Unprotected anal sex can spread STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, herpes, HIV, and HPV. Using internal condoms and water-based lubricants is an easy way to prevent infection.
Clean up is also important, especially if you use sex toys that touch the anus or penis. Washing with gentle soap and water, using plenty of lube, and warming up with fingers or a butt plug can help.
1. Drink water
It’s not uncommon to wake up after anal sex and find that your butt is super sore. Having a hydrating drink and a blood-sugar-raising snack (like chocolate or fruit) can help ease the discomfort, as will gently wiping it with baby wipes. You can also take an Epsom salt bath, which is purifying, pampering, and practical for anal tissues that may be a little raw.
It helps to be hydrated before anal sex, because dehydration can make the muscles tighter and less flexible, which can limit your ability to get into those pretzel-esque positions that you crave during anal play. It’s also a good idea to use plenty of lube, and go slowly so that your sphincter muscle can relax. And, of course, always use condoms if you’re engaging in unprotected anal sex, because it can spread STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, and herpes.
You should also avoid flooding your rectum with water (or using an enema) before anal play, because that dehydrates the colon and can cause you to rely on enemas to have bowel movements, which makes you more susceptible to HIV. Plus, it can make your rectum more irritable and sensitive to touch, which is not ideal for anal penetration. Having a diet rich in fiber is a great way to keep the anal passage healthy, and you can get more of it by eating foods like berries, beans, whole grains, and leafy vegetables.
2. Take care of your tush
As anal play can be quite messy, it’s a good idea to have some quick clean-up items on hand like a towel or tissue. A silicone lube designed for anal play is recommended because it’s more durable and can resist some stains, but you can also try using baby wipes or hopping in the shower for a post-anal wipe down.
If you haven’t had anal sex before, or it has been awhile, work up to the experience slowly by first trying just fingers and toys and then moving on to penetration with larger objects. It’s also a good idea to verbally communicate with your partner during anal play to let them know if you are feeling pain or discomfort and need them to slow down, add more lube, or take a break.
Hemorrhoids are a common issue related to anal sex but can be difficult to tell the difference between a run-of-the-mill hemorrhoid and something more serious like a hernia or perforated colon, so if you experience any extreme pain or bleeding after anal sex, see a doctor immediately.
It’s also important to avoid passing accessories back and forth between partners if you are not both wearing condoms or using latex barriers, as this increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections like HIV, herpes, or genital warts. Luckily, Hims offers FDA-approved generic medications around 95% cheaper than brand name ones and can help keep you and your partner safe and sexy.
3. Get plenty of sleep
A good night’s rest is essential for a happy and healthy life. Sleep helps our bodies regulate our blood sugar, hormones and stress levels. It also helps keep our immune systems functioning properly. A lack of sleep can increase your risk for a variety of health issues including obesity, heart disease and depression. It’s important to get plenty of sleep so make sure you have a good bedtime routine and stick to it.
While anal play can be super-erotic, it’s not without its risks. It’s easier to contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during anal sex than vaginal sex, because the tissue of the anus is more delicate and there are more openings for bacteria to enter the body. Additionally, the person being penetrated by the penis, or bottom, is at greater risk for STIs because of their sphincter muscle, which must be relaxed in order to receive anal penetration.
To reduce the likelihood of injury, irritation and infection, use copious amounts of anal-play lubricant and take penetration slow and steady. It’s also important to be well aroused in order to relax the sphincter muscle and prevent tearing. As with any sexual activity, it’s important to communicate openly with your partner. If you’re experiencing discomfort, let your partner know verbally so they can slow down, add more lubricant or take a break.
4. Go to the bathroom
It’s true that anal penetration can be messy. Lube and bodily fluids can drip, and some people notice small traces of fecal matter. But unless there’s an underlying health issue, these messes aren’t likely to be dangerous. Just wash the sheets and yourself immediately, if possible.
It also helps to go to the bathroom before anal sex, says sex educator and author Gigi Engle. This will help prevent anal sex from causing a bowel movement that might irritate the anus or rectum. And it will give you a chance to wipe away any poop that might have gotten into or around your anus during penetration.
There is some worry that frequent anal sex could damage the colon or intestines, but so long as partners use lubricant and don’t force anything into the anus, this shouldn’t be a problem for most people. However, if either partner is HIV-positive or doesn’t know their status and is using an anal sex implement, it’s important to use condoms and take PrEP before engaging in anal play.
If both parties are comfortable with anal sex, it can open the door to new and exciting ways of sex. Sticking to a few basics (cleaning up before with mild soap and water, using lots of lube, and warming up with fingers or butt plugs) can make for some seriously orgasmic anal fun.