How to Prepare for Anal Sex Safely and Enjoy It

For a safe and pleasurable anal sex experience, you need to have the right tools and knowledge on how to prepare for anal. We’ve got the WHOLE thing covered here. Read on:

how to prepare for anal

Anal sex is one experience worth trying.

But there is still a lot of misinformation and negative perception that comes with it. It doesn’t help either that curious couples may have had it bad during their first time. So, it’s no surprise people would hesitate to try it out.

However, anal sex shouldn’t be scary.

You just have to arm yourself with the right ASS-ets. Thankfully, this article has all the tips and tricks you need to prepare for anal sex. 

So go on ahead and dive in deeper. You are about to enter into newfound territory.


Try it by yourself first

Having a finger or toy up in your ass could bring whole new sensations. Much so if you choose to go all-in with a penis for your first time.

So what should you do to be physically and mentally prepared for the process?


Practice is the key

Doing it by yourself first enables you to have CONTROL. This allows you to test being the receiver and giver in the relationship. 

Knowing how each position works helps you know what feels good for you and your partner.

You will communicate and understand one another better. And you would also know your way AROUND if you do decide to add more people to the mix.

Solo anal play helps people discover how they could be better givers and receivers. If it feels good for you, then it could also feel good to them. You would also come to realize the things pleasurable to your body.

Feeling the right sensations and all that takes practice. So don’t shy away from trying it out by yourself first. 

Mastering the art of anal sex requires PATIENCE. And you have all the time in the world to know its ins and outs.


How to Prepare for Anal: Anal Hygiene Tips

A common problem people have when it comes to anal sex is hygiene.

The internet has thankfully got you covered when it comes to the different tips being shared out there. A simple search on Google may do the trick. Or browsing through Reddit as part of your daily night routine may help you find what you are looking for.

Anal prepping is as simple as it gets. It basically comes down to your common sense in the situation.

Here are 5 tips to take note of in anal hygiene:

Washing Before Going In

Keeping it clean in and around your anal area beforehand can be done in two ways:

  1. The Easy Clean Method

This method works for most people out there as it is less tedious. 

You simply go to the bathroom around 30 to 60 minutes before sex. Empty those bowels. Then wash your butt with the use of regular soap and water.

Others may also include the use of hypoallergenic and unscented baby wipes.


  1. The Deep Clean Method

Anal douching about an hour or two before anal play could also provide you with the best experience. This especially works great for those who are MORE THOROUGH with their cleaning needs.

You would just need a couple cups of water as you want to make sure that you can rinse out about 6 to 8 inches of your rectum.

You have to be careful, though. Using too much water may haywire your digestive tract. This could lead to some messier stumbles that you would want to avoid.

Warm water is a MUST. Press it against your wrist so you have the right temperature.

You’ll cramp if it gets too cold. On the other end, you will irritate the surrounding tissues on your anus if it gets too hot.

Make sure the water you are using is something you’d drink.

Pro Tip

The enema works best if you use filtered water.

Discover some of the best tips on how to anal douche in this guide.


Using Towels During Sex

A towel could be your best friend in bed if you decide to engage in some anal play. It keeps things clean on the surface. It lessens the possibility of getting stains on your bedsheets.

In addition, you can use it to easily collect any bodily fluids, lube, or poop all at once.

You can’t avoid having things go messy when it comes to butt play. That towel may just be your saving grace.

Simply fold the towel up once you and your partner are done. Then, put it in the laundry and go on your merry way.


Foreplay With Gloves

This may sound rather kinky, but gloves are just the extra layer of protection that you need. It is both convenient and efficient.

They are also a perfect accessory for giving an anal massage to your partner.

What is an anal massage? It basically means stimulating your significant other in their anal area. This loosens the nerve endings, helping them prepare their body for penetration.

Most local drugstores can provide you with the medical gloves that you need. But remember that they’re not always the racy kind you purchase in sex shops.

