The Truth Behind Anal Play

The Truth Behind Anal Play

by Lauren Schwartz

     Alright people let’s talk butt stuff. There’s a common misconception that anal play is strictly confined to the homosexual male community, and that while anal play can be pleasurable for many, it can’t result in orgasm. FALSE! People of all genders and sexual identities partake in anal sex and have the physiological ability to orgasm from it. Believe it or not, according to the CDC, “44 percent of straight men and 36 percent of straight women between the ages of 15 and 44 admitted to having had anal sex at least once in their lives.” So, let's break this down. 

It’s likely you’ve heard of a little something called the G-spot, a highly sensitive spot within the vagina that can aid in intense sexual arousal. But did you know that cis-gender men have their own version of a G-spot? It’s true! Cis men have what’s called their P-spot, or prostate gland. The prostate is a small walnut-sized muscular gland located two to three inches inside the anus, between the rectum and bladder. While the prostate’s main function is to produce the seminal fluid that helps sperm travel and survive, it can also lead to intense orgasm when stimulated. Many cis men have reported being able to achieve orgasm through prostate stimulation alone. And because prostate orgasms typically have a shorter refractory period than penile orgasms, some have even reported that they can have not one, but multiple orgasms from this type of stimulation. While the most effective way to stimulate your prostate is to massage it internally, it can also be stimulated by massaging the perineum, the area of skin located between the testicles and anus. 

While cis women don’t have prostates, they can still achieve orgasm from participating in anal! According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, “a vast majority—94 percent!—of women who received some sort of anal stimulation during their most recent sexual encounter had an orgasm.” How is this possible you ask? Not only do vagina-owners have G-spots but they also have what’s called an A-spot, or anterior fornix. The A-spot is a patch of sensitive tissue located a couple inches past the G-spot, at the inner ends of the vaginal tube between the cervix and the bladder. While the A-spot is in fact located within the vagina, deeper anal penetration can stimulate the A-spot and allow for an insanely intense orgasm. 

While it's common to associate anal sex with penile penetration or fingering, toys can be a fun way to shake things up. Our Flexii Beads are great for those who may be a bit intimidated by and/or just beginning to warm up to anal play. The girth of the ultra-flexible shaft measures just over 1 inch, but the toy’s deep rumbling motors provide users with a ‘full’ sensation when entirely inserted. Flexii Beads can be inserted both anally and vaginally, and their shaft measures 7 inches in length— the preferred dildo length by cis-gendered females. Our Homme Pro and Homme Pro-S Prostate Massagers, and Homme ACE Dual Motor Prostate Massager are also available for prostate-owners who enjoy exploring anal play. But if you’re not quite ready to explore with anal penetration, butt plugs are a great way to ease into it during your regular masturbation routine. Try our Mini Plugs or Remote-Controlled Power Plug for solo or partnered anal experimentation. 

Now before you run off and dive headfirst into experimenting with anal sex, we have a few tips and tricks up our sleeves to ensure you’re doing it safely. 

• For starters, NEVER insert bullets into your butt! They can get lost or stuck in your anal cavity and will totally ruin the mood! Some of our remote-controlled products have antennas. These are NOT to be confused as retrieval cords. 
• Enemas, or anal douches, can help flush you out prior to anal sex but are by no means required. Many individuals choose not to douche, and it is totally up to your preference. Just make sure you talk to your doctor before choosing to douche, to ensure you are doing it safely. Contrary to popular belief, waste is not stored in your anus, so the odds of fingers, toys or a penis touching your feces are slim. However, it is possible that fecal remnants may be present in the lower bowels. If this is something that you or your partner are insecure about or uncomfortable with, try going to the bathroom 30-60 minutes prior to sex. 
• If you are new to anal play, explore your own body and what you are comfortable with before introducing a partner into the mix! Starting with a lubed-up finger or two or experimenting with butt plugs is a great way to ease into anal sex. 
• If you or your partner are using their hands, make sure nails are trimmed and hands are properly cleaned before sex. 
• Use LOTS of lubricant to avoid pain and/or tissue tears. Your butt does not self-lubricate! If latex condoms are being used, it is best to use water-based lubricant. 
• Foreplay is important! Rubbing or stroking the anus and/or beginning anal sex with fingering is a great way to relax your sphincter muscles and allow for a more enjoyable experience. Slow and steady wins the race! 
• Have open, honest communication with your partner! Sex isn’t enjoyable unless you’re both on the same page!

Now you have the keys to open the back door. You may discover that anal play is your newfound love but remember that sensations can still be new at times. Never forget to have consent-based check-ins with your partner! No ifs, ands, or BUTTS!