Men's Health May 29, 2026 0 Comments

Unlock Next-Level Intimacy: Expert Analingus Secrets That Transform Pleasure and Performance

Ever wonder why analingus—also known by its catchier nicknames like rimming or peach munching—gets swept under the rug with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop? It’s a topic drenched in taboo, wrapped in stigma, and sprinkled with misunderstandings that often make it the punchline of jokes rather than a candid conversation. But here’s the kicker: there’s way more to this form of pleasure than the crude humor suggests. Both the giver and receiver can find immense enjoyment in something that, let’s be honest, challenges comfort zones and cultural norms in the best way possible. Ready to ditch the myths, get down to the nitty-gritty about safety, consent, and technique, and maybe — just maybe — add a new favorite move to your bedroom repertoire? Let’s dive in. LEARN MORE

12 min read

ANILINGUS GOES BY many names. Rimming, salad tossing, eating ass, peach munching, the list goes on. One potential reason why so many of the terms for it are deeply unserious is because the act itself is still widely considered taboo, and carries a stigma linked to homophobia—much like anal sex, which is still deemed “dirty” by some, in both the literal and figurative sense. But as the old saying goes: Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. And that means everyone, regardless of their sexual identity, can enjoy having their booty eaten like groceries.

That said, ass-eating is something of a misnomer, since no actual eating is involved. Rather, analingus “refers to the pleasure of having a sexual partner provide oral sex to the anus of a receiving partner,” says Rufus Spann, PhD, sex therapist and founder of Libido Health. And it’s plenty pleasurable. Like other erogenous zones, the anus contains a dense network of sensitive nerve endings, which means there are tons of ways to pleasure that area, he says.

Plus, the process can be just as pleasurable for the person giving the rim job. “Some people enjoy the sensation of their partner’s anal opening, squeezing the tongue, and hearing their partner moan during the process,” says Spann. Others find it psychologically stimulating to be granted access to a part of the body that is typically treated as forbidden and off-limits, he says.

And, believe it or not, adding a little amuse-booty to your sexual menu might even elevate date night. “Sexual exploration that involves trust, communication, and vulnerability has the potential to deepen connection—and that can be especially true during analingus,” says Carolina Pataky, PhD, LMFT, a sexologist and licensed marriage and family therapist in Coral Gables, Florida. Eating ass often requires more openness because it challenges cultural taboos and personal comfort zones, she explains, adding, “When partners choose to explore it together, they are often stepping into a space of mutual trust and acceptance, which can foster feelings of connectedness.”

Intrigued or even a little hungry? Here’s everything sex experts want you to know about analingus:

How to Prepare for a Rim Job

1. Let go of butt-munching myths.

In a society where poop is taboo and medically-accurate sex education is the outlier, misconceptions about anal play abound. “The idea that analingus is dirty, unsafe, or damaging to anal health is rooted in stigma, rather than medicine,” says board-certified physician Dr. Stacy De-Lin, MD, the associate medical director of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic in Hudson, New York. “Oral-anal is a common sexual behavior, and is not inherently harmful.”

2. Know the potential risks…

Rimming isn’t dangerous in and of itself, but putting your tongue in and around the place where poop comes out can still expose you to bacteria, viruses, and parasites that live in the GI tract, including norovirus, Giardia, E. coli, and hepatitis A, says Dr. De-Lin. Generally, exposure risk is “manageable,” she explains, but “the risk of exposure and, in turn, transmission, is higher if someone has active diarrhea, recent food poisoning, has visible stool, poor hygiene, or any other kind of known infection.” Because of that, Dr. De-Lin recommends avoiding anal play during bouts of GI upset (you probably won’t be feeling particularly sexy then anyway).

And if you’re really worried about poop? Don’t be. While coming into contact with trace amounts of fecal matter is possible, the risk of encountering stool is far lower than most newcomers realize, says Dr. Evan Goldstein, DO, an anal surgeon and author of Butt Seriously. Rimming typically focuses on the external part of the anus, not deep penetration. Even if you happen to have a lizard-like tongue, poop isn’t stored in the anal canal (where your tongue might reach) but further up in the rectum.

3. …and what you can do to reduce them.

