Butt Sex Safety

So you've decided to finally take the plunge (pun totally intended) and try anal play... or maybe you have been enjoying it...  either way, make sure you play by the butt safety rules.  Nothing ruins the mood more than pain or a trip to the emergency room.

Let me start by saying that anal sex/play, when done properly, should NEVER hurt.  I wish someone would have told me that prior to my first try at it!  My first experience was done all wrong, resulting in years of missed fun because I was terrified to try it again.

The anus has tons of nerve endings, making it prime territory to explore solo or with a partner.  The resulting orgasms can be absolutely toe-curling in my experience.  So, what are these butt sex safety rules you ask?  Here are six rules to always follow...

1)  Flare is a Must - When using toys anally, you absolutely MUST use ones with a flared base or hand hold.  This prevents them from getting lost in the rectum (which would definitely require a trip to the ER).  Yes, things can get sucked up and lost in the rectum if there isn't something to stop them.

2)  Don't Go Numb -  Lots of people are eager to dose up with numbing agents such as Anal Eze in hopes of avoiding pain during anal play.  Let me repeat myself here... when done properly, it should never hurt.  I don't suggest using these products (or if you do, then use them sparingly).  Your body sends pain signals to let you know that something is wrong.  If you can't feel what is going on, then you risk serious injury because you don't know when to stop.

3)  Pain Does NOT Equal Gain -  If you are feeling pain, you need to stop and evaluate what might need to be done differently.  You have two sphincters:  the external and the internal.  To relax the external sphincter, all you have to do is release all tension.  To relax the internal sphincter, the body has to have time to adjust.  Pain can be your body's way of telling you that you need to slow down a bit as your sphincters relax.

4)  Keep it Clean - I'm not referring to enemas here, though they are available.  When playing anally, don't insert anything in the vagina that has been in the anus until it has been thoroughly cleaned (this includes fingers, penis, toys, etc.).  If you are using toys, you may use a condom over the toy if it is porous (jelly, UR3).  If using anal beads, choose beads without a porous string connecting them since it cannot be cleaned well and will be a one time use toy.

5)  Lots of Lube - The anus doesn't produce its own lubrication, so using a good lube is a must.  Water-based or silicone lubes work well.  A thicker lube is often preferred ("gel" instead of "liquid").  Their are also special lubes made specifically for anal sex, such as Sliquid Sassy.  Use lots of lube and keep it close by since you may need to reapply.  Keeping things slippery will make things much more comfortable.

6)  Talk it Out -  Communication is the key to great sex.  If you are playing with a partner, it is important to be honest about how it feels, what you want different, and your emotions that go along with it.

What other butt sex safety tips do you have?