How to Douche Before Anal Sex

A douche is the practice of squirting a water solution into a part of your body for cleaning (and “douche” can also refer to the specific device for douching). Douches are a common practice for the receptive partner before anal sex, to clear out the anus of fecal matter for less mess during anal intercourse. Another term for an “anal douche” is an “enema” or an “anal enema.”

Sometimes vulva-owners use douches to clean out the vaginal opening or get rid of vaginal odor; however, this practice can actually upset the balance of healthy bacteria (vaginal flora) and increases the risk of yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Most gynecology experts and health-care organizations do not recommend vaginal douching as a part of feminine hygiene.

Anal douches allow you to clear fecal matter out of your anus, and many people who are sexually active use douching to allow anal penetration to be relatively mess-free. However, anal douches are not necessary before anal play—your rectum muscle retains most of your fecal waste deeper within your intestinal tract until it’s time for a bowel movement, which helps keep anal sex relatively unmessy. In addition, douching isn’t necessary for strong sexual health; a small amount of waste is perfectly normal during anal sex and isn’t dangerous as long as you clean up afterward.

Anal douching can pose a few risks, including:

• Anal irritation or tears: Use lube and a gentle touch when inserting tools into your anus for douching—otherwise you can irritate or tear the delicate skin of your anal opening. This can cause pain (especially during sex or penetration with sex toys) and can put you at a higher risk of bacterial or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other health problems.
• Lining damage: The lining of your anal canal is much more sensitive than your skin, so a harsh tool, too strong a jet of water, or water that is too warm or too cold can cause irritation, lining damage, burns, or cramping.
• Electrolyte imbalance: Your rectal and anal canals are filled with healthy bacteria and a specific balance of electrolytes to help regulate your digestive health; if you douche too strongly or too often, you can upset the ecosystem in your anal canal and put yourself at a higher risk of bacterial infection or STDs.

Here’s beginners guide to help you douche safely and effectively for the first time:

1. 1. Choose your method. There are several safe methods for anal douching. The most common types of douches are bulb douches (small squeezable spheres that you can fill with solution) and shower douches (or special attachments that you can connect to your shower). Other options include drug-store enema kits, water-bag douches, and mucous suckers. Avoid store-bought douching kits that include laxatives, since these can cause cramping or stomach problems.
2. 2. Prepare your tool. Make sure to clean your device properly before use—rinse the components in clean, cool water to make sure you’re not introducing any bacteria into your anus. Most people who douche use lukewarm, chemical- and soap-free water to douche. If you know your digestive system is especially sensitive to imbalances, consider making a homemade saline solution out of one-half teaspoon salt and one cup of water to mimic the electrolyte balance in your body.
3. 3. Sit over the toilet or tub. Since water will come out of your anus during the douching process, get in position over a toilet or bathtub to catch and properly dispose of the spill.
4. 4. Apply lube to your anus. If you’re using an enema bulb—which has a nozzle that goes into your anus—apply lubrication to your anus and the tool to avoid any discomfort or tearing. You may want to apply lube to your finger and insert it into your anus to loosen your sphincter for the nozzle.
5. 5. Gently insert the water. Introduce a gentle stream of lukewarm water into your anus. (Never use hot water or very cold water, since these can cause burns or cramping.) The process for inserting water will depend on the tool you use. If you have a bulb douche, insert the nozzle into your anus and squeeze gently to insert the water; once your anus feels full or the bulb is empty, keep pressure on it with your fingers and gently remove it (if you release the pressure before you remove the bulb, it will suck some of the water back into the bulb). If you’re using a shower douche, start the jet on the lowest water pressure setting and ensure the temperature is lukewarm or cool, then align your anus with the jet to insert the water. Keep the water going until your anus feels full.
6. 6. Allow water to spill out of your anus. Over the toilet or bathtub, allow the water to gently squirt from your anus until your anus feels empty. The water should look dirty or cloudy and have waste in it.
7. 7. Repeat until water is clear. Repeat the water-insertion process two to three times or until the water that comes out of your anus is clear.
8. 8. Clean around your anus. Use a piece of toilet paper or a quick shower to rinse around your anus and clean up any remaining waste. If you choose to use soap, make sure it’s a mild soap that won’t cause irritation, and keep it external rather than internal.
9. 9. Wait. While you can engage in anal intercourse immediately after douching, most people who douche recommend waiting at least thirty minutes to allow any excess water to leave your anus.
10. 10. Give your anus time in between douches. Since douching can be harsh on your body and upset the delicate balance of your digestive tract, limit douching to two to three times per week. Over-douching can put you at a much higher risk for health problems.
11. 11. Remember that it’s impossible to be completely waste-free. Waste is a normal part of your digestive tract, and it’s common for some fecal matter to be present during anal intercourse, even after douching.

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a MasterClass Annual Membership and learn more about open communication with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).