Can I Put Ice in My Ass? Anal Play With Ice Cubes

Last Updated on 1 November, 2025 by Cara Sutra

As a kinky type who is thrilled by new intimate sensations, I just love temperature play in the bedroom. I don’t mean fiddling with the central heating, I’m talking about the intense heat of BDSM wax play, or the near-electrifying jolt of ice. Experimenting with hot and cold during sex & masturbation can help you discover new ways your body likes to be stimulated, and it’s so easy to do. It’s vital to stay safe in all your explorations though. Sliding ice over your erogenous zones is one thing. But using ice cubes for anal pleasure? I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s idly wondered, ‘Can I put ice in my ass?’ Today I’m taking the plunge into those icy depths to bring you the facts about anal temperature play.

Why It’s So Tempting to Use Ice Anally

Does this really need explaining? Well, in case the appeal isn’t immediately obvious to you… You know how when something arouses you, whether in a bedroom context or non-sexual, you experience shivers through the body? Think of those shivers emanating from a place inside you, a tangible place rather than psychological. If an ice cube gliding over hot, teased skin – nipples or labia – is erotic, it’s not a big leap to wonder about sliding one inside.

That’s why using ice cubes for anal pleasure (or exploring other forms of cold sensation anal play) isn’t just a quirky idea, it’s a fairly common fantasy. But as with many fantasies, the reality can be a little more complicated. Why is putting ice in your ass any different to using it on the outside of your body?

Risks of Putting Ice Inside Your Butt

The anus and rectum areas are lined with sensitive but very delicate membranes. These tissues are not built to handle extremes in temperature, especially the intense cold of solid ice. Therefore, and very sadly, there are various risks which prevent me from being able to safely recommend that you put ice in your ass. The direct contact of ice on those fragile tissues can cause anything from mild discomfort and cramps to cold shock, spasms, burns or microtears.

When using ice on external parts of the body, you can easily remove it and stop the sensation if it gets uncomfortable or painful. The skin on your hands or thighs can take a lot more than the delicate lining of your rectum. Down there, even a few seconds of direct ice contact can be enough to do harm.

Retrieval Problems

There is also the issue of retrieval. Depending on the size of ice cube you shove into the anus, it will stay solid for some time. Ice is smooth and slippery, more so once it begins to melt. It’s hard to keep hold of just in your hand, never mind trying to ferret around in your anus to try and hook it and remove. And if you do have to go fishing for it, you risk doing even more damage in the process.

Basically, it’s a recipe for backdoor disaster. Bummer.

Lack of Research

Apparently, the field of medicine has been too busy with other things to fully research and publish their findings on putting ice cubes up their arse. Disappointing, I know. But in truth, most of what we know comes from sex educators and established medical facts about anal anatomy.

So no, the lack of studies doesn’t mean it’s safe, it just means no-one’s volunteered for a peer-reviewed butt ice trial yet. From what we do know about our anal anatomy, it isn’t a recommended or safe practice, for the reasons already outlined in this article.

External Ice Play is the Safest Option

The safest bet? Keep your ice on the outside. That way, you still experience thrills similar to anal temperature play without risking injury. Whether you’re flying solo or sharing the fun, ice can be an incredible addition.

Solo Ice Play

By myself, I love using ice cubes over my body during solo play sessions where I can really take time over turning myself on instead of rushing towards the big finish. Putting one of these fluidproof sheets on the bed first means I can focus on the sensations instead of worrying about wrecking the bedding or my precious luxury mattress. An ice cube gently sliding over my nipples makes them perk up to attention and the nerve endings seem directly connected to those in my clit. Then, sliding the ice cube down over my tummy to my hungry vulva, labia and finally, once I’ve teased myself enough, directly on my clit… Explosive.

Ice cubes can be a little difficult to keep hold of; I prefer to use my homemade ice butt plugs, which are easy to DIY with the Loving Joy Butt Plug Ice Cube Tray that I recently reviewed. Despite not using them anally, they’re so much fun!

I recently wrote in more detail about having sex with yourself beyond masturbation, so head on over for inspiration on enhancing your self-loving playtimes.

Ice Intimacy with a Partner

What about play with a partner? There are so many ways to use ice during foreplay and mutual arousal, whether it leads to sex or you just enjoy the intimate session for its own merit.

Take turns trailing an ice cube slowly over each other’s skin. Avoid the obvious spots to start with. Let the tension build until they’re desperate for more. This will also heighten sensitivity when you both do eventually succumb to the intense arousal.

You could put an ice cube in your mouth before kissing or licking them (I’ll let your imagination do the work here), letting the cold transfer from your lips and tongue to their eager and receptive body. Ice your hands before placing them on your partner, for an ice-cold erotic massage, or slick fingering fun.

Combine ice play with bondage if you’re into or curious about kink in the bedroom.

Should You Put Ice Cubes Inside Your Arse?

Short answer? No. It’s really not a good idea to put ice in your ass. Butt(!) there are plenty of other ways to use ice for anal and full-body pleasure, whether alone or with a partner. Keep to the outside of the body; think ice sliding over the butt cheeks and maybe a daring glide over the puckered anus if you’re into rimming sensations.

Pictured: Tracey Cox Glass Dildos Set

If you love sexy temperature play, especially cold sensations, why not consider chilled sex toys? Cool down stainless steel dildos or glass sex toys in the fridge (not freezer) before use, for a safe, lasting chill. The cold – but not dangerously freezing – sensation is a thrilling substitute for ice cubes.

In Conclusion

I’m an avid fan of temperature play in the bedroom, and I’m admittedly sad that I can’t safely put ice in my ass during masturbation or before sex with my husband. However, I still love incorporating ice cubes, homemade ice dildos and pre-chilled sex toys in my erotic adventures, which make my nerve-endings dance and heighten every sexy sensation.

When it comes to using ice cubes for anal pleasure, keep it sensual but safe. Knowing the risks and keeping to external play means you can enjoy the icy chills and thrills without embarrassment, or even worse, intimate injury.

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