Anal Rimming (analingus)

(This CLASSIC SEX CRAP column first appeared @ E-Crap on 1/21/2002)

My first "Sex Crap" column (back in the summer of 2001, I still need to get some of my old ones archived) was triggered by an episode of "Sex and the City" where Miranda got involved in ass licking (or more properly, analingus) with a boyfriend. Not only was the episode hilarious (like they usually are), but it made great subject matter. So great, in fact, that in the recent week's polls, that was voted the best topic of 2001. And in honor of that voting, this is a follow-up to that column.

At that time, I admitted I had "dabbled" with it on one or two occasions. And when I first thought about having readers vote about a month ago, I had a feeling it would be the chosen topic. So I needed to do a bit of research. Real research. I have had exactly one sexual encounter since Christmas, with a very good friend who is also an occasional lover. Yes, I am most definitely NOT living la vida loca! But anyway, I made sure there was ass attention both ways. Honestly, the topic winning issue was not the true reason, as analingus was something that had been gnawing at me since the first column.

The sex was not overly spontaneous (more planned), and we took a mutual shower before partaking. While showering, I soaped his penis to the point of a very large erection, while whispering to him to make sure he cleans the other side because I might want to do some exploring. I swear, my slight mentions brought him to even larger heights, and I made sure we stayed in the shower an extra long time. After we toweled and fell onto the bed, he was the one to begin exploring. But he stayed away from my ass, and I was disappointed. I figured I needed to lead the way. I asked him to lie on his stomach, hands to the sides. I started by kissing his neck and straddling him with my legs outside of his waist. 

As I began kissing my way down his back, I started to gently kneed his ass cheeks. Soon, I was kissing his waist and I found myself getting close. At that time, I started to remember a good deal of subject matter I had read on the topic since last summer. Many sex guides consider analingus to be among the ultimate pleasure acts. A primary reason is due to the large amount of nerve endings located in and around the anal area. I must admit, as soon as my tongue reached that area, his body began jerking, almost like he was experiencing some sort of electrical shock!

Something else I found interesting is that many people are concerned with the lack of cleanliness that is perceived with the anal rimming act. Yet, doctors have said that there is generally no more risk of bacteria (or other health issues) associated with anal than there would be with vaginal licking (provided the anal area is clean). Also, a trick many people seem to use involves using a medical cloth of some kind to separate the tongue from the anal area. Some details on this are below. I have even been told by at least one friend that she has used Saran Wrap, because she could not bear to put her bare tongue around, or inside, her husband's ass (but that nothing makes him orgasm like anal rimming). And for those adventurous enough to poke in a bit higher than I went, the prostate gland, the most sensitive sexual spot on a man, is reachable (either a very long tongue of a finger or two).

My experience was not overly pleasurable, nor unpleasant. I was not reciprocated, which told me something. And I did not go as deeply as many people apparently do. Would I do it again? Sure. Deeper? Sure. But I would want reciprocation, and I would want it to happen when I was animally attracted to someone. 

I found the following information on anal rimming at this site. I had originally planned to use it to lead into my other feature this week, dealing with unique sexual positions and techniques, but my column ran longer than I thought. More on that later. For now, more information on anal rimming:

Technique

Gently lick the skin around your partner's anus. You can even probe gently inside with your tongue. Beware of teeth and biting because the skin, if cut, can easily become infected. If your tongue is pierced you might tear the anal lining if you aren't careful. A rough beard can also irritate the anal lining. Some people use dental dams (a piece of latex) or cellophane placed over their partner's anus as a type of safe sex barrier for rimming. Most, however, find that this takes away the oral pleasure and taste.
Hygiene

An asshole will always be an asshole and you can't sterilize it. At best, you can gently wash the skin with a moist cloth to remove any fecal residue. Avoid wet tissues or toilet paper that can flake and leave unappetizing bits of paper behind. A little perfume or aromatic oil may help with smells, but they can taste bad. Oils can also damage a condom if you are going to have protected anal sex.

Problems

The biggest problem many people face with rimming is getting their partner to do it in the first place. Again, it isn't for everyone. If your partner is bothered by your hygiene (or lack thereof) don't get bent out of shape. Listen to what he has to say -- he might be right. You may want to wash with a mild soap and gently dry the area. Something sweet that your partner likes (honey, chocolate syrup) strategically dabbed around your anus might help get your partner used to rimming. (Again, fat-based foods can damage condoms).

If you are a man, you can try and get your partner used to the idea of rimming by having him concentrate his efforts on your scrotum and perineum (the area under your scrotum). Most men will do this and if he gets into it his tongue might just drift further south.

For women, it's just a short lick from the clit down that slippery slope to the anus. And for both women and men, a little arching of your back or lifting your legs in the air couldn't hurt either.