Anal sex: what to know about sex from behind

Anal sex is still a taboo subject for many people today. Yet this sexual practice can significantly enrich lovemaking inside and outside of a relationship and lead to a very special gain in pleasure.

But what exactly is anal sex? How does it work? What preparations need to be made for butt sex? What anal practices are there? How important is hygiene for anal sex and what health aspects should be considered? We answer all the important questions about anal sex.

Definition: What is anal sex?

Hardly any sex practice is as popular, but at the same time also afflicted with so many prejudices as anal sex (also: “Greek” or “Popoliebe”). For the practice, in which the man penetrates with the penis into the butt hole of the woman – or in the case of homosexuals into that of another man – is still considered by some people to be painful, impure and lewd.

No wonder, then, that probably very few would admit to a preference for this practice when talking about sex. Accordingly, most people in a relationship find it difficult to reveal this little detail to their partner. Putting all your cards on the table and suggesting butt sex directly for the next lovemaking session is therefore not an option for many people.

But as reserved as the topic of “anal sex” is dealt with in public, this sex practice is in great demand in the porn sector. “Anal” has been one of the most popular genres among porn consumers for years. There are hardly any categories whose videos, clips and movies reach similar high viewing figures on the Internet.

First time anal: Anal sex only with thorough preparation

Anal sex must be prepared. Two steps are fundamental:

1. planning and agreement with the sex partner,
2. hygiene measures.

Planning and agreement

Surprising your partner with spontaneous anal sex without any warning is not a good idea. Because if you want to give a woman anal, it requires some planning. If you just go for it, you could cause your partner a lot of pain. The reason: unlike the vagina, the anus does not moisten itself when aroused. Accordingly, it is not possible for a man to penetrate a woman’s buttocks without further ado. If you try it anyway, the first time anal is guaranteed to be an extremely painful experience for the woman.

The solution to this problem is water-based or silicone-based lubricant gel, which can be purchased in pharmacies, drugstores or sex stores. This moistens the butt hole, causing the penis to gently slide into the opening – not unlike vaginal intercourse. This saves women pain during or after anal sex.

Women for whom this is not enough and who want to be even more sure that their sex partner’s penis can be inserted anally without any problems can additionally perform anal dilation, i.e. widening of the sphincter muscle, before anal sex. The most suitable tool for this is a plastic or silicone anal dilator coated with lubricant.

In order for anal to be fun not only for the man but also for the woman, it is also important to choose a suitable environment. Since the female sex usually has significantly more reservations about this sex practice than men, it is best to choose a place where the partner feels particularly comfortable and where she can relax. If you already live together, the shared bedroom is therefore ideal for anal games. After all, most women do not feel more comfortable in any place than within their own four walls.

Another important point when planning anal sex is a preliminary discussion with the partner. The man should find out whether she has a fundamental interest in this sex practice. Not all women like anal sex. Some are downright disgusted by it. If the sex partner belongs to exactly this group of women, you should accept this and save yourself the trouble of trying to convince her under all circumstances. Sex in the buttocks is not for everyone.

Gynecologist Dr. Sheila de Liz tells mylife.de, “Anal sex is only fun if both want it and think it’s a great idea.”

Hygiene is key

The reason many people find anal sex uncomfortable and refuse it is hygiene. Anal sex is dirty and not appropriate, they usually say. But anyone who takes a closer look at the subject will quickly realize that these are nothing more than prejudices. Because: anal sex is clean.

Myths such as that the penis comes into contact with feces during anal sex are not true, since this is “stored” much further inside the body. It is true that there are many bacteria in the anus, which fulfill their function for the excretory and digestive process of the body. However, they are not dangerous to the extent that some people think. Nevertheless, to protect yourself from bacterial infection, you should not alternate between vaginal, oral and anal sex. Or simply abstain from anal sex without a condom. This is because the condom provides good bacterial protection. Dr. Sheila de Liz therefore emphasizes, “I strongly advise every couple to use a condom during anal sex.”

Since bacteria do not pose a danger if the appropriate precautions are taken, contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to take an anal douche or even a colonic irrigation before having anal sex. On the other hand, there is nothing to be said against preparing for anal sex by enema and subsequent bowel evacuation. Women who feel cleaner this way should therefore also do this. However, since laxatives are usually used for this and they need a certain amount of time to take effect, enough time should be planned for such a preparation practice.

Another good way to prepare for anal sex, and one that is not particularly time-consuming, is to take a shower with your partner – possibly as part of foreplay. This way, both partners feel much cleaner and anal sex is a lot more fun. Especially for newcomers who want to experience their first time anal, a preliminary hygiene is recommended, because this takes a little fear of the still unknown sex practice.

In principle, the following applies: During anal sex, one of the two sex partners takes on the active part, the other the passive part. Active (insertive) is usually the man who penetrates with his penis into the anus of the woman who fulfills the passive (receptive) role.

It is worth mentioning that anal sex can alternatively take place with penis substitutes such as strap-on, dildo or other sex toys, which is why it can also be practiced in lesbian sex between women and with reversed roles, man passive and woman active part. In addition, anal sex is a common practice with men, that is, between homosexual sex partners – and not only with penis substitutes.

Before the anal games can begin, the lubricating gel should still be applied. The anus, which is the lower part of the digestive tract and can only be opened with a little pressure due to the sphincter, does not produce any lubricating fluid, unlike the vagina.

After this is done, the anal stimulation can start. However, despite the lubricant, the man should not insert his penis immediately and too jerkily. It is best to move it towards the butt hole and remain in the position for a while – until the sphincter muscle has loosened a little. Because penetration with too much pressure would not only be painful for the woman, but could also injure the bowel. Tenderness is the be-all and end-all.

Should the woman reach orgasm through penetration during anal sex, the sphincter muscle contracts, which further increases the stimulation of the inserted member.

How does anal sex feel?

This realization may come as a surprise to many men: but women are into anal sex, too – quite a lot, in fact. Only the fear of pain or a failed first attempt are the reasons why more women don’t want to practice anal sex.

But what does anal sex actually feel like? Why can this be just as satisfying as classic vaginal intercourse? Quite simply, the anus and the region around it is an erogenous zone for both sexes, as there are several highly sensitive nerve endings located there. In addition, backdoor play indirectly stimulates the G-spot. Therefore, it is also possible, for example, that anal sex leads to orgasm – for both men and women.

Interesting: U.S. researchers from the Center of Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University’s School of Health found in a study of nearly 6,000 women that a full 94 percent of women climax during backdoor sex. Vaginal sex, on the other hand, “only” offers 64 percent of women a guarantee of orgasm.

So it’s a good idea to at least try anal sex and gain some experience. Perhaps the first attempt will show that your fears were completely unfounded.

Conclusion: Everyone should have tried anal sex once

There is no reason to make anal sex taboo. Because this sex practice also promises pleasurable moments and can significantly enrich your own sex life.

Since the risks are extremely low and the prejudices are largely unjustified, you should at least try sex from behind. It is only recommended to use a condom to ensure protection against pregnancy and STDs.

After a short preparation with, among other things, sphincter exercises, you can therefore plunge into your first – hopefully exciting – butt sex adventure without hesitation.