Needless to say, it’s a good idea to make sure that the partner on the receiving end of a rim job has a clean butthole. But, contrary to popular belief, a full douche or enema isn’t necessary. Washing the area first via a shower or bidet is sufficient, says Dr. De-Lin.

You can also reduce your risks by using a dental dam or a condom cut lengthwise into a flat barrier, says Dr. De-Lin. This literally creates a layer between the giver’s tongue and receiver’s tush, helping keep any pathogens on the bum side of the sheath. (Pro tip: Add a dab of lube on the butt side of the barrier to reduce uncomfortable friction of dry latex on dry skin.)

Another benefit of dental dams? They can reduce risks associated with transitioning from analingus to cunnilingus. “Going from the anus to the vulva can move GI bacteria towards the urethra or vagina, which can increase the risk of in the vagina irritation, bacterial imbalance, or, in the case of the urethra, urinary tract infection,” Dr. De-Lin says.

There are some long-term protections to consider, too. “The hepatitis A vaccination is really important for all people to get, but it’s especially for folks who engage in analingus,” adds Dr. De-Lin. While it’s generally administered in infancy, there is no age upper limit for getting the vaccine later in life.

4. Stay on top of your STI status.

“STIs can spread through oral-anal contact, including herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis A,” says Dr. De-Lin. “Transmission can go in either direction, meaning from the mouth to the anus, or from the anus to the mouth and throat.”

Because many sexually transmitted infections can be asymptomatic, regular testing is the only way to know your current STI status, says Dr. De-Lin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends once-yearly testing for sexually active adults. However, how often it makes sense for you depends on individual factors, such as your number of sexual partners and relationship agreements.

If you’re in a closed, mutually monogamous partnership and previously tested before engaging in other forms of sex, you may not feel the need to re-test before rimming. But if you’re sleeping with new or multiple partners, having conversations about STI testing before introducing analingus into the mix is a smart move.

And if you or your partner test positive for an STI—or don’t want to wait for your results before trying it—a dental dam or condom cut into a flat barrier can help reduce the risk of transmission during rimming.

5. Get consent…

Even if you’ve tried other kinds of oral or anal play together before, don’t assume your partner is automatically interested in analingus. Instead, talk about it.

“The conversation should be less about the act itself, and more on sexual curiosity,” says Pataky. Framing analingus as something you’re open to trying—as opposed to expecting to try—gives your partner space to respond honestly without feeling pressured or put on the spot, she says.

“If you want to receive, focus on what excites or intrigues you about the experience,” says Joy Berkheimer, PhD, LMFT, a clinical sexologist and licensed marriage and family therapist in Boca Raton, Florida. “If you want to give, frame it around curiosity and mutual pleasure instead of pressure.” For example, you might say:

I love the way you taste, and I think it would be really sexy to explore lower sometimes. Is that something you’d be into?
I feel really connected to you when we’re giving each other oral. Would you ever want to try incorporating rimming into that?

If your partner isn’t interested in analingus, it’s important to respect that boundary without pressuring them to change their mind, says Berkheimer. But if they seem open to talking more about it, you can gently explore what specifically gives them pause—whether it’s hygiene concerns, vulnerability, physical comfort, or simply not being into the sensation.

Depending on the reason, you two may decide to explore other forms of external anal play instead, such as massaging the area with a lubricated finger or incorporating touch around the anus during oral sex. Or, you may simply decide that rimming isn’t part of your shared sexual repertoire—which is totally okay, too.

6. …every single time.

Just because analingus has been part of your sex sessions with this person before, doesn’t mean they’re always in the mood for rimming. That’s why Luna Matatas, a sex and pleasure educator, suggests asking for permission outright.

If you’re the giver, “ask your person if they want to get their butthole ready for your mouth or if they need to ‘freshen up’,” she says. This kind of check-in gives your partner space to decide whether they want to receive analingus, while also offering them an opportunity to shower, use the bathroom, or otherwise prep beforehand.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in receiving, communicate that openly and without pressure. For example: “I’d really love to feel your tongue on my ass tonight. Are you into that?”

