Anal sex certainly isn’t for everyone, but some men and women can’t get enough. For the beginner, the practice may be a bit intimidating, but partners can educate themselves about the ins and outs of posterior play to make the activity as pleasurable and safe as possible. Practicing proper anal, vaginal and penile care before, during and after anal sex is crucial, and the following information will help couples learn how to do so.

Why the Behind?

Anal sex may be appealing to both men and women for several reasons. Men may want to penetrate a posterior because it is tighter than a vagina. They may also enjoy the somewhat taboo nature of the act, and who could blame them?

Women may enjoy rear penetration for a couple reasons. First, the nerve ending around the anus are very sensitive and some find penetration stimulating. Second, there are sensitive areas between a woman’s rectum and vagina that may create pleasure when pressure within the rectum is placed upon them.

Some men enjoy being penetrated in the behind, and not just gay men. The prostate gland is stimulated during posterior play for a man, and this can be highly enjoyable. Plus, his anal nerve endings are just as sensitive as hers.

Is it Safe?

Anal sex can be safe, but special precautions are required. This is primarily because the risk of spreading infections, both vaginal and sexually transmitted, are high with anal play.

The transmission rates of HIV and HPV are higher for anal sex than vaginal sex. That’s because the anus and rectum are not naturally lubricated, so, even when a product is used for extra lubrication, tears in and around the anus are likely to occur. Broken skin gives viruses easy access to the body.

Women are more prone to vaginal infections when anal sex is involved in playtime because the rectum is full of bacteria, since its primary function is to store feces. If a penis or toy that has been in her rectum is inserted into the vagina without being very thoroughly cleaned or without a condom change, she is prone to developing an infection.

Another potential complication of regular anal sex is the loosening of the anal sphincter. This muscle allows a person to hold feces in until the appropriate time to release. If it weakens, one’s ability to "hold it" weakens, too.

Though rare, ample bleeding after anal sex could indicate a hole in the colon, which requires an immediate trip to the hospital.

Steps to Take

1) Lube, lube, lube.

2) Wash the anal area before and after sex.

3) Wear a condom.

4) Only use water-based lubricant if latex condoms are used.

5) Relax - the receiving partner will incur fewer anal tears if he or she is relaxed upon insertion.

6) Change the condom and wash the penis before entering any other orifice.

7) Know your partner’s sex history and STI status.

8) If on the receiving end, perform anal Kegel exercises to maintain sphincter muscle tone.

Taking care of the anus, vagina and penis is essential to safe and pleasurable anal sex. Another thing men can do to look out for their penises, along with practicing proper hygiene, is to use a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to promote good skin condition, ample circulation and nerve function. Applying such a product after showering can keep the penis pleasant to the eye and touch. A crème with a combination of natural moisturizers such as Shea butter and vitamin E is ideal for tag-teaming dry skin, both providing and sealing in moisture.