation of the clitoris, may bring about an orgasm.

In both sexes pleasure can be derived from the nerve endings around opening to anus. Hence, Anal-oral contact can still be pleasurable without stimulation of the prostate or clitoris. Also, the anal orgasm has nothing to do with the prostate orgasm, though these two are often confused with each other.