8 Things You Need To Know About Anal Sex

That said, it’s probably not a regular Saturday-night thing.

But one thing’s clear: whether you’re curious or a connoisseur, anal sex has become mainstream enough that it’s worth taking time to discuss what to know, what to avoid, and the how-to’s needed to make the experience amazing.

Here, sex experts share what you need to know if you’re interested in trying it out. (Looking for more new ways to spice things up? Check out 5 Kama Sutra Positions You Should Try.)

IT SHOULDN’T HURT HER.

“It may feel like an odd sensation but, done correctly, anal sex should not be painful,” says Dr Alyssa Dweck, an assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Skip experimenting if she has haemorrhoids or is having digestive issues, and use plenty of lube. Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t create its own lubrication during arousal.

Try silicone-based lube; it’s thicker and won’t dry out the way water-based lubes can, suggests clinical sexologist Charley Ferrer, author of Sex Unlimited.

IT WON’T “STRETCH HER OUT”.

“Some people worry that anal sex will lead to incontinence, which isn’t the case,” says Dweck.
The anus will stretch to accommodate a penis or sex toy that enters (much like it will stretch to allow a bowel movement to exit) and then will return to normal.

IT MAY CAUSE AN ORGASM.

For some women, the act can feel incredibly sensual. The anus has a rich nerve supply, which can make things feel very intense and, for some women, resultin an orgasm, says Dweck.

START SLOWLY.

Curious? Try it out after she’s already climaxed, when her body is relaxed, suggests Ferrer.

Or take a shower together, and massage the area with a soapy finger.
Experimenting in the bath or shower can also make it feel “clean”, although if she’s had a recent bowel movement, you shouldn’t worry about hitting any faecal matter.

Waste is held much higher up, in your lower intestine, and won’t make contact with a finger or toy. Any trace remains will be removed through washing.

IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATION.

Before your clothes are off, talk it out with your partner, says Ferrer.

And consider having a safe word – a codeword that has nothing to do with sex (like “rugby”) that brings everything to a halt, fast.

This can be a smart strategy in any new sexual situation. You may not be able to tell if her moans are of pleasure or pain, so having a codeword in place can make you both confident you’re on the same page during the act.

USE CONDOMS.

Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, condoms are a good idea when it comes to anal sex.

Why? For one, they reduce friction to provide a smoother entry.

Second, since anal tissue is fragile and susceptible to microscopic tears, having anal sex without a condom could cause the bacteria already in her anal canal to enter her bloodstream – not good, says Dweck.

And use a separate condom for each sex act (ie, if you’re going from vaginal sex to anal sex). Just be sure not to use an oil-based lube with a condom, since the oil could degrade the latex and cause the condom to break.

TRY A TOY.

“Toys can be a great way to explore anal play,” says Ferrer. Make sure you find a toy suited for anal sex that has a base that flares out. (Unlike the vaginal canal, which is closed, the anal canal is open and a toy could get stuck in the body. Not something anyone wants to explain to a doctor!)
Trying a small anal plug can get her body used to the sensation of fullness and will let her determine what’s pleasurable.