Long taboo, anal sex has become more popular over the years. According to a survey carried out in 2021 by the Ifop Institute, in collaboration with the European Observatory of Female Sexuality, 51% of French women say they have already practiced sodomy, that is to say penetration through the anus. Faced with the development of this practice, and the precautions it implies, it is appropriate to communicate more about the few rules to follow to enjoy the experience in complete safety. Do you want to take the plunge? Céline Vendé, sexologist, details the steps to follow and provides several recommendations.
What is anal sex, how to prepare your body and make it more comfortable?
Anyone wishing to engage in anal intercourse is not necessarily physically ready to take the plunge. And for good reason, the anus area is not erogenous, but it is possible to make it sensory. “You have to learn autoeroticism to be able to claim pleasure with this part of your body. It’s important, whatever your gender, to be in this process“, indicates Céline Vendé. It is possible to start with caresses on the external part of the anus and gradually introduce a first phalanx, then two, and so on, to appropriate the sensations that this provides.
The sphincters, muscles located in the internal and external areas of the anus, are in fact very powerful, because their mission is to expel what is in the anal canal. In the case of sodomy, inserting a penis will necessarily mean that it will be pushed back. The objective is therefore to tame this sensation so that the reflex decreases when it is a voluntary act of penetration. “I often give the advice to lightly press on your anus in the shower, this teaches the body to receive this type of intromission gently.“, explains Céline Vendé. The sexologist also mentions the use of a simple anal plug to learn to have the sensation of being penetrated. The object can also be used just before intercourse with one’s partner, such as foreplay, to encourage dilation of the anus.
How to practice anal sex safely?
The setting in which sodomy takes place is just as important as the physical preparation. In terms of cleanliness, the anus area is at risk. It is possible to clean the rectum to be more comfortable, although this does not prevent fecal or gaseous accidents. On the subject, Céline Vendé still warns about the use of enema bulbs. “This can be done occasionally, but care must be taken against untimely use. It is not recommended to do it too often, because you strip the flora and can create an imbalance. Be careful not to overfill the rectum with water, a finger under water is enough“, recalls our expert.
On a sexual level, the sexologist recalls the importance of using lubricant. It’s even a must, because the anus does not lubricate naturally, unlike the vagina. “Although you want to be penetrated, micro-cracks can be created and the healing time over the following days can be unpleasant.“, she adds. Lubricants dedicated to the anal area also exist. Having them is therefore strongly recommended, as is the case with condoms: anal coitus does not protect against HIV and infections. sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How to communicate effectively with your partner before and during anal sex?
Like any intimate moment, sodomy requires optimal communication. Preparing for such an act also requires mutual trust and discussions, whether you are the person receiving or the person giving. “It is important to discuss expectations, what will be exciting. This can be a mutual discovery and you have to take it step by step“, advises Céline Vendé. “You must always be questioning so that the person can prepare to receive this or that caress. It can also be in the form of a game if you are embarrassed. As it is a practice that brings the sensation of defecating, you can put on a towel and take some wipes to desecrate the moment a little.“, adds the specialist. She also specifies that the experience may be more pleasurable for women after an orgasm : the perineum is better prepared and the body more relaxed.
These preparation times are essential for the enjoyment of this intimate experience. Venturing there by surprise can indeed be very painful, or even create trauma. Céline Vendé, however, calls not to be discouraged if the desire is not present during the first attempts, because the anal zone is an erogenous zone which needs to be worked on and to which one must get used.
Over the course of the attempts, carried out according to the rules, the partners will benefit more from this singular pleasure with multiple benefits. For women, sodomy stimulates the bases of the clitoris and can provide significant amplitude in terms of pleasure. “For men, we will stimulate the prostate. Those who discover this, regardless of their sexual orientation, often say to themselves ‘ah yes, so I missed that?’“, concludes the sexologist.
Read also:
⋙ 5 tips for successful sodomy
⋙ Sodomy: what is the tractor sexual position, which puts anal penetration in the spotlight?
⋙ Anal sex: these risks for women’s health pointed out by doctors