Whether you’re someone who’s already heavily into “butt stuff” or simply someone who’s curious about trying it yourself someday, it might interest you to know that August is Anal August – the month to celebrate and appreciate all things anal. This includes anilingus.
But what is anilingus really all about? How many people are into it, and why might someone new to it want to give it a try? And most importantly, how can you approach anilingus as a beginner who wants to have a good time? Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
What Is Anilingus?
Even if you’ve never heard the term “anilingus” before, you might have heard of rimming, eating ass, tossing salad, or any number of similar things. All of them describe the same act – the act of licking, kissing, or otherwise orally stimulating someone’s anus.
Everyone who likes rimming has their own go-to technique. But basically, any sort of mouth-to-anus contact or stimulation is a form of anilingus.
Who Engages in Anilingus?
Probably more people than you think. Many people think of ass-eating as something only gay people do or enjoy since it’s anal-focused. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Everyone has an anus, and everyone’s anus is highly responsive to stimulation because of how nerve-rich the area is. Like other forms of anal play, anilingus isn’t necessarily for everyone, but you don’t have to be any specific gender or sexual orientation to enjoy it.
Why Do People Like Anilingus?
It’s all about those nerve endings, really. Simply put, there’s a lot going on back there from a sensation standpoint, and anal play of any kind can be amazing. But like other forms of oral sex, anilingus brings specific sensations to the table that are different from what you’d experience via other types of play.
There’s a certain psychological appeal to anilingus, as well. To begin with, even in a sexual landscape where anal play is widely practiced and talked about, ass-eating is still somewhat niched. That means there’s still an appealing taboo factor attached to it.
Anilingus can also be an extremely intimate experience, especially if you’ve never done it with anyone else before, so choosing to share it with someone can be pretty powerful.
Is Anilingus Safe?
This is a question a lot of people new to anilingus have about it, as they understand how dangerous anal bacteria can be. The answer is, yes, anilingus is safe. But as with any other form of sexual activity, it’s important to approach it wisely.
Cleanliness is key for safe, enjoyable anilingus, so it’s always a good idea to start with a thorough cleansing of the anal area. Dental dams should also be used in instances where STIs are a concern.
How to Have Amazing Anilingus
So, at this point, you probably have a pretty good idea of what anilingus entails and whether it’s something you want to try. That said, here are some must-know tips to ensure you have a terrific experience.
Talk about it
Anytime you want to try something new in the bedroom with your partner, it’s important to talk about it first instead of spontaneously springing it on them. Social misconceptions and upbringing still find some people uncomfortable with the idea of anal play, so it’s important to make sure your partner is OK with the idea first.
Know when not to do it
This might be a no-brainer to some, but there are circumstances that might make anilingus a bad idea. Gas, constipation, diarrhea, or hemorrhoids are all good examples. So are cold sores, so speak up if you have any of this going on.
Do some prep work
Cleaning your anal area in preparation for anilingus is a must. Enemas and landscaping are not, but they might help give the receiving partner some added peace of mind if they’re concerned about how their back door presents to a partner.
Experiment with your technique
A good rim job has a lot in common with a good blowjob. Teeth are a no-no for most people, but anything else is a matter of preference. Try working up to things by kissing or licking your partner’s thighs and perineal area first to get them aroused.
Then put your tongue to work on their anus the way you would an ice cream cone. Experiment with different movements, and be sure to pay attention to how your partner responds to each approach.
And once you’re done, be sure to discuss the experience together. How did each of you like it? Would you want to do it again, and how might you like to switch things up next time? Does the idea of adding anal toys, lube, or other accessories to the mix sound like fun? Talk it over together thoroughly and take it from there.
