Beginner's Guide to Anal Sex

You've heard from a friend or colleague, or even several, that anal sex is "special." Stories of anal sex spread from person to person, fueling discussions and curiosity. Thus, many questions arise on this topic:

- How to approach and introduce anal sex into a relationship with your partner?

- How does it happen in general, especially for those who are discovering this practice?

- Why should we consider anal sex and what are the best sex toys and lubricants for this practice?

We're going to answer these questions as best we can, so sit back, clench your butts, and let's talk about anal sex. Before we get into it...! Even though celebrity Gwyneth Paltrow openly talks about anal sex on her blog, it's still a pretty sensitive topic. (Yes, it's still taboo.) In fact, before we get into it fully, it's important to understand that vaginal sex and anal sex are not exactly the same. Despite some similarities, anal sex is a whole different experience.

First of all, the anus does not produce a natural lubricant. In addition, the area involved is not necessarily clean and the experience can be painful, or at least uncomfortable, if not done correctly.

Now that you have a better understanding of the issues, we can answer the questions asked earlier. Enjoy reading!

Anal sex: a question of communication and reciprocity

As you can see from the previous paragraph of the article, anal sex is a delicate practice. Not only is the use of lubricant essential, but it must also be remembered that the anus is mainly intended for the evacuation of waste, not for sexual practice. Furthermore, if you want to try anal sex, it is very important to talk to your partner about it first. This may seem obvious, but I can't say it enough: the consent of both parties is necessary to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

It goes without saying that no one likes to have their anus invaded by an object or a penis unexpectedly. That's why it's crucial to have a discussion with your partner. In other words, there's no such thing as "catching yourself off guard" when it comes to anal sex. Preparation is key.

Here are some tips on communication and reciprocity to incorporate anal sex into your relationship or partnership:

1. Make sure your partner is comfortable, as being tense will only make the situation worse. He or she should remain calm and relaxed. A little massage session and kisses on the lower body are always winning alternatives!

2. Before you get down to business, make sure everything is under control and comfortable. In fact, you can enlarge this hole using one of your fingers (don't start with your thumb). To do this, apply lubricant to the finger that will enter, and go slowly. Don't forget to warn your partner, even if it may seem trivial. Communication is everything!

3. As things progress and the path to anal sex opens up, continue to stimulate your partner's erogenous zones. Indeed, sexually stimulating your partner will surely facilitate anal penetration.

4. Once everything is in place, and you have informed your partner that you intend to insert your penis or a toy into their anus, it is time to get out the lube. Insertion should be done slowly, always listening to your partner. The perianal area contains many nerve endings, so don't be surprised if your partner enjoys this more than you thought!

**WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW before you start:**

Warning! If you have anal sex with a woman using your penis, a finger, or a sex toy, do not insert it into her vagina afterwards. This could lead to a risk of contamination. To avoid this bacterial risk linked to the presence of fecal matter, wear a condom or a latex glove, and change it as needed during the transition.

Sex toys also have their place in anal sex, as you will see later. In fact, these tools could enhance your partner's sexual pleasure and, of course, yours.

When your romantic session is over, it is always advisable, whether after anal or vaginal intercourse, to urinate to clean the tip of your penis of any potentially contaminating material. Caution is advised!

**Why is anal sex worth it?**

A Huffington Post article claims that more than 44% of men and more than 36% of women practice anal sex, according to a survey of Americans aged 15 to 44.

Anal sex is perfect for those looking for new sensations or experiences in bed.

Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the anus, as mentioned above, is an area rich in nerve endings, to the point that its sensitivity is comparable to that of the vagina or even the penis. In fact, anatomically, the rectal wall is located near the clitoris and the G-spot in women, and near the prostate in men, which are sensitive and erogenous parts of the body. In other words, if you try "from behind" with your partner, he or she might just enjoy it.

**What sex toys and lubricants should you use during anal sex?**

The dildo! Yes, it is the sex toy that often comes to mind when we think of sex. In fact, as already explained in previous articles (which I strongly encourage you to read for your information and pleasure), sex toys are tools that can make sex life much more interesting. Obviously, we must not lose sight of the fact that we are talking about anal sex, which is why the use of lubricant is essential, if not your lifeline. It is definitely the key to a successful and enjoyable anal sex session. When we talk about sex toys for anal sex, you will probably think of the two most popular ones.

First of all, of course, there is the anal plug, also called a butt plug. This little gadget is handy for stimulating your partner's anus. In fact, as its name suggests, it is meant to be inserted into the anus. It excites many men and women, more than you might think. Some are longer, others shorter, it depends on how deep you want to go. Make sure to clean the plug well before and after each use to avoid cross-contamination. Glass or silicone plugs are the preferred choices in terms of effectiveness and hygiene, as they are made with easy-to-maintain materials.

Then, of course, there's the dildo, in all its forms. Contrary to popular belief, the dildo doesn't always look like a penis; it can take the form of a handle to more easily insert into the anus. And for men, if you're worried about anal sex, the dildo is an alternative to anal sex without penile penetration. No feces on your penis, reduced risk of cross-contamination, but most importantly, it's a lot less tiring than going back and forth to please your partner, even if you may not be able to enjoy it as much as she does. What would we do without a dildo?

Finally, when using sex toys for anal sex, using a lubricant is a must, if you don’t want to hurt yourself. There are three types of lubricants: oil-based, water-based, and silicone. The one I recommend is silicone-based lubricant. Unlike water-based, it is thicker and does not dry out quickly. And unlike oil-based, it does not damage latex condoms. In other words, for safe and enjoyable anal sex, opt for silicone-based lubricant. Anal sex toys are a great way to explore anal pleasure.

Now that you are an anal sex expert, remember that no matter what type of sex, and especially anal sex, it requires good communication and, most importantly, pleasure!