Everything You Need to Know About Rimming (Analingus)

Analingus, often called rimming, means using the mouth to stimulate the anus. Anyone can explore it, though there are particular risks tied to this form of pleasure.

Rimming — or analingus — involves oral attention to the anus. That can include licking, sucking, kissing, and any other enjoyable actions that bring oral contact to the anal area.

Who does it?

Anyone can.

A common myth is that rimming is purely a “gay” practice because it centers on the anus, but sexual orientation doesn’t determine whether someone enjoys it.

If you have a butt and you want it stimulated, you can try this with a willing partner.

Is it safe?

Generally, yes — though, as with any sexual activity, some risk exists.

Bacteria

Hygiene matters for rimming, both to reduce the “ick” factor and to limit bacterial transmission.

Digestive bacteria and parasites that pass through the anus, such as E. coli and Salmonella, can cause illness if swallowed.

Bacteria from the anus can also lead to vaginal infections.

Even in moments of passion, avoid moving bacteria from the anus to the vagina with your tongue, fingers, sex toys, or penis.

STIs

Safe-sex practices are just as important for rimming as for other sexual activities.

Some STIs that can be spread through rimming include:

• herpes
• genital warts
• gonorrhea
• syphilis
• hepatitis A and B

Using a dental dam can reduce the risk of STI transmission for both partners.

Does consenting to rimming mean you’re consenting to anal intercourse?

No. Rimming can be a standalone act or part of foreplay for other sexual activities you might choose.

You don’t have to have anal sex if you don’t want to.

If anal intercourse is something you might consider, discuss it with your partner beforehand and obtain consent at every step.

How do you bring it up with your partner?

Let’s be honest: the anus isn’t everyone’s favorite area to have licked.

Open communication and consent are essential, so discuss it honestly to make sure you both feel comfortable.

If you’re the one suggesting it

Remember that sex can be a sensitive or taboo topic for many people.

Upbringing, religious views, and societal ideas can shape your partner’s feelings about anal play.

Hear their concerns without dismissing them, even if you disagree. Be ready to accept their response, even if it’s not what you’d hoped.

If they bring it up

If the roles are reversed and you’re being asked to consider rimming, follow the same approach and listen.

Avoid judgment. Aim for a rational, comfortable conversation that builds trust.

The bottom line

Consent is essential. No one should be pressured into anything they don’t want. If either partner is unsure, agree to revisit the subject later. A firm “no” must be respected.

When should you skip it?

While rimming can be pleasurable, there are situations where it’s best avoided.

Don’t engage in rimming if you or your partner have any of the following:

• gas
• diarrhea
• constipation
• bleeding
• open sores, including hemorrhoids
• digestive infections
• cold sores

Don’t let embarrassment stop you from being honest about why you might pass on rim play. No one wants to face unpleasant surprises, and your partner will appreciate the openness.

Should you remove hair?

That’s a personal choice.

Having hair between your cheeks is normal, but if it bothers you or makes you uncomfortable, consider waxing or trimming.

There are advantages and disadvantages to removing hair that are worth weighing.

Pros

• Heightened sensation. Removing hair can allow for more direct contact, increasing stimulation. The less between the rimmer’s tongue and the recipient’s skin, the more intense the feeling.
• Easier cleanliness. Though you can clean well with hair present, being bare makes it simpler. Toilet paper fibers, towel lint, and even fecal residue can cling to hair.
• Fewer insecurities. If you worry about how your anus looks or whether hair will be a turn-off, removing it might help you relax and enjoy yourself.

Cons

• Skin irritation. Any hair removal method can irritate delicate skin, especially in an area not accustomed to razors or wax. If you remove hair, allow time for the skin to heal before engaging in rimming.
• Ingrown hairs. Regrowth can cause itching, prickliness, or painful ingrown hairs. These issues are usually temporary but worth considering.
• Infection risk. Irritation or small injuries from hair removal raise the risk of infection. If you remove hair, proceed carefully and keep the area clean.

Should you use an enema?

It’s optional.

An enema uses water to prompt a bowel movement.

Benefits of an enema include:

• clearing the anal canal of feces and some bacteria
• making you feel more confident about the area, which can enhance enjoyment
• being a source of erotic stimulation for some people

Drawbacks include:

• some people find enemas unpleasant or uncomfortable
• there’s a risk of tearing and infection
• frequent enemas can disturb the rectum, bowels, and digestive patterns and upset your normal elimination rhythm

Are condoms or barriers necessary?

Protection is the most reliable way to lower STI risk.

If you’re worried protection will lessen pleasure, it often doesn’t — the giver can still control movements and the receiver will still feel stimulation.

Condoms are helpful for anyone uneasy about direct tongue-to-anus contact.

Dental dams — thin latex sheets — can be placed over the anus as a barrier. There are also tongue condoms, small sleeves worn over the tongue for oral sex.

Male condoms can be converted into a makeshift dam if needed.

Here’s how to repurpose a condom:

1. Use sharp scissors to carefully snip off the condom’s tip.
2. Cut across the base of the condom just above the rim.
3. Slice down one side of the condom.
4. Lay it flat over the anus.

What about lubricant?

Lube can boost comfort and sensation, and it’s essential if anal intercourse is planned.

Lubricant helps the tongue and fingers glide more smoothly, increasing pleasure for both partners.

Flavored lubes and lubes made specifically for oral-anal play can make the experience more enjoyable.

Which positions work best?

While experimenting to find what suits you is encouraged, a modified doggy-style — or “on all fours” — position is often the easiest option.

Have the partner receiving rimming get on all fours on the bed or floor.

If you’re the rimmer, you should:

1. Kneel behind your partner.
2. Use your hands to adjust the height of their butt for the best angle.
3. Use your hands to part their cheeks.

Other possibilities include:

• The receiver bending over a table, chair, or bed while you kneel behind.
• The receiver standing and bending at the waist while you kneel or crouch behind, possibly holding their ankles.
• The receiver lying on their back with two pillows under the hips and knees tucked toward the chest while you kneel between their thighs.

What should you do with your tongue?

Begin gently and work toward the main area rather than going straight for it.

Soft, light licks and kisses of the inner thighs and perineum help warm your partner up.

When you move to the anus, treat it a bit like licking an ice cream cone.

Tips:

• Use long, slow licks with the tongue flat against the anus.
• Vary your tongue’s firmness by tensing and relaxing it.
• Try different directions, such as up-and-down and side-to-side.
• Point the tongue and press gently into the anus, using enough pressure to lightly penetrate.

What about teeth?

Aside from tiny nibbles on the cheeks, most people prefer to avoid direct contact between teeth and the anus.

Guidelines:

• Ensure they consent to any toothy play — communication and agreement are required.
• Run your front teeth lightly along the backs of the thighs and buttocks, barely grazing the skin.
• Try light, gentle nibbles only on the butt cheeks, where there’s enough flesh to tolerate it.

What about breath?

Warm breath on the skin can be very arousing, especially on the inner thighs and buttocks.

Tease by holding your lips close enough that your partner feels your breath, alternating with light kisses and licks.

How should you use your hands?

Your hands can add a lot to the experience, so make good use of them.

Try using your hands to:

• Play with nipples, gently squeezing or tugging.
• Rub the clitoris.
• Insert fingers into the vagina.
• Stroke the penis.
• Gently squeeze and caress the scrotum.
• Caress the neck, back, or inner thighs.
• Squeeze or lightly spank the butt cheeks.

The bottom line

Between consenting adults, rimming can be an intensely pleasurable act worth trying. Just prioritize safety, hygiene, and clear communication before you get started.