7. Take it slow.

“A lot of people have this perception that they don’t need to do any foreplay with rimming,” Alicia Sinclair, certified sex educator and founder and CEO of b-Vibe, says in Men’s Health Best. Sex. Ever. But just like with every other type of sexual experience, analingus generally feels best after some level of arousal has already been established, according to Berkheimer.

“Across the board, the body usually receives sensation more openly when someone already feels turned on and emotionally safe,” Berkheimer says. That’s especially true with anal play, because the muscles around the anus tend to clench involuntarily when someone is tense, anxious, or caught off guard, she explains.

In practice, that means slowing down and helping your partner relax before heading south. Kissing, sensual massage, dirty talk, nipple play, and manual stimulation can all help build anticipation and increase physical comfort, she says.

Once you do move toward the anus, start gradually. Rather than beelining for the butthole, “play with the entire booty,” says Sinclair. Kissing and/or lightly touching both cheeks and higher up the crack can help the receiver relax into the sensation and build anticipation, adds Berkheimer.

Best Techniques for Eating Ass

Disclaimer: While there are some tried-and-true analingus techniques, “responding to your partner’s verbal and non-verbal reactions will always be more effective than following a rigid method,” says Pataky. In other words, consider these techniques starting points, not hard-and-fast rules.

1. Start with slow, broad strokes.

Some receivers find the sensation of a pinpointed tongue to be too, well, pokey—especially as an opening move. “Gentle, consistent motion often creates more comfort and anticipation than starting with high intensity, fast flicks right away,” says Pataky. Rather than leading with the tip of your tongue, use the entire flat surface area to stimulate your partner, she suggests.

2. Experiment with pressure and (simple) patterns.

“A lot of people think they need to lick with Olympic-level tongue choreography, but they don’t,” says Berkheimer. “Paying attention to what your partner actually enjoys is more effective than trying to aggressively alphabet your way through the experience.”

Your move: Try slowly rotating your tongue clockwise and counterclockwise along the hole, as well as moving your tongue side-to-side while paying attention to how your partner responds, she suggests. Keep it simple, and when they respond positively (with a moan, sigh, or other positive verbal affirmation), keep doing whatever you’re doing.

3. Don’t ignore the surrounding area.

“The folds around the anus have lots of nerve endings and fill up with blood as the body of the receiver gets more aroused and relaxed,” Matatas says.

Instead of focusing right on the bull’s-eye of the butt, try running your tongue up and down each little crease, she says. For many people, this build-up is part of what makes analingus so intensely pleasurable.

4. Use more than your tongue.

“Try using other parts of your face, like your nose or chin,” says Matatas. Not only can this switch-up give your mouth and tongue a break, but it can also up the eroticism of this experience. Especially when using the tip of your nose, you’re bringing scent into the moment in a different way, which can be very arousing for the giver, Spann says.

5. Invite feedback.

“Feedback keeps sex collaborative,” says Berkheimer. “That’s why the hottest experiences are the ones where both people felt comfortable enough to participate out loud.”

With that, she suggests the giver ask quick questions like:

More pressure or less?
Want me to slow down or keep going?
Does this feel good or should I try something else?

“The person receiving analingus should also be honest in real-time,” she says. That might sound like:

A little softer.
Harder.
Less pressure.
I like it when you take your time.

6. Apply some lube.

Even after a shower, some people get hung up on the fear that they still smell or taste a little icky. If that’s you, try incorporating an edible, flavored lube, says Lee Phillips, LCSW, CST, a psychotherapist and sex and couples therapist in New York. A squirt can help the receiver feel more confident and comfortable, ultimately increasing their pleasure. Plus, it tastes yummy for the giver. (We like Hello Cake’s Vanilla Chai and # LubeLife’s Watermelon).

Shop Our Favorite Flavored Lubes

Hello Cake Vanilla Chai Flavored Lube

Credit: Hello Cake

Lube Life Watermelon Flavored Lubricant

7. Add in a rimming-specific sex toy.

“If you want to enhance your experience with rimming, have [the giver] wear a tongue vibrator,” says Phillips. These sex toys transform the tongue into a vibrating apparatus, which can make the sensation feel even more pleasurable to the receiver, he says.

