How to Have Anal Sex: 7 Tips for First-Time Anal Sex

Anal sex typically refers to anal intercourse, which is the insertion of a penis into another person's anus. The term anal sex can also be used to describe any sexual activity that involves anal play, such as [rimming](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/rimming-guide) (licking the anus) or anal penetration by a [sex toy](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/anal-sex-toys-guide) or fingers. As with any type of sex, there are some risks that you should be aware of before trying anal sex. 1. __Sexually transmitted infections__: You can give and receive several types of STIs through anal sex, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes. Before engaging in anal sex, make sure to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about their sexual health and wellness so you can take the necessary precautions. To be cautious, use a condom during anal intercourse and a dental dam while rimming. 2. __Rectal side effects__: If you have hemorrhoids, be especially careful with anal sex, as it can cause irritation and contribute to a flare-up. A much rarer but more severe potential side effect of anal sex is rectal perforation (a tear in the rectal tissue). If you're on the receiving end of anal penetration and experience bleeding or pain afterward, see a doctor immediately. 3. __Bacterial infections__: Switching from anal sex to vaginal sex in the same session can transmit bacteria from the anus into the vagina, increasing the risk of contracting a UTI, yeast infection, hepatitis A, bacterial vaginosis, and other bacterial infections. Avoid following anal sex with vaginal sex, and at the very least, put on a new condom or thoroughly wash the body part or sex toy that you're using for penetration. The decision to try anal sex should begin with an open conversation with your partner. Start with [anal training](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/anal-training-guide), which is the exercise of building your tolerance for anal penetration, typically with the use of fingers or sex toys. Once your partner consents to anal sex, here's how to make it a positive and safe experience. 1. __Ease into anal play__. If you’re the receptive partner (also called the “bottom”) and you’ve never tried anal penetration before, first experiment with anal play during masturbation, using your fingers or a small sex toy (like a prostate dildo, vibrator, or a [butt plug](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/butt-plugs-guide)). After you get comfortable on your own, let your partner pleasure you in the same manner so you can get on the same page about your likes and dislikes. 2. __Practice anal hygiene__. The receptive partner should try to have a bowel movement around an hour before sex and then wash the anal region soap and water. The receptive partner can also use an enema one to two hours beforehand to clean out the lower portion of their rectum. 3. __Use protection__. The risk of transmitting an STI is higher during anal sex than other types of sex, so it's good to use a condom during anal intercourse and a dental dam when engaging in rimming or any other type of oral anal play. 4. __Begin with foreplay__. Make sure the receptive partner is loosened up and ready for penetration. Engage in some anal foreplay, like rimming or a light lube massage, so that the receptive partner's sphincter muscles relax enough for penetration to be comfortable. 5. __Use lots of lube__. The anus doesn't produce its own lubrication, so it’s crucial to use plenty of [lube](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-lube). Both silicone-based lube and water-based lube are safe to use with latex condoms, but silicone lube will last longer. If you're using a silicone sex toy, use water-based lube because silicone lubes can cause the sex toy to deteriorate. Lubricate the rim of the anus and then the inside as well—you can make the application process part of your foreplay. Once the receptive partner is ready for penetration, apply more lube to the penis, fingers, or sex toy before insertion. 6. __Choose an anal sex position__. Though [doggy-style](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/doggy-style-sex-position-guide) may seem like the go-to anal sex position, it may not be as comfortable as other anal sex positions for those new to anal sex. First, try lying side-by-side with the top spooning the bottom, or have the bottom lie on their stomach with the top behind them. 7. __Keep an open line of communication__. If you're the giving partner, start slow and be gentle, only increasing intensity when the receiver is loosened up and enjoying themselves. If you're the receiver, give your partner feedback so they're aware of how you're feeling, and always tell your partner to stop if you experience discomfort. Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast *Sex With Emily*). Stimulating the nerve endings in the anal region and rectum can be pleasurable for people of all genders. Learn how to prepare for and practice safer anal sex.