Whether they find it too weird or they worry about getting hurt, many people are unwilling to have anal sex. For many others, it's their favourite sexual activity. If you're thinking about trying it, you might have concerns about how safe it is. Here's what to avoid and what to try.

5 Things to Avoid

1. Avoid having anal sex before emptying and cleaning your bowels

If you're planning to have anal sex, empty your bowels beforehand. After that, take a shower and clean your butt thoroughly using antibacterial soap. The anus has less elasticity and lubrication than the vagina, so anal sex might cause tiny cuts on the skin. Cleaning the anus before having anal sex gets rid of bacteria and reduces the likelihood of infection.

2. Avoid reusing a condom or failing to use it at all

Make sure you wear a new condom when you switch from anal sex to vaginal sex. The vagina is prone to infection. Using the same condom for anal and vaginal sex can lead to infection when rectal bacteria comes into contact with the vagina.

Likewise, don't assume that you don't need to use a condom because anal sex carries no risk of pregnancy. Failure to use a condom while having anal sex exposes you to the risk of contracting STIs that your partner may have. Always use a condom unless you are in a monogamous relationship and both you and your partner don't have STIs.

3. Avoid having anal sex without using lubrication

Unlubricated anal sex isn't fun because the friction can damage the walls of the anal cavity (potentially leading to an anal fissure). Dab some silicone or water-based lube before penetration. In addition to reducing the likelihood of damage to the skin inside the anus, lube also enhances the pleasure.

And while we're on the topic of using liquid helpers, using numbing cream in an attempt to reduce the pain while having anal sex is not a smart move. Numbing your anal skin may lead to you failing to notice when vigorous activity causes injury.

4. Avoid having anal sex because your partner pressured you to do so

The only good reason to have anal sex is because you want to. One of the worst reasons to have it is because you feel you have to do it because your partner adamantly insists that you do it. This isn't limited to anal sex. It applies to all sexual activities, including oral sex, BDSM and so on. A partner who respects and cares about you will have anal sex with you only when they are sure that you're comfortable exploring that new sexual activity.

5. Avoid having anal sex if you have haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus and rectum. Activities such as pooping can overstretch these veins and lead to bulging and irritation. Pushing and stretching the skin inside the anus during anal sex can irritate haemorrhoids.
However, if you have haemorrhoids and still want to have anal sex, there are some things you can do to make the situation better. Start small, using your finger, for example, and be sure to apply lube generously. You can also gain better control of your muscles by doing anal sphincter muscles regularly.

2 You Should Absolutely Try

1. Experiment with sex toys for butt play

If you have a prostate (virtually all men), you may want to consider trying out a prostate massager. Its curved design allows it to contact and stimulate the prostate gland, the walnut-sized gland some inches away from the anus. These toys are easy to clean and are easily rechargeable or use disposable batteries. Many men report enjoying immense pleasure and insane orgasms from using prostate massagers and other sex toys that focus on the butt play.

Before you try out these anal play toys, you need to keep a few things in mind. First, make sure the toy has a wide base that makes it easy to pull it out. Second, start slow. And, finally, give preference to toys made out material that is easy to clean.

2. Explore fun positions for anal sex

As with toys for butt play, you can experiment with some positions when having anal sex. You want to find the sweat spot between enjoying the thrill of novelty and making sure you and your partner are being safe and comfortable. A few positions you can try include side spoon, cowgirl and missionary. Most importantly, remember that the person being penetrated decides when, how hard and how fast to have anal sex.