How to Have Anal Sex: 7 Tips for First-Time Anal Sex

Anal sex typically refers to anal intercourse, which is the insertion of a penis into another person's anus. The term anal sex can also be used to describe any sexual activity that involves anal play, such as rimming (licking the anus) or anal penetration by a sex toy or fingers.

As with any type of sex, there are some risks that you should be aware of before trying anal sex.

1. 1. Sexually transmitted infections: You can give and receive several types of STIs through anal sex, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes. Before engaging in anal sex, make sure to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about their sexual health and wellness so you can take the necessary precautions. To be cautious, use a condom during anal intercourse and a dental dam while rimming.
2. 2. Rectal side effects: If you have hemorrhoids, be especially careful with anal sex, as it can cause irritation and contribute to a flare-up. A much rarer but more severe potential side effect of anal sex is rectal perforation (a tear in the rectal tissue). If you're on the receiving end of anal penetration and experience bleeding or pain afterward, see a doctor immediately.
3. 3. Bacterial infections: Switching from anal sex to vaginal sex in the same session can transmit bacteria from the anus into the vagina, increasing the risk of contracting a UTI, yeast infection, hepatitis A, bacterial vaginosis, and other bacterial infections. Avoid following anal sex with vaginal sex, and at the very least, put on a new condom or thoroughly wash the body part or sex toy that you're using for penetration.

The decision to try anal sex should begin with an open conversation with your partner. Start with anal training, which is the exercise of building your tolerance for anal penetration, typically with the use of fingers or sex toys. Once your partner consents to anal sex, here's how to make it a positive and safe experience.

1. 1. Ease into anal play. If you’re the receptive partner (also called the “bottom”) and you’ve never tried anal penetration before, first experiment with anal play during masturbation, using your fingers or a small sex toy (like a prostate dildo, vibrator, or a butt plug). After you get comfortable on your own, let your partner pleasure you in the same manner so you can get on the same page about your likes and dislikes.
2. 2. Practice anal hygiene. The receptive partner should try to have a bowel movement around an hour before sex and then wash the anal region soap and water. The receptive partner can also use an enema one to two hours beforehand to clean out the lower portion of their rectum.
3. 3. Use protection. The risk of transmitting an STI is higher during anal sex than other types of sex, so it's good to use a condom during anal intercourse and a dental dam when engaging in rimming or any other type of oral anal play.
4. 4. Begin with foreplay. Make sure the receptive partner is loosened up and ready for penetration. Engage in some anal foreplay, like rimming or a light lube massage, so that the receptive partner's sphincter muscles relax enough for penetration to be comfortable.
5. 5. Use lots of lube. The anus doesn't produce its own lubrication, so it’s crucial to use plenty of lube. Both silicone-based lube and water-based lube are safe to use with latex condoms, but silicone lube will last longer. If you're using a silicone sex toy, use water-based lube because silicone lubes can cause the sex toy to deteriorate. Lubricate the rim of the anus and then the inside as well—you can make the application process part of your foreplay. Once the receptive partner is ready for penetration, apply more lube to the penis, fingers, or sex toy before insertion.
6. 6. Choose an anal sex position. Though doggy-style may seem like the go-to anal sex position, it may not be as comfortable as other anal sex positions for those new to anal sex. First, try lying side-by-side with the top spooning the bottom, or have the bottom lie on their stomach with the top behind them.
7. 7. Keep an open line of communication. If you're the giving partner, start slow and be gentle, only increasing intensity when the receiver is loosened up and enjoying themselves. If you're the receiver, give your partner feedback so they're aware of how you're feeling, and always tell your partner to stop if you experience discomfort.

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