What about anal sex?

Anal sex has become mainstream and according to a recent article in the Journal of Sexual Medicine close to 50% of women have tried anal sex. The anus has thousands of sensitive nerve endings, which are capable of providing much sexual pleasure. Most of the nerve endings are concentrated at the opening, but the outer area is also very pleasurable as well. Much misinformation still exists around anal pleasure and it remains a taboo topic. Let’s set the record straight and put taboos BEHIND us...

Why? Pleasure comes in many forms. With good communication, exploring new forms of pleasure will increase the intimacy in a relationship and result in different kinds of orgasms.

Who? With a little bit of knowledge anyone can enjoy some booty play. For men it may lead to prostate massage. For women, a new erotic sensation and a feeling of fullness and tightness while using an anal toy during vaginal sex.

How? Six things to think about.

1. Clean The number one concern people have with anal sex is cleanliness. A valid concern but easily manageable. Condoms are highly recommended for anal sex. If you choose to begin with a toy, use a toy made of silicone, surgical steel or glass. These are the least porous materials and therefore will not harbor bacteria after cleaning. You can still use a condom with your toy. For more comfortable anal sex, clear your bowels first. You may wish to bathe and or use a warm water rinse. Some people use an anal bulb with warm water to flush out the anal canal for a clean experience. Always consider keeping a towel handy for easy clean up.

2. Accessories Consider using your fingers with a finger condom, a small toy, vibrator or dilator first before tackling anal intercourse with your partner. When choosing an anal toy, make sure it has a flared base. While the vagina excretes foreign objects, the anus sucks them right up.

3. Relax Relaxation is one of the keys to healthy, pleasurable play. Never force anything into the anus. To begin, press the toy or your finger gently on the outer ring of the anus. When relaxed, the anus will help draw the toy or finger in. If that’s not happening; stop, breath, relax, try again. It’s important to have all your senses at their best functioning capacity to communicate with your partner about pain so limit alcohol or drugs, which may dull your senses and impair judgement.

4. Lubricate The sensitive tissues of the anal canal need enough lubrication to keep friction low and pleasurable sensations high. Silicone lubricants, like überlube, are the preferred choice for anal sex. Remember to use your lube generously.

5. Protect Latex condoms are compatible with silicone and water based lubes. Even in a committed monogamous relationship, you should consider your risk and use a condom to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

6. Position Should anal sex become a part of your sexual repertoire, consider it as a part of the entire sexual experience: don’t forget to kiss, hug and enjoy genital play. Make sure you are aroused and enjoying this sexual interlude. Some experts recommend side to side or doggy style position as the first position couples should try when venturing into anal sexual pleasure.

Remember

• Lubricate internally and consider using anal rectal syringe.
• Do not force, go slow and gentle, be kind to your behind.
• Relax your muscles and use deep breathing.
• Don’t share sex toys that have been inserted into the rectum.
• Make sure your toy has a flared base.
• Clean sex toys after each use.
• Moving objects from one person’s anus to another vagina or anus can cause infections.
• Wash the penis, toy or finger before and after insertion.
• Use new condoms.