Anal sex, sodomy: we tell you everything!
Do you have questions about anal sex? Would you like to try anal sex, or on the contrary, are you in a panic just thinking about it? We've got news for you.
What is anal sex?
Anal sex involves penetrating your partner's anus with your penis, fingers or a sex toy.
Does anal sex hurt?
Unlike the vagina, the anus does not lubricate itself naturally, even when aroused. The vagina is lubricated by a gland that secretes a liquid to protect the genitals and ensure a smooth glide. It's therefore important to prepare for penetration (of a finger, penis or toy) with lubricant. It's also important to prepare the anus for penetration by dilating it slowly and gradually. As with all sexual practices, the more confident and relaxed you are, the easier and more painless penetration will be. If you feel pain, if you don't feel like it: tell your partner. Communication is the basis of everything.
Do I have to do it?
Of course not: as with any other sexual practice, there's nothing compulsory about it, and you're the only person who can say whether or not you want to do this or that. Contrary to what porn would have us believe, a sexual relationship is not scripted, and there is no specific act to perform to consider it complete. A sexual relationship can take place without penetration, without oral sex, without anal sex... It's something that's lived in the moment, according to the desires of the partners. Pleasure can take 1001 forms: talk to each other, listen to each other, experiment while respecting each other's limits... But never (ever!) force each other.
Is anal sex dirty?
As with any intimate act, it's always more pleasurable for everyone when you're clean, but body odors and secretions are normal. The myth that anal penetration is like penetration “in poo” is false: once you've been to the toilet, your rectum (the part of your digestive tract that leads to your anus) is empty. Even so, it's still penetration of the anus, and yes, it can involve poo. Further proof of the importance of being comfortable and confident with your anal partner!
Do you need protection for anal sex?
Yes, yes, and yes again. The condom (or dental dam if anal stimulation is done with the tongue) will protect you and your partner from STBBIs, but also from pregnancy, if semen can come into contact with the vulva.
In short, anal sex is a sexual practice like any other: you may or may not like it, you may or may not want to try it. The important thing is to be confident, to listen to your body and that of your partner, and to communicate your desires, fears and limits.
