Fancy a bit of rear-ended action? Welcome to your equipment list. Fear not: you don’t need anything expensive, but you will need a bit of preparation.

Anal sex is not a spontaneous act. If you’re the receiver, you’ll want to eat a fibre-rich diet for a week or so, use the loo at least an hour before play and give yourself a good wash just beforehand. Douching isn’t essential but washing before (and after) is.

As the giver, you shouldn’t just spring anal onto your partner mid-session. Talk about it before and only persevere if you’re both keen. You’ll need an open mind, a slow approach, lots and lots of lube, and an understanding that you may see poo. Shit doesn’t sit in the rectum, so unless you’re desperate for a poo, it won’t be really messy. A clean with soap and water tends to be enough.

How is anal sex pleasurable?

Anal sex can be incredibly rewarding for givers and receivers – especially if done carefully. Emotionally, the act can be vulnerable and can be a way to explore power dynamics. Physically, the anus has tonnes of nerve endings. As a man, you’re opening yourself up (quite literally) to prostate orgasms which are often described as waves that flow through the whole body. Women say that anal penetration offers a feeling of fullness that can intensify orgasms. Some have even reported anal orgasms, though the research is inconclusive.

What is clear is that anal sex can be hot, hot, hot if you can relax about the possibility of seeing shit. No matter how clean you are, this is a possibility. Just chill about it and enjoy new ways to have fun with your partner.

For safe yet mind-blowing anal sex, you will need:

• Lube – and lots of it! Unlike the vagina, the anus isn’t self-lubricating. Apply lube liberally before and during to the receiver’s bumhole and anything that’s going into the anus. Don’t use silicone lube with silicone toys because it will degrade the material. You can get anal lube that’s thicker and longer-lasting so less re-application is needed, but you’ll still need to re-apply throughout.
• Condoms, if you like. Condoms make anal sex more hygienic and the clean-up easier, but they’re not essential.
• Sex toys. When it comes to anal, there are so many sex toys to choose from. Anal beads and butt plugs (vibrating or not and of all sizes). Make sure you choose toys with a flared base so they don’t get sucked up by the sphincter. If you’re into pegging, you can get a strap-on with a dildo of any length and girth. If you want to experience prostate simulation, a prostate massager is a worthwhile investment. The bulbous tip will hit the P-spot (and don’t be alarmed by the large tip; more surface area means better contact with the prostate and therefore more pleasure). Don’t fancy anal sex toys? No problem; a well-lubed finger or cock is just fine for anal sex.
• Avoid numbing gel. You won’t know what’s going on and might not realise if something’s hurting.

Bottoms up!

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels