Anal Sex – Whether you’re a novice, pleasure seeker, or just curious, Madalaine Munro breaks down the myths, and gives her advice on discovering something new

Anal sex does not have to be taboo. Anal sex is not a taboo and it can be a great way to spice up your life or try something new.

Healthista interviewed Madalaine Muro, an experienced Sexologist who has a wealth of knowledge in ancient wisdom and scientific approaches to healing trauma, reconnecting to sexuality, and creating healthy relationships.

Madalaine offers advice on all things anal. She will ensure that you are satisfied and safe at every level.

Do not rush in.

Anal sex may not be for everyone. Sometimes, I find that a person wants to experience anal sex much more than their partner. It is therefore important to ask yourself if this is something you want, and not just for your partner. What is the purpose of your experiment?

Warm up with foreplay and body pleasures before you start the anal sex. Your anus is equipped with two sphincters: inner and outer.

Your inner sphincter opens only when you are ready. Anal sex is a sexual activity that requires communication between partners.

If you force anal penetration, it could lead to injury. You can only open your inner sphincter when you feel relaxed and comfortable.

It can be extremely self-regulating and calming

Try it slowly and gently. You can even try a small amount of penetration on your finger to get accustomed to the sensation. If you’ve never done it before and aren’t used to it, it may feel strange. But it shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable. If you feel either, then stop and ask yourself if this is right for you.

Warming up the entire body and the anus. I suggest massaging the outside of the anus, and then moving inwards if you feel comfortable.

Anal penetration can have a calming effect and regulate the nervous system.

Massage of the internal sphincter can relax you. This direct contact with anus has helped clients regulate their nervous systems more deeply.

Anal penetration can bring pleasure but can also be calming and self regulating.

Lubricate it!

Use more anal lubricant than you think is necessary. Anal canals don’t make their own lubricant so you need to use a lubricant which feels comfortable. Different types of lubricants have different benefits and disadvantages.

They are ideal for all situations, as they can be used with condoms, toys and dental dams. However, they dry quickly, so you might need to reapply them more frequently. They are easier to clean because they tend to dry out faster. However, if you use them in the shower, they will wash away.

The silicone lubricants can be thicker, which is why they are preferred for showers and baths. These lubricants are longer lasting than water-based ones, so they don’t have to be applied as often.

The anal canal does not produce its own lubricant

Silicone-based lubricants, particularly latex, should not be used on condoms. They can cause the condom to dissolve, causing it to break. These lubricants can also damage silicone sex toy, so they are only recommended for metal or glass toys.

Hybrid lubricants are a mix of silicone and lubricant water. They have a smoother feel than pure silicone, but they’re not as difficult to clean. They can be used on condoms and silicone sex toy, but because they contain silicon they cannot.

The inner sphincter is controlled by the anus and can cause an unintentional sucking motion, which could draw toys into the mouth. It’s important to use toys that are designed for the anus. These may have a larger base or flare, for safety.

Do – wear a condom

It is safe to practice safer sex often and for a long time.

Anal sex is a good time to wear condoms. The lining of your anus is thinner and more prone to tear than the lining in the vaginal area. This means that STIs can enter the bloodstream, increasing the chances of STIs being transmitted.

It is not advisable to go from vaginal to anal. Anal to vaginal is not allowed because of bacteria such as E.coli that can spread from anus to vaginal and urethra.

It can be torn more easily, and STIs could enter the bloodstream

You will need to change condoms if you want to.

As the lining is thin, it is easy to develop small tears. The stool that travels through the anal can carry bacteria, which may enter the bloodstream through the tears.

It can also be caused by constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel disease, crohns, STIs, or a common cause that isn’t known. While it’s possible to contract infections and tears from anal sex it can also happen from other causes.

Do not believe the myths

Myth # 1 ‘It is not as pleasurable because women don’t prostrate themselves in the anus.’ All genders can experience anal orgasms. I’ve worked with women who find anal sex to be more pleasurable than vaginal insertion.

Myth # 2 ‘You cannot get pregnant through anal sex.’ While you can not get pregnant by anal penetration, if you are having anal sex and semen is dripping down then it’s possible that it could enter the vagina. It is rare, but it should be taken into consideration as part of the anal care.

Myth # 3 ‘It is painful’– Sex should never be painful. Stop and look at the area of pain if you are experiencing any discomfort. Avoid anal sex if you have piles. It may worsen them.

You may feel better after a bowel motion

Myth #4 ‘Do an anal sex before an enema’ I still hear people saying to do an anal sex prior to using an enema, but I strongly recommend against it.

This myth is based on the misconception that enemas make you more hygienic. They can instead irritate cells and produce excess mucus, which can lead to more dryness.

Anal sex is not as bad as you think. I recommend that you reframe your perception and face any fears. Anal sex is messy, with a mixture of body fluids. Vaginal sex may also be like this, but it’s possible to have faecal matter at one point.

We all have had faecal material. If you feel better after a bowel motion, you can wash your hands externally to reduce the risk of faecal material.

Myth No. 5 ‘Anal Sex Leads to Gut Health Issues’ If safe sex practices are practiced, such as using plenty of lubricant, condoms and going at your pace, the gut health will not be affected.