You might want to try gloves used by tattoo artists as an alternative.

They are much thinner in comparison to medical gloves. But they do come in black, which to some makes it a hotter asset for foreplay.

The best-fit ones are latex. They are not as expensive.

But there are two downsides. First, folks with more sensitive skin can’t withstand the touch and feel of latex. They are also less compatible with the oil-based lubricants used for anal play.

Nitrile gloves work best with oils. You could get a whole variety of sizes within a single box.

You have to be careful, though.

Discard the nitrile glove if it wrinkles from being too loose around your hand.

Those folds could very much irritate the butt if there are too many of them rubbing against the area.

Of course, foreplay would not be complete without the occasional dirty talk you share with your partner.

So get out of your comfort zone and say something sexy while putting on those gloves. It does not have to look sanitary all the time when you are putting it in your hand.

Make it as sensual as you can. Tell your partner that you are having a good time. Make them feel like you cannot wait to touch and devour them.

All the little things could turn the simple act of putting on gloves into something insanely sexy.


Cleaning Before Double-Dipping

IMPORTANT

ALWAYS clean when you transition from the anus to the vagina.

I can’t stress this tip enough. This is one of the important tips you need to remember in anal hygiene.

Double-dipping without cleaning may give unwanted infections to your partner or yourself. In addition, those oils or bodily fluids must not get transferred from one area to the next as that may cause the mood to shift.

Remember that you are not the only participant in this exchange. Be more cautious with others as their health is also your primary concern. 

This rule also applies to those engaging in anal play with multiple people.


Remaining Cool and Positive In Case Things Go Sideways

You have to be realistic when it comes to anything that involves your back area.

Keeping your anal hygiene in check may reduce the chance of having messy incidents happen. But you can never really expect the outcome. You just have to hope for the best.

It is pretty understandable if couples decide to stop once things go out of proportion. And you can’t blame them. 

However, you could also take a moment to clean up. Take a quick shower. Then decide to do something different once you go back to bed.

Don’t pressure yourselves. Do what feels good for both of you. Just keep calm and breathe.

No need to go into instant freakout mode. It may be a letdown that your first-time anal didn’t turn out exactly as planned. But you could at least not make it a full-blown disaster.

A calm head is all you need. Clean up the mess and move on. Escalating things further would just complicate things.

Things stay small if you make them small. Change your mindset, and just remain positive throughout the whole thing.


Facts on Anal Hygiene

Educating yourself in anal hygiene is one of the essential things to keep in mind when delving into anal play – whether from diets and enemas to shaving and use of protection.

Here are some facts you need to know.

Using A Douche Or Enema

It takes a lot of practice to clean yourself properly in the rear. So give yourself a good amount of time if you do it yourself the first few rounds.

Prepping ahead of time should help. A couple of hours could make a difference in ensuring that your butt is spotlessly clean.

How so? Well, water can get stuck in your rectal folds. This means it takes time for them slowly come out of your anus. 

You should make sure you are nearby of a bathroom just in case.

Back to prepping, though, here are the steps to effectively use a douche or enema:

  • Step 1: Rinse the douche or enema. Then wash the nozzle and have warm water fill the bulb.
  • Step 2: Attach the nozzle to the bulb. Then lubricate the nozzle.
  • Step 3: Be in a comfortable position by resting on your elbows and knees. You could also lie on your side if you want. Then slowly insert the nozzle and squeeze the bulb.
  • Step 4: Hold the water in for about 10 to 15 seconds, then release it to the toilet. Repeat this a few times. You could refill the bulb while holding it in the water. Keep repeating until all the water is released.
  • Step 5: Clean both the nozzle and bulb with some mild soap. Then let it dry before storing it away. Now, you’re all good to go!

Discover more best tips on how to anal douche in this guide.


Shaving: Aye or Nay?

Is shaving your butt or anal area recommended? There is no right answer, to be frank. It all depends on one’s comfort at the end of the day.

