A lot of people think anal sex is just a waste of time and that it’s not safe, but the truth is there’s nothing wrong with exploring it because you can have anal sex safely. It can be extremely fun, very satisfying and even a bit mind-blowing for some people. There are a few things you should know and understand about this type of sex.
Before you begin, make sure you and your partner are both clean and free of any faeces or other debris that might make anal sex uncomfortable or painful. A baby wipe or soap and water should be enough to get rid of any lingering bacteria and sex-related germs, gynecologist Dr. Jessica Moritz says, but you can also use an enema or an anal douche to get rid of any gross stuff that might be in there.
Having your anus cleaned before anal sex is important because it can help reduce the chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the future, Dr. Chinn explains. It’s also a good idea to have your partner clean their anus as well so you’re not transferring any germs from one partner to the other.
After your anus has been cleaned, it’s best to lubricate it thoroughly. You can use a variety of lubricants, but Dr. Chinn recommends using a water-based lubricant, like KY or Astroglide. This will be more comfortable than using an oil-based lube, she says, which might break down condoms.
Key tip to have anal sex safely
Another key tip to have anal sex safely to remember is that it’s important to go slowly and not to speed up penetration, since this can increase the chance of cramping or bleeding in the rectum. If you experience pain, slow down or stop the sex entirely.
You should also be sure to communicate with your partner about what you are feeling, and if anything hurts. Your partner might need to re-lubricate you or move you around until you are comfortable, so it’s important to be open and honest about what you’re feeling and what is comfortable for both of you.
If you’re still not sure how to have anal sex, it’s a good idea to start out with small anal toys and butt plugs. These are a good way to start getting comfortable with anal sex because they’re not as big and you can experiment with different sensations and depth of penetration.
Your anus isn’t usually able to produce enough lubrication to have a comfortable experience, so it’s important to use a good quality lube. If you’re using latex condoms, it’s also important to avoid oil-based lubes because they can break down them and make them less effective, according to Dr. Bennett.
It’s also a good idea to bring a few anal toys along, so that you have something different to touch on your anus with each time you sex. That will help you feel more at ease with it and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by how big it is, she adds.