Anal sex is a type of sex which stimulates the anus. Most people have anal sex by inserting a penis, finger, or sex toy into the anal canal, but it can also be experienced orally.
For those wanting to give anal sex a try, it’s handy to start with basic anal play. This could be anything from using your mouth on your partner’s bottom to inserting your fingers.
The anus is a delicate part of your body, so try not to rush into anal sex. Foreplay with a trusted partner is a good way to discover what your boundaries and desires are.
How to lower the risk of injury during anal sex
Injuries like anal fissures, infections, and colon perforations are rare, but can happen when the right safety measures aren’t taken. Luckily, there’s plenty of ways to have safe (and fun) anal sex:
Lubricant – Using a good quality anal lube will make it easier to slide inside the anus without damaging it.
Enema – An enema prior to sex offers a deep clean of the anus, which lowers the chance of both making a mess and spreading infections. You should learn how to safely do an enema first, and make sure to leave a few hours between doing one and having sex.
Nails – It’s polite (and more hygienic) to clean and trim your nails before any kind of anal play that involves your hands. This protects your partner’s anus and stops anything unwanted getting stuck underneath your nails.
Condom – Condoms stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The latex used to make condoms can also make it easier to enter your partner — if combined with latex-safe lube.
Position – There are plenty of anal sex positions you can try to make sure you’re both enjoying yourselves. Communicate with your partner and double check that the receiver is comfortable with the angles and depth of penetration.
Speed – This isn’t a race. Start slow with anal sex and work up the pace. This lets the receiver’s anus gradually open up to fit a penis or toy without becoming torn.
Can you have an orgasm with anal sex?
Yes! It’s totally possible for some people to orgasm during anal sex. For men and people with penises, this can happen as a direct result of stimulating the P-spot inside the anus. Although they don’t have a P-spot, women and people with vulvas can enjoy and even orgasm during anal sex. Either way, orgasms are often more likely to happen during anal sex if you’re also stimulating the penis, clitoris, or G-spot at the same time.