Some individuals love body hair, whether it’s the texture, scent, or even just its sight.

You could ASK YOUR PARTNER what they are into. And don’t forget to ASK YOURSELF, TOO.

There’s no need to shave if you’re not down for it. (Also, you might be a little lazy to keep things smooth down there.)

The downside of not shaving basically comes down to poop. Fecal matter, unfortunately, does get stuck on your butt hairs. But you could avoid this by doing the number one tip in anal hygiene: washing before going in.


Watching Your Diet

Having a healthy and balanced diet equates to better anal play. But how? You might ask.

Well, it comes down to the proteins and fibers you are ingesting into your body. Protein helps harden your poop, while fiber ensures you have a jolly good time pushing the feces out of your system.

Examples of fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

Something to note

Avoid caffeine or alcohol as much as possible.

All you need is water. It helps keep the movement of your bowels in their normal state.


No Condoms During Anal?

The short answer: Yes, it is fine.

However, there are TWO things to keep in mind: 

  • Both of you are in a monogamous relationship.
  • Both of you have tested negative for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Having said that, not using any condoms does not guarantee you be safe even if you are both “clean.”

This brings us back to the basics of practicing safe sex always first, which means that any means of protection used for regular intercourse is back on the table. This includes researching the different types of STIs and how you could prevent them. 

Also, BE HONEST with your partner about both your statuses. This helps you open up a meaningful conversation in your relationship that lets each of you understand your limits and boundaries.

TRUST must be established to get to that ‘out of the world’ experience. With that, you would be making better choices for yourself and your partner when it comes to safety.

To know the best condom to use for anal sex, check out this guide.


Anal Talk

Bringing up anal sex with a partner could get quite uncomfortable for some people out there. But, thankfully, we’ve got you covered in that department as well.

Surprises Are Never A Good Option

First, you have to remind yourself that NOT everyone may enjoy the same things as you do.  There are still a lot of people who have never tried anal sex. There are also others who have but may not have ended up working out due to the feeling of pain.

Exacting pressure on your partner is never a great idea, to begin with.

Surprising them may just ruin the mood.

So make sure to talk to them first about the new sexual activity you’re introducing. The last thing you want to do is traumatize them while doing the deed.


Opening Up Before Anal

Before you get the wrong idea, this advice is all about opening up a conversation with your partner before sex.

Now when is the right time to introduce the idea of anal to your significant other? Simple. Just bring it up any other time you two aren’t getting it on.

Having the two of you think straight would avoid any pressure. It would also make it easier to move on if your partner is somehow uninterested in doing it.

Casually going up to them and saying that you are somewhat curious about anal sex could be a great opener. You could then pick things up based on the reaction you are getting from your partner.

Are they interested in exploring any further? If so, then great. If not, then leave it be.

Pushing it past that point may result in some complications in the relationship. If they still have doubts, then have them take their sweet time.


Do Not Rush Them

‘Patience is a virtue’ in these types of situations.

Not everyone may be excited about the idea. This is especially true for those who have experienced something bad or regrettable in the past. So the best thing you could do is tell them “no pressure.”

Allow them to take in those thoughts if they want some time to think about them. Be considerate as the last thing you want to do is force them to do something they are not into.

Something to note

Have them take ALL the time they want.

Rushing your partner may also strain your relationship if you continue to bombard them with this topic.

Don’t just randomly insert a finger, toy, or penis in their butt during sex if you badly want them to try it out on a whim. Instead, be as patient of a lover as you can. This way, it also shows that you do care for them.

You could wait a few days before bringing anal sex in your day-to-day conversations. A week could also work. Just don’t bring it up in short periods.


With Great Knowledge Cums Great Responsibility

Perhaps a common reason for discomfort during anal play is not knowing how to do things right. In this case, you reassure them that you’ve done your research. Such words could actually go a long way.

Awareness is also great. Understand that what you are feeling is not necessarily what they are feeling in the moment. Learning this through practice allows you to hold the situation better.


