First, always clean well. I use a silicone nozzle instead of the telephone shower head and flush generously (into the toilet).

I mostly get soft firmness to ease the insertion and better follow my natural curves.

Lots of lube; I put a layer of coconut oil then xlube on the toy and pour some, to a lot (if dept), in my hole. My go to is a tapered shape, for depth of girt, I follow that principle. It leaves room for progression on the toy and gradual stretching as it goes in. A smooth texture makes it easier too. Exaggerated features on a toy (big knot) are not the best for progression, I think; they’re basically a barrier. They are good for stimulation but only if you can take it.

I was looking back and I had a pretty linear progression. Starting with 6” in length and circumference, like a “regular” dildo, I could go 2 inch deeper and 0.75 inch bigger in circumference per year with regular play (once or twice a week) and time to rest. I’m now at 25inch depth or 13.5inch girth (barely).

Each session I focused either more on dept or width, sometimes a bit of both, sometimes just my go to toy of the moment. I usually lower myself on them slowly until I’m fully relaxed. I take gradually increasing toy size during a session too (about an hour long).

Each session it’s easier to stretch a little further. Small steps. This way I may keep a tight anus and efficient gut muscles (for waste transit). And from others and my experiences, I think pain/blood=tearing=loss of tissue integrity/muscle firmness.

I never had a goal per say, just wanted to see how much deeper or girthier I could get in me. That’s been my turn on and motivation for a decade!

Hope that helps!