Analingus: A How-to for Couples

It's anal August. How could we forget? So we're here with even more tips and recommendations for making this month amazing.

We were once newbies, so we understand anilingus can be a big, scary thing when you're not prepared. So here's more how-to's for making the most of anilingus.

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Tossing the salad, rim jobs, rusty trombones. The list goes on and on. To the right, you'll see a quick visual explanation from Wikipedia.

The act of anilingus goes by many names, unfortunately most rather unpleasant or just straight up gross. But in fact, with some loving preparation and technique, your and partner's mouth plus his/her anus can be pretty friggin' sexy. Yeah, we're getting scientific.

First and foremost, lovely readers, understand that just because the anus is a major bacteria zone does NOT mean anilingus is going to be a dirty job. However, cleanliness is next to sexiness in this scenario, so here are some preparation tips.

Douche / Enema

Definition: An enema (/ˈɛnəmə/; plural enemata or enemas) is the procedure of introducing liquids into the rectum and colon via the anus. Now, for regular ol' anilingus, we recommend a simple anal douche, rather the at-the-doctor/ trying-to-cleanse-your-system enema.

Though the word has become a strange descriptor of unsavory personalities, douches are the anal adventurers pal. Flushing out your/your partner's system before going down is not necessary, but I would consider a major consideration.

And who better to explain the importance of anal douching than a gay man? Check out the video snatched below from Queerty on the anal douche and why it's awesome.

Also, many come in unisex brands so our male readers don't have to go through their local market with a lovely box of Summer's Eve. Don't even try vaginal douches. Why?

Three things. First, vaginas and anuses are very different parts of the body and require different cleaning. Second, vaginal and anal douches don't have the important tools for both areas included. Third, though vaginas need no douching, the vaginal douche and anal douche are built differently and to sum it up--they aren't interchangeable.

No anal douche at home? Check out this simple anal douche from Good Vibrations. Also, remember to lube up before insertion.

Dental Dams

Definition: A thin sheet of latex used as a prophylactic device during cunnilingus and anilingus.

Pretty much a facial condom, dental dams are a great option when it comes to anilingus. Simply position the dam between anus and mouth and you're good to go. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation explains more about dental dams below. You're surprised those Silicon Valley geeks are freaky? Come now, geeks are the best lovers!

Now, dental dams are most often made of thin latex rubber. However, for those allergic to latex, they are also available in silicone. Sometimes, specially-made rubber dental dams are sold in stores. Though there's a simple alternative! Plastic saran wrap from your kitchen can serve as an effective dental dam as well.

The key note to remember is keeping a sterile distance between anal bacterial and mouth. Don't worry about this if you're going to do douche, as that will clean the area out and you won't need to worry about the dental dam.

Now that your bum is powder fresh and ready, here's some anal advice for pleasurable techniques:

Variety, Variety, Variety

Anilingus may, by definition, refer to the tongue stimulating the anus. But akin to its brethren fellatio and cunnilingus, there's so much more than a simple tonguing.

Licking

This is the core of anilingus. Whether it be the cheeks, the perineum (a wonderful area I'll touch on in a bit), or going straight for the gold, tongue strokes are what can take the act from iffy to necessity. Build up the tension with long, luxerious strokes down your lovers back or up their inner thighs. Definitely lavish attention on the area all around the actual orifice, this region is ripe with intense nerve endings. Plus, licking is a delicate way to explore you and your partner's comfort zones.

Penetration

You don't need a dildo, vibrator, or penis to get pleasure out of your butt. This is why you so delicately cleansed your tush: so the tongue could go wild. After licking around the edges, dive right into the anus for a delightfully warm alternative to any finger. Plunging one's tongue in allows not only for a warmer, wetter experience, but the pliability of this muscle makes for amazing stimulation. Try slow, interior circles for a hot build up or mix it up with a surprise dive between licks.

Killer Combo

As I mentioned earlier, the perenium (taint, gooch, no man's land) is the stretch of skin, nerves, and muscles between genitalia and anus. In the picture on the right, it's called the "perineal body".

Often, especially in men, the muscle underneath is even more engorged when aroused. Stimulation, like small pressure, rubbing, or licking, can be an extremely pleasurable addition to anilingus, or any oral sex for that matter.

It an especially potent add-on with anilingus due to the duality of pleasure. Both genitalia and anus are receiving attention doubling the stimulation, thus pleasure.

Want more? But of course!

• Check out our other article on Anal (sex) for couples
• We did a podcast with Charlie Glickman on anal sex
• Know about pegging your man? 10 Steps to Awesome Pegging

This is a guest post by GetLusty writer, Ellen Dukes. Though Ellen Dukes is not an ethical slut (a damn respectable title, she'll have you know), her curiosity, openness, and the indefatigable search engine Google is have lead her to a 21st century sex education.

A Chicagoan, you may see Ellen enjoying the delights of her deeply loving relationship with her boyfriend. Have a naughty story? She's heard naughtier, but tell her all the same at ellen@getlusty.com. She's a wannabe sexpert with years of porn viewing, listening to sex stories, and textbook browsing just waiting to put this knowledge to wonderful use.

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