A consensual adult practice involving a wearable harness and an attachment, commonly used to describe anal penetration by a partner. The term describes an activity, not a person's gender, orientation or role.
Sources and evidence type
Manual claim and limitation notes are shown where an individual source audit is complete. Other evidence-type labels are a publisher aid awaiting source-by-source confirmation.
NHS inform: types of sex and sexual healthCommunity context
Source design
Contextual or community source
What it can support
Terminology, reported practice or community context within the source’s own setting.
Important limitation
Community usage is not universal and does not establish safety, prevalence, clinical benefit or legal permission.
Illustration created using generative AI; not documentary evidence.
In brief
The useful starting points are meaning, consent, fit and product instructions.
People use the word differently. Discuss what it means to each person, whether they want to explore it at all, and what boundaries and safer-sex measures are appropriate. No relationship status or past conversation creates consent.
What not to assume
The activity does not determine anyone's gender identity, sexual orientation, power role or interest in other practices. A fantasy, a joke or the purchase of a product is not permission to proceed.
Some people use the term more broadly. Ask what is being proposed and keep room for a no or a change of mind.
Status
Detailed editorial draft
Publisher
The UK Kink Guide
Reviewed
Structured draft present; individual review date not recorded
Evidence
3 cited sources · types labelled below
Jurisdiction
UK-focused general education
Read the rest: evidence, law, safety and sources
Harness
A wearable support whose fit, stitching, hardware, adjustment and release need checking.
Attachment
A separate product with its own intended use, materials, dimensions, cleaning instructions and compatibility requirements.
Anal-use product
A product explicitly intended by its maker for that use, with an appropriate external retention feature and clear care instructions.
Consent and comfort
Discuss boundaries, communication, stopping, privacy and any health concerns before choosing equipment. Check in throughout and stop if there is pain, bleeding, distress or difficulty removing a product.
Neither partner should feel obliged to take a particular role or prove openness. There is no need to escalate or continue when the answer changes.
Hygiene and product safety
Check manufacturer-intended use, materials, fit and instructions for both harness and attachment. If an attachment is for anal use, check its external retention design and the dedicated flared-base guide. Do not infer suitability from shape alone.
Follow NHS barrier and lubricant advice, change barriers and clean between people or body areas as appropriate, and follow maker instructions for cleaning and compatibility. Seek clinical help for injury or a retained product.
Non-graphic examples
What the umbrella may include
Asking whether a particular activity is of interest without pressure.
Checking harness measurements and attachment compatibility.
Reading the anal-products guide before considering an anal-use attachment.
Prepare for an appointment
Questions you could ask a professional
What information would help you understand my question?
What are the realistic options and uncertainties?
How can disability, communication or privacy needs be accommodated?
When should the situation be reviewed again?
These prompts do not replace assessment and do not imply that every reader needs professional care.
Continue learning
Take the next step from definition to context.
Continue with independent guidance connecting pegging to evidence, consent, safety, uncertainty and practical decisions.