8. Show love to the other erogenous zones.

Rimming doesn’t have to be an isolated act. “Using your hands to incorporate full-body touch can make the experience feel more emotionally close,” says Pataky. Not to mention, layering sensations can lead to a more layered experience.

Some suggestions: Use your hand(s) to hold a sex toy, such as a clitoral vibrator or stoker, stimulate their perineum, massage their feet, or otherwise stroke their genitals.

9. Go ahead—let out a moan.

If you’re enjoying eating your partner’s ass, there’s no reason to hide that. Moaning during analingus can create subtle vibrations that may heighten the receiver’s sensation, says Spann. Plus, because it confirms that their partner is genuinely turned on by the experience, “many receivers enjoy hearing their partner moan during the process,” he says.

Best Analingus Sex Positions

Again, there are no hard-and-fast rules here. “Positioning is less about performance and more about access to the anus, and your ability to stay responsive to each other,” says Pataky. Basically, you just need to find ass-eating positions that are comfortable for both you and your partner. With that in mind, here are some popular options to try:

1. Doggy Style

@alliefolino

How to: Both partners get on their hands and knees. The receiver leans forward, propping up on their forearms and pressing their butt into the air. Then, the giver positions themselves so their face is between the receiver’s legs.

Benefits: The classic go-to position for rimming is doggy style. “This hips-elevated, face-down position works well because it allows the receiving partner to relax physically, which can enhance comfort and receptivity,” says Pataky.

Pro tip: The receiver can make access easier by reaching back and using their hands to spread their own cheeks, Pataky says. A sex pillow under the belly can also help elevate the pelvis and reduce strain for both partners.

2. Spread Eagle

@alliefolino

How to: Similar to the missionary position, the receiver lies on their back. The difference? Instead of keeping their legs down, the receiver raises their legs straight into the air (or if they’re extremely flexible, behind their head), using their hands for support as needed.

Benefits: Spread Eagle is effective because it creates accessibility, helping protect the giver’s neck, says Pataky. Plus, the face-to-face nature of the configurations can make the experience feel more intimate.

3. Side-Lying

@alliefolino

How to: Both partners lie on their sides, while the receiver slightly lifts or bends their top leg, providing rear end access to the giver.

Benefits: This position is ideal for those who prefer a slower pace. Because neither partner has to hold themselves in an intense position, side lying promotes a more comfortable, relaxed experience, says Pataky.

4. Face-Sitting

@alliefolino

How to: The giving partner lies down on the bed, while the receiving partner kneels or squats over their face. The giver’s mouth should be aligned with the receiver’s anus.

Benefits: “Face-sitting works well for partners who enjoy playing with power, or who enjoy full-body closeness,” says Berkheimer. This oral-anal option gives the receiving partner greater control over pressure, pacing, and depth, which can increase the likelihood of reaching their anal hot spots, she explains.

Pro tip: To make this position even more enjoyable, take advantage of your bedroom setup. “The person being rimmed can use a bed or a wall to help balance their weight off their knees and thighs,” says Matatas. The giver, meanwhile, can prop up their head with a pillow to bring their mouth to their partner’s anus above naturally, she adds.

5. Reverse Face-Sitting

@alliefolino

How to: You can also do a reverse face-sit, where the only difference is that the receiver is facing the giver’s feet.

Benefits: As with regular ole face-sitting, the receiver has more control over the pressure, pacing, and depth of analingus, says Berkheimer, which can make the experience more pleasurable. But they can also reach down and stimulate their partner’s genitals, enhancing the experience for them as well.

6. Anilingus 69

@alliefolino

How to: From the reverse face-sitting position, you can easily transition into analingus 69, which involves one partner performing oral sex while the other eats booty.

Benefits: This is an easy way for the analingus-receiving partner to pleasure the giving partner, says Berkheimer, because all the person on top has to do is lean all the way forward. It’s a win-win!

Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a sex and fitness journalist committed to helping people feel the best they can in their bodies. In addition to Men’s Health, her work has appeared in publications such as Shape, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Health, Self, Women’s Health, Greatist, and more! In her free time, Gabrielle can be found coaching CrossFit, reviewing pleasure products, hiking with her border collie, or recording episodes of the podcast she co-hosts called Bad In Bed. Follow her on Instagram @Gabriellekassel.