Anal sex can be incredibly pleasurable, but it’s important to take precautions to avoid infection. This includes always using a water-based lubricant, washing genitals and sex toys thoroughly after play, and going to the bathroom.
It’s also a good idea to ask bae to put on a condom before anal penetration, and to ensure that the penis, fingers, or dildo goes in all the way. Doing this reduces the risk of an STD and icky butt-centric bacteria.
1. Drink plenty of water
In the case of anal sex, you should drink plenty of water to keep your body well-hydrated. This can help reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. Additionally, drinking water can help with digestion. It is important to have a supply of clean washcloths or booty wipes available after anal sex as they can be used to clean the area and avoid spreading germs.
Keeping anal areas clean can help prevent conditions like bacterial vaginitis and infections from the anal canal. It is also recommended to change condoms between vaginal sex and anal play, as this can help prevent the spread of bacteria. It is also a good idea to wash anal areas with soap and water before and after anal sex. Additionally, it is recommended to use lubricant during anal play as this can make penetration easier and more pleasurable and can reduce the risk of tissue injury from too much friction.
Having a safe and enjoyable anal play experience comes down to good communication and practice. Having a conversation with your partner beforehand can help set expectations regarding lubrication, preparation and protection. It can also be helpful to have a safe word that signifies you want sexual activity to stop immediately if needed. Additionally, if you or your partner are at a higher risk of getting an STI, such as HIV, your doctor may recommend daily medications to help prevent transmission, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to anal play, there are many resources and support services available that can offer confidential advice and guidance.
2. Change your clothes
While anal sex can be intensely pleasurable, it can also feel icky — especially when you’re a beginner. That’s why it’s a good idea to change your clothes after anal penetration. Doing so will help prevent stains, and it will keep you feeling fresher after your romp.
It’s important to change into clean clothing right away after anal sex, as the anus is more likely to get dirty after penetration than other parts of the body. Moreover, changing your clothes immediately after anal sex will decrease your risk of infections, such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis.
To keep anal sex as clean as possible, try to use plenty of lubrication, says sexologist and psychotherapist Vanessa Cullins. She recommends using a water-based or silicone lube, rather than oily anal lubes, which can lead to skin tears and are harder to clean up.
As for the position, you’ll want to find what works best for you and your partner. Many people like to have anal sex in missionary position, but that’s not the only way to get some orgasm. Spooning or doggy style can also work well.
As always, make sure to use condoms when having anal sex. This will reduce the chance of STIs, including HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you’re at high risk for getting an STD, your doctor may prescribe daily medication called pre-exposure prophylaxis to lower your chances of infection.
3. Get a good night’s sleep
It’s important to get a good night’s sleep after anal play because it’s “very intimate.” You’ll want to be able to communicate with your partner and enjoy the experience. That may require you to relax in bed afterward and take a nap or even go to sleep early.
You should also remember that it’s easy to pass bacterial infections and viruses during anal sex, just like it is with any other sexual activity. This is because the tissue of the anus is delicate and tears easily, which opens the door for infection to enter the body. This is why it’s important to always use a latex barrier and condoms for anal sex.
Hemorrhoids are another common anal play symptom, which can be prevented by using lots of anal-play-designed lubricant and washing the area regularly. It’s also a good idea to try different anal positions, such as spooning or doggy style. “Just be sure to do what feels good and only what you’re comfortable with,” sexologist Dr. Laura Deitsch previously told Bustle.
Finally, it’s important to remember that anal sex isn’t necessarily dirty, despite the way it’s portrayed in porn and the media. It’s just as clean as other sex, but it’s important to shower and wash your hands before and after anal play to reduce the risk of infections.
4. Go to the bathroom
It’s common (and normal) to wake up in the morning after anal sex feeling like you need to poop really badly. This is because you have pushed a lot of air in and out of your anus during the anal sex session, which can cause the anal muscles to contract, says women’s intimacy coach and educator Rena Martine. It’s also important to remember that your anus does not produce any lubrication on its own, so you need to use plenty of lube when having anal sex. Using silicone lubes is typically recommended for anal sex because they are long-lasting and can be wiped clean after use.
It is also important to urinate after anal sex because it will help flush out any bacteria that may have entered your body from the anus, explains Lee Phillips, a licensed clinical social worker and certified sex therapist. You should also keep an eye out for symptoms of an infection such as fever, chills, itching, discharge or blood in your urine or rectal area, he says.
It’s also a good idea to wash your hands after anal sex and to make sure all your sex toys are clean. It’s also important to communicate with your partner about what you both liked or disliked about the anal sex and how it could be improved in the future.