Chances are, if you've spent any time perusing the many themes in porn, you've heard of double penetration. It might not be what you think it is based on that alone. Porn often portrays double penetration as a person with a vagina having penetrative sex with two people who have penises. One partner provides vaginal penetration, while the other gives anal penetration in this scenario.

While this sexy scenario is a kind of double penetration, the definition is much more comprehensive. "Double penetration involves inserting two objects into a bodily orifice," says sexologist Jess O'Reilly, Ph.D. This means there are a great many possible combinations of things to insert (think: fingers, toys, penises, etc.) and places they could go (think: mouth, vagina, anus, etc.). The spicy and exciting options are plenty!

Perhaps by reading the full definition, you realize this is something you've already explored or are interested in enjoying more fully. If so, you're hardly alone; in 2020, Pornhub revealed that double penetration is the 34th most popular out of over 100 categories on-site, and interest has grown nearly 5% since the previous year. Also interesting to note is that the category is 89% more popular with women than men, with the group most intrigued being women between 35 and 44 years old. 

Regarding how couples explore double penetration in real life, only a handful have tried the activity with multiple partners. A 2016 study of 1,880 cis straight men and women in the U.S. revealed that only 2.9% of men and 1.2% of women had tried it. But when it comes to adding in toys or using fingers to explore multiple sensations? Based on the popularity of anal toys and other pleasure-providing items, the number of people who have studied double penetration solo or with a partner is likely relatively high. 

Why Try Double Penetration?

Quite simply, many people find it extremely enjoyable. Experiencing multiple pleasurable sensations at once can be a great deal of fun and can offer stimulation to multiple erogenous zones at one time. Different combinations of toys, tongues, fingers, or a penis can provide sensations of fullness, or you could use them to introduce fun power dynamics into your bedtime romp.

It can also feel a little bit "taboo" or "naughty" — which can be a major turn-on!

What to Expect Double Penetration to Feel Like

It depends on what kind of penetration play you plan to explore — everything will feel a little different. Like with any sexual experimentation, the key here is to take your time and keep an open line of communication with your partner. Speak up if you experience pain or discomfort or change your mind about what you're enjoying. Consent and communication are always crucial. 

No matter what orifice(s) you've decided you'd like penetrated, and by what object(s), it's likely to feel more intense than a singular source of stimulation. Be sure to listen to your body and its limits; if something is causing pain or doesn't feel right, it's time to stop and reassess. Also, be sure to listen to your partner — if they say 'stop,' 'no,' use a safe word or seem uncomfortable, respect that immediately.

Here are a few things you can potentially use to explore double penetration, and it's no surprise that each one might feel different:

• Anal Plugs
• Anal Beads
• Dildos
• Strap-ons
• Vibrating Toys
• Fingers or fists
• Tongue or lips
• Ballgag

How to Get Started Exploring Double Penetration?

If flying solo is your game, or if you want to explore the sensations of double penetration alone before giving it a try with a partner, you can use fingers or toys. Take your time, and be sure to have plenty of lube on hand, too.

If you are interested in double penetration of any kind with a partner, the first step is to discuss what you're interested in trying. Let your partner know what sounds super sexy, and ask if they'd be interested in giving it a try. Be very clear about what you want or don't want to include — and be fully confident that your partner is on board as well. Then, start slow, keep communication flowing, and don't forget the lube.

Whether you're working alone or exploring with a partner, start small. Try a single finger or a small toy first. If that's enjoyable, give the next size up a try. But don't automatically assume that bigger is better! Give your body time to adjust and discover what feels most pleasurable to you both. Explore different positions, too. Depending on what flavor of double penetration you're exploring, you may find certain ones more accessible and more enjoyable than others.

Perhaps exploring with multiple partners is your fantasy — options abound here, too! As with one partner, the key is communication. Be clear about what you'd like to try, what boundaries you have around the activities being discussed, and a straightforward way to pull the brakes on everything if someone feels discomfort or doesn't want to continue. And, like a broken record: don't be stingy with the lube.

Are There Benefits or Drawbacks to Double Penetration?

Of course, the overwhelming benefit of any sexual activity is mountains of pleasure. Double penetration offers a diversity of delicious combinations to explore and enjoy. It can take your solo pleasure self to a new level or introduce some spicy new excitement with a partner (or multiple partners). 

The most significant danger of exploring double penetration is the potential for injury. Yep, you guessed it, and this can be minimized by lots of communication with your partner, starting slow, and using generous amounts of lube. Suppose you're beginning your exploration, especially with anal penetration. In that case, experts recommend avoiding lubes with any numbing properties, as they can make it hard to feel the pain that might be a clue to stop. 

Additionally, any toys you're using for anal penetration should be specifically designed for the task; they must have a flared base or, like a strap-on, are attached to a partner or stable surface. This makes the removal of a slippery toy a cinch and keeps you from having to take a trip to the emergency room to retrieve it. 

Double penetration can add layers of new pleasure into your bedroom escapades, mainly because there is such a wide variety of ways to enjoy it. Really, between bodies and toys, the options are nearly endless! Like with any new exploration, communication with your partner is critical. Be open and honest about what you'd like to try and what feels great. And don't be shy about what isn't working for you.

Take your time, start small, and yes, we mentioned the lube, right? Good luck!

Sources:

What To Know Before You Try Double Penetration. (January 2020). Refinery29.

D is for Dildo, Double Penetration, DATY, and Daisy Chain. (September 2010). Sex with Dr. Jess.

Women of the World. (March 2019). Pornhub Insights.

Sexual Scripts and the Sexual Behavior of Men and Women Who Use Pornography. (October 2016). Sexualization, Media, and Society.

A Beginner's Guide to Double Penetration. (November 2020). Healthline.

Your Everything-to-Know Guide to Double Penetration. (October 2019). Cosmopolitan.