“Is Anal Sex Hygienic?”

Once considered a major taboo, anal sex has been busy making its way into the mainstream–and for good fun reason! Whether it’s with a toy, a finger, or a penis, penetrative anal sex can be exciting and enjoyable when you’re properly prepared. But, we all know that poo comes out of butts. That’s why it’s super common to have questions about best practices and the cleanliness of anal sex.

So, whether you’re looking to switch up your sex routine, are already a big fan of butt stuff, or are just feeling a bit curious–welcome, as we’re here to discuss all things anal hygiene and sex! Keep reading as we get into the details about good anal hygiene, anal care, and how to prepare for anal sex.

Is anal sex hygienic?

Since we’re all familiar with a butt’s primary function, you might be skeptical of how putting something in your butt for pleasure could ever be hygienic. That’s where a quick anatomy lesson can help put your mind at ease!

Basically, your body stores poop in your colon, right until you feel the urge to use the bathroom. Your rectum is a long tube that connects your colon to your anus. When you have penetrative anal sex, the finger, toy, or penis goes into your rectum, but is nowhere near long enough to reach your colon. There might still be some residue or stragglers inside your rectum, but there’s no need to worry about large amounts of poo coming into play during anal sex.

All that being said, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed or ashamed if a little poop does show up when having anal sex. After all, it comes with the territory! If you or your partner come into contact with any poo, just be sure to clean up with some soap and water. No big deal.

Alright, with all that in mind, is anal sex hygienic? There will always be bacteria involved, so there are a few best practices for anal sex, including:

• Lube up generously: Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t self-lubricate so lube is a must! Not only will lube make things more comfortable and enjoyable, but it also reduces friction which can lead to tiny tears and increase STI transmission risk. Give our much-loved Harmonizing Lube a try and let your partner know when you need a reapplication.
• Clean up before switching up: If butt stuff is first on the agenda, make sure to clean–hands, toys, and penises–before switching to vaginal/front hole sex or oral sex. That will help make sure bacteria doesn’t end up where it shouldn’t and cause infections.
• Use protection: Anus skin is thinner and more prone to tearing, which can increase the risk of STIs like HIV. Use condoms or dental dams to help protect yourself and your partners!
• Find your level of good anal hygiene: What it means to have good anal hygiene will be different for everyone! Figuring out what level of cleaning makes you most comfortable will help make sure you’re present and enjoying yourself.

How to keep your butt clean and ready for anal sex

Like we just mentioned, everyone’s preference for anal cleaning and care will be different and can change over time! But, if you’re wanting to make extra sure that your butt is clean and ready for sex, there are a few things you can do–both inside and out.

External cleaning: First things first, bidets are great! Next, if you have time to shower before your romp starts–or want to start things off steaming–you can wash up to feel fresh, clean, and ready to go. Our Balancing Wash is full of natural ingredients that serve as skin-soothing antiseptics for anal hygiene, but soap and water will also do the trick! And if things are moving more quickly or spontaneously, a travel pack of wet wipes is your new best friend.

Internal cleaning: An anal douche or enema is the most classic of anal hygiene products for internal cleaning, though you shouldn’t use one every day as it can mess with your electrolytes. An enema pushes water into your rectum to flush out any residue, but more on that later! Another tip is to time your anal play for after your daily bowel movement to prevent poo from popping in. Besides that, staying hydrated and eating a fiber-rich diet can help keep your digestion regular and surprise-free!

How to know if your butt is clean before sex

Like with all intimate encounters, having fun and being present can help make things more enjoyable! But, it’s hard to be in the moment when you’re busy wondering if your butt is clean. If needed, take a quick moment to excuse yourself and “freshen up” to make sure you’re in the clear. Here are a few ways to check on your anal hygiene before sex, so you can keep your mind on the activity at hand.

• Mirror check: If you keep a compact mirror with you or in your bathroom, put it to use! Having a little looksie back there can seriously boost your confidence when you confirm: 1) It’s just a butt, and 2) It’s nice and clean.
• Wipe check: Use a wet wipe or some plain toilet paper to dab yourself–if it comes back clean your butt should be good to go.
• Vibe check: You know yourself best! Trust your body’s signals and tune in to see if you’re feeling clean and fresh.

How do I clean the inside of my butt?

Looking to be a bit more thorough with your anal cleaning? Using an enema or anal douche allows you to clean out your rectum, but it’s not a necessity, nor is it bad or unsafe to have anal sex without it. Anal douching should be done sparingly and carefully to avoid any potential adverse effects.

General guidelines for safe anal douching include:

• Fluid: Saline solution is the best option for anal cleaning, as tap water can mess with the electrolyte balance inside your rectum. If tap water is your only option, don’t douche more than once a week. With saline, don’t douche more than 2 or 3 times a week.
• Temperature: The skin of your rectum is super sensitive, so make sure you use cool water. If the water feels warm on your hands, it’s too hot for your butt!
• Lubricate and insert: Whether you’re using an anal douche bulb, a pharmacy enema, or a bulb syringe, the first step is to apply some lube! Always lube up and relax when you’re putting anything in your butt. Go slowly and don’t force.
• Hold and release: Slowly and gently squeeze a small amount of fluid into your rectum, hold it for a few moments, then release it into the toilet. You can repeat this until the water runs clear.
• Timing: This kind of anal cleaning can cause irritation and water might continue to leak for about an hour, so it’s not something to do right before anal sex! Aim for a few hours before and limit it to special occasions.

How to care for your butt

We all have a butt, some folks like to use them for pleasure, and some folks don’t! The best way to engage in anal care is to trust yourself and know what you and your butt want. And if butt stuff is on your sex to-dos? Remember your anal hygiene basics! Oh, and bring lots of lube, use protection, communicate, clean up after, and have fun.