Rimming (and all things butt) has been gaining traction recently. No longer is it just popular for gay men, rimming is taking over relationships of all genders and sexualities. Rimming is the act of performing oral to the anus and perineum (the bit between the bum and genitals) for an act of sexual stimulation.
When new, any sort of anal play can be intimidating. The bum has plenty of nerve endings so people can be wary of any new sensation (which is fine and normal!) but with the feeling being so different to other types of oral can make for a fun and exciting time - if you’re up for trying it. As with all new sex acts, it shouldn’t hurt (unless you’re aiming for it to) and being relaxed and comfortable is key.
The general technique to this is to lick around the outside of the anus but can also involve dipping the tongue inside. Rimming can be the foreplay to anal sex or can be an amazing sex act just on its own.
It’s not necessary to douche beforehand unless you particularly want to or are planning on heavier rimming with the tongue going inside the anus (and if you do, try this Prowler douche for ease of use). However, a shower is definitely recommended. When showering, pay attention to the area around the bumhole to make sure it’s as clean as possible both for your own and your partner's comfort. If you have longer pubic hair around the bum, you may want to consider shaving or trimming this for extra cleanliness.
As with all sexual acts, there is still a risk of transmitting STIs through anilingus. As well as herpes, genital warts, and all other STIs that can be passed through types of oral sex, there is the added risk of infections specific to faecal matter like bacterial infections. To reduce this risk, as well as showering well before the act, you can consider using a barrier method to prevent STIs transmitting, such as a dental dam. A dental dam is a sheet of latex that is placed over the area you wish to perform oral sex to (and they also come in different flavours!). If you don’t have any dental dams, cut a condom lengthways in half to create an open sheet.
Flavoured lube is also a good way to go if you’re a little nervous about performing oral as the taste of strawberry, gin and tonic, or sex on the beach cocktail, although chemical and fake, is probably more appealing than butt. Always use water-based lube, flavoured or not, for oral sex as silicone based lubricant won’t break down in saliva or water (and accidentally swallowing that won’t be pleasant).
Now you’re all prepped and ready to get into the main act! A good first-time position is for the receiver to be lying on their front with their butt cheeks spread, or slightly knelt up into doggy style so the giver has room to access the anus. Start slow with your lips and tongue and gradually get closer to the anus, gauging your partner's reaction and what they enjoy. If in doubt - ask them!
Try using your tongue to draw designs (think lines, circles, even stars!) and alternate between using the pointed tip of your tongue and the flat wider part of it. Switch from light quick licks or long drawn-out ones until you have a good idea of what your partner likes.
As with everything, all good things must come to an end. Saliva will dry the skin out and the butthole is already sensitive so be careful to know your and your partners limits. Some people will love this, others will hate it. Rimming isn’t for everyone but the ones who like it will now have something new to add to their sexual experiences.
