Sexual stimulation is about more than just what you do with your penis or vagina. Analingus is an underrated activity that allows exploring another erogenous zone. 

Though there are very few studies on analingus, what we do know is that roughly a quarter of men have performed analingus at some point, and 12% of men wish they were participating in analingus more. 

What Is Analingus?

Analingus — also known as rimming, ass eating, peach munching, or tossing salad — is when you stimulate your partner’s anus using your mouth. It can involve licking, sucking, kissing, or inserting your tongue into the anus. 

The term “rimming” comes from the fact that most people performing this activity spend most of their time focused on the rim around the sphincter. 

Who Can Participate in Rimming? 

Anyone can enjoy rimming!

Traditionally, rimming has been considered a male-only activity primarily associated with gay men. But in recent years, pleasuring the butt has become popular in heterosexual relationships. If you or your partner has a butt, you can enjoy analingus.

How Do You Talk to Your Partner About Rimming? 

Of course, before you start rimming your partner, you need to have a conversation about it.

When you bring the subject up with your partner, talk about it casually and be ready for them to say they’re not interested. They may also need to think about it and do their research before deciding if they’re willing to give it a try.

Remember that certain sexual activities are taboo for many people based on culture, religion, or previous sexual experiences. Tossing salad is only enjoyable if both partners agree to do it. 

If you and your partner both agree that you want to give analingus a try, there are a few other questions to ask before you jump into bed. 

Who’s Rimming Who?

You may think it goes without saying who’s eating and who’s being eaten, but your partner may not. Be explicit when talking to your partner about what you’re asking for: Do you want them to eat you out, do you want to eat them out, or are you looking to try both sides of the salad bowl?

Do You Agree to Anal Sex?

Asking for a rim job isn’t the same as asking for anal sex, and agreeing to a rim job doesn’t mean you agree to anal. But, because the two activities stimulate a similar part of your body, you should have a conversation with your partner about whether you’re comfortable with rimming leading to anal sex or whether you want to stick to exterior activities. 

What Should You Expect When Rimming? 

If you’ve never participated in analingus before, you may be anxious about what to expect. 

The truth is, it’s probably not as scary in practice as it is in your head. The taste of analingus is described as sweet and not unpleasant, though there are things you can try if you don’t like the taste. For example, there is a whole array of flavored lubes — green apple, vanilla creme, and banana, to name a few — that you can experiment with to mask the taste. 

Do Women like Analingus? How does it feel?

Men and Women who enjoy analingus describe the sensation of receiving as giving more stimulation than almost any other sexual activity. 

When it comes to the other side of the equation, licking an anus tastes like licking any different skin, but there is a little extra texture to contend with. This texture comes from both the puckering of the hole and any hair that may be in or around the butt.

People who give rim jobs often say that the most enjoyable part is hearing how it turns their partner on. The reaction alone can be enough to get the person doing the eating hot and bothered. 

Is an Analingus Orgasm Possible? 

Can you cum from analingus alone? Though you can orgasm from anal stimulation and analingus orgasm. But that will be hard to achieve. 

Instead, many people use rim jobs as foreplay or early stimulation. It can make achieving an orgasm faster and more intense, but you may still need other tools to take you all the way. 

How Do You Prepare for Rimming? 

Once you’ve had a conversation and are ready for a rim job, you still want to prepare your body and space. 

For example, if you’re going to use rimming as part of an S-and-M scene, you’ll want other tools like paddles or pulse stimulators on hand. And even if you’re not using any sex toys, you want to make sure your body is clean and ready for action. 

Cleaning Your Body

At the very least, you’ll want to take a shower and rinse your butt thoroughly if you’re going to be the one receiving analingus. An enema can help you get clean from the inside out, keeping things fun and pleasant for both you and your partner. 

Landscaping

Having hair around your butt is natural. But if you’re self-conscious about it or your partner has mentioned any concerns about having hair in their mouth, it might be a good idea to landscape that area. Just keep in mind that if you nick yourself while shaving, you’ll have to wait for that spot to heal before engaging in ass play. 

Lubrication

Yes and no. The ass doesn’t lubricate itself the way a vagina or penis might. That being said, if you’re going to be kissing or licking the area, you may not need any lubricant. If, on the other hand, you’re hoping to insert the tongue into the anus or use analingus as a precursor to anal sex, a good lubricant is a must! 

Is Analingus Safe?

Rimming can be a perfectly safe sexual activity, but there are some analingus health hazards to watch out for. 

What Are the Risks of Analingus? 

Like any sex, rim jobs risk spreading STIs. 

But, because rim jobs focus on the ass, there’s an additional concern regarding bacteria like E. coli. 

How Do You Keep Rimming Safe? 

Staying clean is the key to keeping analingus safe. 

The first step is to clean the body before starting, with a shower and possibly an enema. But, even in the throes of passion, hygiene should be at the front of your mind. 

Dental dams are one easy way to prevent your mouth from coming into contact with the anus. You’ll also want to keep anything that comes into contact with the butt away from things that could contact the penis or vagina. This could include having a separate toy to stimulate the vagina or even investing in masturbation toys before or after your rim job.

How Do You Perform Analingus?

If you’re wondering how to lick an anus or the best analingus positions, we’ve got you covered. 

Rim jobs are all about sensation. You’ll spend most of your time tracing the outside of the anus with your tongue, but you can switch that up with kissing, sucking, and licking any part of the ass to keep the feelings fresh.

The best positions for analingus give you easy access to your partner’s butt. 

One great position is for the receiving partner to get on their knees with their head down on the mattress while the giving partner kneels behind them. 

Another easy position is for the receiving partner to lay flat on their stomach on a bed with their legs hanging off while the giving partner kneels on the floor behind the bed. 

How Do You Keep Rimming Fun?

Rimming can be highly pleasurable for both you and your partner. The key to keeping this activity fun for both of you is to communicate before, during, and after rimming. This supports activities consensually and allows you both to adjust your techniques for maximum pleasure!

5 Best Products for Rimming

1. Fun Tongue
2. Fingerific
3. Aande G-Gasm Curve
4. Rechargeable Ass Roto Bator
5. Finger Vibe

Sources:

What to Try Rimming? Here’s Everything to Know About Rim Jobs. (October 2020). Men’s Health. 

Warning: A Column on Butt Stuff. (April 2014). The Cut. 

Everything You Need to Know About Rimming (Analingus). (March 2019). Healthline.

What ass licking and eating ass feels like for women and people with vulvas. (February 2021). Cosmopolitan. 

Guys Explain What Getting A Rim Job Really Feels Like. (December 2017). Cosmopolitan.