Sexual Health Blog

Knowing when not to have anal sex is as important as knowing how. This guide lists clear medical and situational red flags, including active hemorrhoids or fissures, stomach illness, pain, feeling pressured, or being intoxicated. Prioritizing your health and well-being is paramount.

A butt plug is a great intro to anal play. This guide details what to look for: a slender, tapered tip, a comfortable neck, and a secure, flared base. We discuss material choices (silicone, glass), size recommendations for beginners, and why jeweled plugs might not be the best first choice.

For many couples, anal sex requires a high degree of trust and vulnerability, which can profoundly deepen emotional intimacy. This guide explores how navigating this form of intimacy together can strengthen your bond, improve overall communication, and create a unique space of mutual trust and care.

Learn from common errors to ensure a better experience. We list the top mistakes, such as skipping lube, rushing penetration, ignoring pain, mixing anal and vaginal bacteria, and poor communication. Understanding these pitfalls helps you navigate anal sex more safely and pleasurably.

Solo play is the safest way to explore anal pleasure and learn what you like. This guide covers how to start with your own clean fingers, the benefits of using a small toy, techniques for relaxation, and discovering your own erogenous zones without any pressure from a partner.

Proper cleaning after anal sex is important for hygiene and comfort. This guide explains the simple, safe methods: gentle external washing with warm water, avoiding harsh soaps, and urinating to flush the urethra. We also cover what to avoid, like aggressive internal douching, which can cause harm.

Struggling to find the words? This guide provides practical phrases to use with your partner, from initiating the conversation ("I’m curious about trying anal play, can we talk about it?") to during the act ("Slower, please," "More lube here," "That feels amazing"). Empowering you to communicate your needs clearly.

Beyond physical pleasure, anal exploration can have psychological benefits. It can be an act of overcoming societal taboos, a practice in mindfulness and bodily awareness, and a way to reclaim agency over one’s own pleasure. This guide explores the mental and emotional empowerment that can come from this kind of intimacy.

Understanding the anatomical differences is crucial for safe and pleasurable sex. This guide compares the two, focusing on lubrication, muscle structure, tissue sensitivity, and infection risk. Knowing how the anus and rectum differ from the vagina ensures you approach each with the appropriate techniques and care.