Have you ever tried anal sex? If you have, good for you! But if you haven’t, don’t stress. Anal sex can be super intimidating, even if you’re curious about it.

That said, we’ve got you. If you want to learn more about anal sex, look no further. The following is your complete guide to before, during, and after anal sex, all according to expert Sofie Roos, a sexologist and couples therapist.  

Clean Before You Start!

Since you don’t want to get your fingers, genitals, or bed dirty while engaging in anal sex, it’s important to clean before you start. Therefore, make sure to go to the restroom beforehand, and just after that use an anal douche until the water that comes out is clear. 

Practice While Masturbating

In the privacy of your own masturbation session, start by moving your fingers around and in your anus. Then, put in a small butt plug to make the sphincter relax. Lastly, penetrate yourself with a small, anal-safe dildo. Don’t forget to use lots of lube along the way! Train yourself by switching up the sizes of your sex toys to prepare for partnered sex. 

Let Your Partner Takeover

Once you feel comfortable on your own, bring your partner into the mix! Let your partner take over with their fingers, or have them penetrate you with a dildo. You can also incorporate rimming, having your partner orally stimulate your anus. (Which, yup, can feel amazing and help you relax.) 

Focus On Foreplay

The absolute foundation to having enjoyable anal sex is to be relaxed. So once you feel comfortable, you’re ready. Spend lots of time on foreplay, then put on a condom when you’re ready for penetration. Place lots of lube around and inside the anus, plus on the penis, and then begin. 

Do It With Doggy

When it comes to anal sex, most people start off in the missionary position. But actually, doggystyle is better! Missionary doesn't give any control to the receiver at all, making it a bad starter position for someone who has never had anal sex. In doggystyle on the other hand, the one being penetrated can move their body back and forth to control the stimulation, which increases the chances of them enjoying it!

Now, go try all of these steps and let us know how it goes! Trust, you’ve got this.