Anal Sex 

 Anal sex is not something that is experienced exclusively by gay men; it is a  facet of our collective sexual identity which has been explored by previous cultures and continues to be explored today.  Men and women of all walks of life enjoy anal sex as an alternative to everyday lovemaking. Its not for everyone, but anal sex may be what you’re looking for if you want to try something completely different.

 Why do people enjoy anal sex?

 Anal sex is enjoyable because of the rich body of nerve endings in the anus. While people often experience pain when first attempting anal sex, as a person learns to relax, the pain often subsides into pleasure. For men, anal sex also offers stimulation to the prostate, an organ that provides the rush of pleasure during orgasm. Anal sex for many seems like a taboo activity, and much of society still shuns it.  But statistics show that roughly 35% of heterosexuals and 50% of the gay community practice anal sex at least occasionally.

 How can I make anal sex safer?

 Anal sex can be a perfectly safe activity as long as you take the necessary precautions. You should remember that your anus and rectum do not have their own natural lubrication nor the kind of elasticity the mouth and vagina enjoy. That is why anal sex must be practiced with care. There are three things that should always be used whenever anal penetration is taking place; lubrication, condoms and common sense. Liberal amounts of lubrication are necessary because the rectal wall can be quite sticky and is subject to tearing and lesions if not kept lubricated. In addition, the anus and rectum are narrow, so lubrication is needed to press inside smoothly.  Condoms are another necessity. Enemas, douches and other cleaners will not be able to get all the germs and bacteria out of the rectum. Not only is anal sex facilitate the transmission of STDs better than any other form of sex, it can also cause urinary tract infections and other bacterial diseases. Latex protection is essential, and can offer additional slickness. Finally, use your common sense. The rectal wall curves and is thin so long, hard objects can tear your insides. Don't wear any jewelry on your hands, and cut your  fingernails if you are going to put your finger in someone's anus. Most  importantly, respect your body. Don't push the limits and go only as far as you feel comfortable.

 How can I enjoy anal sex?

 Tips for beginners

 To prepare yourself for anal sex, the first thing to do is learn to relax.  This may include a hot bath beforehand, an erotic massage or even just a good workout. Remember that the sphincter muscles around the anus will not allow things to pass through easily unless you relax  and take it slow. Do not start with something the size of a dildo or penis. Your sphincter may be reluctant enough to start with your partner's finger. One partner should lubricate or place a lubricated condom over his or her finger. Take the finger and arouse the surface of the anus, perhaps making small circular motions as you go.  Always pay attention to your partner to indicate whether or not he or she feels comfortable. Slowly attempt to push your finger slightly inside the anus. Do not force your hand - stop if your partner complains of discomfort. If it is difficult to enter the anus, you probably need more lubrication. The first time you try this, the receiver may feel a bit of pain. Anal sex is not for everyone, and if you feel uncomfortable stop and perhaps try again later. Think of this process as training for later anal encounters. Even a finger can provide  intense stimulation when it is inserted in the anus.

Questions about our site?    Click the Live Chat icon to chat live or leave a message with our site host.  CJ isn't always available, but generally you can find Him here from about 8:30 - 11:00 pm Eastern time. Your questions about the site, the Asj community or just about the lifestyle in general are always welcome.  If nothing else, take a moment and tell us what you think of this feature!  

Once you have tried penetration with a finger a number of times then you can move towards something that is a bit larger. First you have to decide on what type of anal stimulation that you enjoy. Do you enjoy  the movement of a finger, and the feeling of entry and withdrawal? If this is the case then you may wish to proceed by being penetrated with your partner's penis or by using an anal toy. For those who enjoy the feeling of penetration more than motion or vibration, try butt plugs which are designed specifically for this purpose. A butt plug sits inside the anus, and is not generally used for thrusting back and forth.

 Positions to try

 The best positions for anal sex depend largely on what stage you and your partner are at in your experiences. Rear entry or the "doggie style" position is the one position most people associate with anal sex. However, rear entry allows a penis or anal toy to penetrate most deeply, and may not be the best choice for the beginner. A good starting position is the "spoons" position, with each partner laying on his or her side, one behind the other. This prevents the penetrating  partner from going too fast, and allows complete control over penetration. It also brings you closer to your partner, making it easier to judge his or her reactions to what you’re doing.

 Another position for anal sex is a variation of the missionary position.  The receiving partner lays on his or her back while the penetrating partner approaches from on top. The penetrating partner lifts up the calves or shins of the receiver, exposing the anus. This can be an especially intimate position, with both partners facing each other. The ‘top’ partner can masturbate the other and is open to massage and cuddling as well.

 Finally, rear entry offers another possibility for anal penetration. This position allows the penetration to be the deepest, and permits the receiver to better open the anus for entry.  Rear entry doesn’t offer the kind of intimacy or ease of communication that the other positions do, but for more advanced lovers, can offer the greatest amount of thrusting and penetration.

 There are many more positions and techniques to try. Many people discover new and exciting positions through experimentation, and most people find the one that best suits them. Good communication is the key to such discovery, and a manual or video can help as well.