18 Things You Might Want To Know Before Having Anal Sex

It's time for some back door action.

1. Anal sex can actually be more enjoyable than you'd think.

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Before you dismiss it altogether, you should know that the anus is an erogenous zone and although you may think it's unnatural, that's actually not true. This part of the body has enough nerve endings to rival the vagina and penis. Stimulating the anus correctly can result in just as much pleasure as the genitals.

2. Yes, it is possible to have orgasms through anal sex.

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Anatomically speaking, you can have just as intense an orgasm through anal sex as you can through vaginal sex. During anal penetration, not only the prostate (in the case of men) is stimulated, but also nerves such as the perineal and pudendal (which connects with the clitoris in the case of women).

In addition, a study from the University of Indiana found that people are most likely to have an orgasm by trying out different sexual acts, including anal sex.

3. Penetration from behind has nothing to do with your sexual preference.

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The reality is that any man or woman, regardless of their sexual preferences, can enjoy anal sex.

4. Friction is not the only form of pleasure.

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Although penetration with repeated movements can give you satisfaction, vibration (like from a toy) or even simply having something inside (like a butt plug or anal cone) can be enough to stimulate these same nerve endings.

5. Touch, play, and learn.

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To have anal sex, it is important that you know your own body. Explore the area on your own, touch it and try out the terrain. This will make penetration easier and will also help you know what to request from your partner to achieve maximum pleasure.

6. One word: LUBRICANT.

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Never underestimate the power of lubrication, especially when it comes to anal sex. Thinking back to that anatomy class, remember that the anus doesn't lubricate on its own like the vagina. That is why it is so important to have lubricant so that the penis slides more easily, giving you a better experience.

7. Anal sex does not hurt if you do it right.

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You MUST be relaxed. This is essential to help the anal muscles and sphincter relax. Dr. Joe Kor, the author of Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician, and Dr. Ian Kerner, founder of GoodInBed.com, commented on BuzzFeed Health that what is most important is to be genuinely sure that you want to do it beforehand and to not feel pressured to do so.

Masturbation, the use of a condom, lubricant, and the use of some special toys will help it to be a better (and safer) experience.

If it causes pain, two things may be happening: either you are too tense or there is a lesion inside the anus or rectum. In this case, it's best to stay calm, withdraw the penis or toy, and try it again at another time.

8. ALWAYS use a condom.

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The interior of the anus is an area that can easily become infected if there are any small fissures or wounds. If you and your partner have not had HIV or STI testing, use a condom.

This will prevent any diseases and will allow you to enjoy the experience while staying safe.

9. Take it nice and slow.

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Begin with touching. If the sensation doesn't bother you, continue by inserting a finger bit by bit. A toy like a butt plug can be a good accessory to try out the sensation of something larger before inserting the penis.

Once you are used to the sensation, carefully insert the penis. Avoid going too fast the first time so as not to cause pain. If this does happen, remain calm and slowly withdraw the penis.

If you feel comfortable repeating the experience, you will find that it will gradually become much easier, since ultimately it's all about getting used to the sensation and training the muscle.

10. Doggy-style is not the only style.

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In fact, it can be one of the most uncomfortable positions. Some good positions to try are the spoon, the reverse cowgirl or the cross.

11. Never use the same condom to have vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

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If you are going to have vaginal sex after anal sex (or vice versa), it is very important to change the condom. The same goes for toys, otherwise it is easy to get a vaginal or urinary infection.

12. Don't insert just any type of toy.

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The Manual of Anorectal Sexual Health recommends that if you are going to insert an object in the anus, you must make sure that the shape is meant especially for this area. The tip of the toy should be round, and the base wider than the rest, like anal cones. Otherwise, it could be sucked inside the rectum and get stuck. If this happens to you, go to the hospital!

13. About hygiene...

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Always try to wash before anal sex (both the penis and the anus). Use soap for the genital area and avoid using perfumes, since they can dry out the area and promote infections.

Many people prefer to have better preparation, which may involve anal douches, enemas, and emptying the rectum. It's best to discuss with your partner what will make them feel the most comfortable.

14. You can get dirty...

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Just like with vaginal sex. Emptying the bowels, using a douche or enema, and having wipes handy are just a few ways to make anal sex a bit cleaner.

15. A better diet can make all the difference in anal sex.

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"A diet rich in fiber will not only make bowel movements better, but will also keep the area 'cleaner'" (Jensen, 2016). Avoid eating irritating foods that can cause pain when going to the bathroom or during penetration.

Food takes anywhere from 16 to 30 hours to reach the end of the digestive tract, so you may want to avoid certain foods for a day or so before the act 😜

16. No, anal sex will not make you end up in diapers.

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According to The Basics of Anal Sex, it is a mistaken belief that anal sex can irreversibly stretch the muscles. In reality, it is the sphincter that performs the actions of contracting and releasing. To have enjoyable anal sex, it is ideal to be relaxed so that penetration will be painless.

17. Don't use it as "birth control."

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Although the chance of getting pregnant through anal sex is extremely minimal, it is not non-existent. Semen can travel from the anus to the vagina and cause fertilization. Using a condom is the best way to prevent this.

18. Just like any other sexual relation, anal sex must be consensual.

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Good communication and established trust between partners will help make anal sex as good and pleasurable as any other sexual act. If you don't like it, tell your partner, and find what really satisfies you both!

This post was translated from Spanish.