Your Partner’s Verdict on Anal Sex

It’s A No. You would feel disappointed if your partner does decide to skip out on the idea of butt play. But you also have to be understanding.

Anal sex is not everyone’s cup of tea. So it is best not to let the topic dwell too much in your relationship. The last thing you want to do is put up a gap in your love affair.

Do not annoy them from time to time either if they already gave a firm no. Convincing them to change just puts a whole load of pressure on their minds. In fact, it may cause more headaches that may sever your relationship with them for good.

What you could do is simply thank them for their honesty.

Ask them why they are not into it if you are still curious about their response. Then, you could maybe work something out. This way, you could find other pleasure methods involving your back area.

No penetration? No problem. You can try out external touching instead.

Anal training could also be of good practice if your partner wants that.

In the end, just accept the way things are if they already have their mind set up. Besides, sex is not only limited to anal. You could still give some insane pleasure to your partner in other ways.


It’s A Yes. This is the moment you have been waiting for! A yes from your lover.

You are now an inch closer to feeling the joys of anal play. But, you need to first ask them a few questions before proceeding.

Here are a few examples you could ask:

  • Is this your first time doing anal?
  • Have you tried using anal toys?
  • What makes anal sex enjoyable to you?

These could basically give you the info you needed to know what you could do in bed.

That feeling of having anal sex with your partner just for the act is different from the physical interaction itself. So, take your time in understanding how they view anal play. 

Knowing more helps you create a better experience, and it for sure would leave a smile on both of your faces.


Common Mistakes to Avoid for Beginners

The first time is not always the greatest for most anal sex beginners. But, don’t you worry. We’ve got the most common mistakes covered for you so that you can avoid them as much as possible.

  1. No Lube. The anus does not lubricate itself like the vagina. So best keep a handy lubricant around your bedside to avoid chafing or irritation.
  1. No Foreplay. You can’t just go all in without setting the mood. Stimulation is just as powerful as any other sensation during sexual intercourse.
  1. No Protection. Better safe than sorry. You can never really predict how things will turn out, so best to have all your bases covered.
  1. Avoiding Communication. Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner. If you do not like it, then say it out loud.
  1. Going Too Fast. You are not in a race with anybody. Just take your time and adjust accordingly.
  1. Double-Dipping Without Cleaning. This is a recipe for an STI just waiting to happen. Always wash before dipping into another territory.
  1. Leaving Sex Toys Unwashed After Foreplay. Bodily fluids, lube, and fecal matter are bound to get unto your sex toys. So make sure you have them all cleaned up before using them again.
  1. Not Urinating After Anal. The penis or vagina may be clean on the outside, but something may not seem right within. Just take a quick trip to the toilet to cleanse it all out.
  1. No Aftercare. Show your partner that you do care. Reassure them and make them feel wanted. Know that both of you got through this as a team.

So What About Aftercare?

Anal aftercare basically comes down to showing affection and responsibility to your partner after sex.

Remind them that you are thankful for sharing themselves. Make them feel at ease, and let them know that their overall well-being matters.

Something to note

Don’t just stop when you’ve given your partner powerful orgasms from anal.

The last thing you wanna do is have them feel insecure and unwanted after your love-making sesh. 

No need to go all out either. A simple display of appreciation and concern could already go a long way.

Saying “how are you feeling” is a good way to start. However, some rough and heavy action may require you to be more sensitive than usual. The thought is what counts.


Conclusion

So that pretty much sums it all up (or down ;p).

Now, you’re more equipped with anal sex prep and hygiene knowledge to start butt-sploring new territory.

Dainis Graveris

Dainis Graveris

Over last 4 years Dainis have helped millions of people through his advice on this site (200+ guides and 1M+ visits/monthly). His work & advice has appeared on sites like: Healthline, Vice, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, WomensHealthMag, MindBodyGreen & more. Read More.

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