Health·Posted on Apr 23, 201730 Things Sexperts Want You To Know About Anal SexSo...basically everything.by Shannon RosenbergBuzzFeed News ReporterLinkFacebookPinterestTwitterMail We're wiling to bet your sex ed didn't even attempt to discuss anal sex. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 1. First of all, anal sex can be enjoyed by anyone. It's definitely not for one specific sexuality or gender identity. 2. Do not let your first time be drunk or unplanned. There must be explicit consent involved. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 3. Lube is your best friend. Opt for a thicker one that will last longer. 4. Porn is a pretty horrible place to learn about anal sex. 5. Regardless of your situation, you'll probably want to use a condom. 6. You might want to use a condom on your sex toys or fingers, too. View this photo on Instagram 7. And you may want to use dark sheets or lay down a towel before getting started. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 8. Stay away from numbing creams. 9. Start off with some foreplay and warm the receiver up with your hands before any type of penetration happens. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 10. The recipient should always be the one in control. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 11. Start off with positions that will make anal penetration easier and more comfortable. 12. If you’re receiving, try masturbating during penetration to loosen up and make the experience more pleasurable. 13. Using sex toys can make anal play fun, too. Just make sure they're specifically made to go in your butt. 14. And there's no reason you can't experiment with anal play on your own. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 15. Yes, you can actually rip and injure your ass, so go slow and don't force penetration. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 16. It IS physically possible for cisgender women to orgasm from anal penetration. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 17. And cisgender men can orgasm through stimulation of the prostate. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 18. Syncing your breathing with the penetration could really help make things more comfortable. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 19. You never want to go from anal sex to vaginal sex without changing condoms and/or washing up thoroughly. 20. Before having anal sex, maybe skip the foods that you know will make you feel like shit (pun intended). Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 21. And you might feel like you need to poop. In fact, you might actually need to poop. 22. And yeah, there’s a chance you could let out some weird noises while you're at it. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 23. On that note, mental preparation is just as important (if not more important) than physical preparation. 24. It’s okay to have a glass of wine before starting, but try not to go overboard. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 25. It’s normal to feel awkward talking about anal. Just try to embrace it and make sure you’re communicating honestly with your partner. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 26. Take a shower and clean your junk beforehand to make the experience cleaner and safer for both parties. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 27. You can also do an enema beforehand if it will make you feel more confident and comfortable. 28. And if you're going to be using your fingers, please make sure they're clipped and filed. 29. Look, if your body isn’t feeling it, don't force it. 30. A little nervousness is completely normal — just make sure you're actually ready and doing it because you want to. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF Remember, be patient and relaaaax. Everything takes practice!