From porn to erotica to Cosmo, anal play seems like it's everywhere. Yet people can be, understandably, hesitant to try stimulating the backdoor or even wonder what people get out of anal play to begin with. You'll get answers to your pressing questions about backdoor play and some you may have overlooked if you keep reading!
Why Try Anal Stimulation?
Many people find their anuses are sensitive, so stimulation feels good. In addition, the tightness of the anus can feel good for both the giver and receiver. If you’ve got a G-spot, anal penetration might stimulate it. And double penetration, when you take a combination of toys and body parts anally and vaginally, can capitalize on both G-spot stimulation and tightness!
Because anal play requires a lot of trust, it can increase intimacy between partners. Plus, the anus is taboo, making these activities appealing to some people.
For those with penises, there's an additional reason to try anal play: the anus is home to a sensitive orgasm called the prostate that gives a different type of orgasm. In fact, some people can experience multiple orgasms from anal play! The prostate is a walnut-sized organ located within the rectum, and you can find it by inserting a finger and curling it toward the penis.
That doesn't mean that you can't enjoy anal stimulation if you don't have a prostate or even if yours isn't particularly responsive. Orgasm isn’t the only or even best reason to try any sexual activity. It is an excellent reason to backdoor exploration, however.
How to Prepare for Anal Play
Of course, you may not want to engage in any anal play without taking the proper hygiene precautions. You've got a few options, depending on just how clean you want to be and, perhaps, how regular and clean your bowel movements are.
Basic hygiene includes a wet wipe or shower with a good scrub between the cheeks and around the anus. This is usually enough if your bowel movements are regular and clean or if your bowels have recently been emptied. A bidet is also a great option if you have one.
Intermediate hygiene involves a device known as an anal douche (try the Ergoflo Impulse Anal Douche Enema Kit). Fill it with room temperature water and squirt it into your anus while perched over the toilet to rinse away any unpleasant residue.
Advanced hygiene, which is usually unnecessary, requires an enema that thoroughly flushes out your bowels with water.
You can take a few more steps to promote cleanliness, including wearing gloves or condoms. Dental dams offer the same protection during oral sex, and they even come in flavored varieties. Tip: apply lube between the plastic and your body to increase stimulation.
Finally, you should file your nails smooth if you plan to do any digital penetration. It not only promotes hygiene but prevents uncomfortable scratches that can become infected.
Once you feel prepared, you can dive into anal play.
Getting Started with Anal Stimulation
You don't need any special toys to try out anal play. Whether yours or a partner's, fingers are a great way to see if you like penetration. Fingers are smaller than most toys or penises, so they're less intimidating, and you can easily add another finger if you want to feel fuller. They're also nimble so that you can get pinpoint stimulation. Don't forget that you can rub around the anus, which can feel great even if you're not into full-on penetration.
Just because you're only using fingers doesn't mean you shouldn't use lube. Remember, the anus doesn't lubricate like the vagina, and friction from penetration can cause microtears that make it easier to contract STIs or bacterial infections. We’ve got plenty of anal lubricants to choose from, so you can find the perfect formula for you.
If you've got a willing partner, you can ask them to delight you with oral ministrations. From biting, licking, and kissing your cheeks to full tongue penetration, there are many ways to go about a rim job. Many of the same tricks you use for blowjobs apply, including blowing, sucking, humming, and using your hands to increase stimulation. If you're on the receiving end, you can spread your cheeks with your hands to give your partner better access.
The final body part that makes for great anal play is, of course, the penis. Many people love anal sex because it feels intense and intimate. Like with finger penetration, make sure to have your lubricant on hand to ease initial insertion and reapply whenever you need more moisture. Receiving partners should keep their bodies relaxed and pushing out can even make penetration more comfortable. Don't force anything if it hurts, however. Listen to your body and take more time to relax if you need it.
Explore More with Toys
Sex toys open a whole new world of anal play. There are tons of shapes, sizes, and features to choose from, including vibrating anal toys and those that target the prostate to make it easier than ever to experience the unique sensations and orgasms provided only by stimulating that organ. Toys also let you experiment with anal penetration, which might be difficult without a partner. Of course, playing with toys and a partner is a great way to experience the best of both worlds!
You've got a few options to choose from. For example, the following toys all rely on their size and shape to give you anal pleasure; although, you can find many vibrating options if you prefer.
Because comfort is key, you should go slowly and ensure that your eyes aren't bigger than your stomach--or rectum! If you experience any pain, slow down, stop moving, or remove the toy entirely. While you might not like every toy on this list, you're bound to find something that catches your eye.
Choosing toys with flared bases or handles that can't slip inside leaves you free to focus on pleasure and not worry about unintended side effects of anal play. Adding a bit of water-based lube helps them slide right in (or out, if you like pulling anal beads) and remain comfortably in place.
Cleanup Afterward
There's always a chance that you'll have to deal with fecal matter. Fortunately, you can wash it off your skin or toys with soap and water. Some people like wipes for their convenience. Using condoms during penetration makes cleanup easier, and you can slip them over toys, too!
To make sure your toys are squeaky clean, check out antibacterial toy cleaners. This ensures your toy is ready to use the next time you explore anal play. Make sure to follow directions because you may need to spray your toy and let it sit to kill bacteria. You can go the extra mile by using a UV cleaning device or storing your toy in an antibacterial storage bag, but it’s not necessary.
Now that you know what to expect when you try backdoor play and how to prepare and cleanup after anal, it’s time to get out there and experiment for yourself!