This form of masturbation evokes all sorts of misunderstandings. Some assume that a person who enjoys anal play is perverted or immoral, while others believe that engaging in this type of activity somehow compromises their sexual orientation. There are also those who keep their 'back door' tightly shut because opening it might make them feel too vulnerable. It's easy to see that perception can have a significant impact on a person's experience with anal exploration.
Masturbation
Being open to anal play indicates that a person feels comfortable with their body. It also suggests they don't let external influences affect them. With this spirit of openness, this article will focus on anatomy, sex toys, and tips and methods related to anal masturbation. The information applies equally to men and women, in addition to the section on prostate stimulation.
The Anus
The anus is a body orifice filled with sensitive nerve endings. Its primary purpose is to eliminate waste from the body (see sexual anatomy). It is an external-to-internal skin indentation, meaning it develops from the outside into the body. It's part of a complex system that combines voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions and other sphincters. The anal canal, located between the rectum and the anus, is about 4 centimeters long, with length variations between men and women, but the female canal is usually shorter.
The tissue of the anus is very thin compared to the vagina and can tear if forced too much. The anus is a one-way valve, meaning it expels feces and is not typically designed to allow things to enter! That's why it's crucial to take things slowly, to avoid forcing penetration and to be mindful of not overstretching it.
Does Anal Masturbation Hurt?
Anal masturbation creates a completely unique sensation. Initially, it may feel uncomfortable, but that's because the sensation is very distinct from others. Moreover, a significant amount of tension and nervousness can easily manifest in the constriction of the external sphincter, making the anus tightly held, thus making it difficult to pass anything through it. The best thing you can do before playing is to engage in an activity that can relieve these tensions, like going for a run or getting a massage. If you follow all our tips and still feel uncomfortable, don't be hard on yourself. It might not be the right activity for you at this time.
Why Bother with Anal Masturbation?
Anal exploration plays a role in human sexuality, mainly due to the erotic pleasure it can provide. If a person is highly aroused when starting with anal masturbation, they can experience a full range of exciting sensations. With the right position, anal masturbation can indirectly stimulate a woman's G-Spot or a man's P-Spot (prostate gland) to the point of climax. There's also evidence that an anal orgasm can be experienced independently of clitoral/penile or G/P-Spot stimulation. Even the mere idea of anal penetration can be very exciting, and its provocative reputation and unconventional role in the bedroom can be a completely new turn-on.
There are other good reasons to try anal masturbation. Like any form of masturbation, it's essential for a person's sexual development to discover the sensations their body responds to at a pace they feel comfortable with. Playing with the anus is also an excellent way to work on letting go of control and excessive tension—some people are so tightly wound that even a genital orgasm is hard to achieve!
Anal masturbation is the perfect preparation for anal play with a partner if you're the one who wants to introduce it. Exploring the anal region on your own can also ease any discomfort you might feel if someone else were there. Since relaxing and letting go is essential for pleasurable anal penetration, solo play might be the only way to gain more confidence at the start.
Sex Toys
Anal sex toys serve a variety of useful purposes and are highly recommended for true explorers. Specific anal pleasure objects act as an extension of the hand, allowing one to easily reach the anus while providing a high level of maneuverability. People can choose any size they want and can even opt for larger toys. Don't forget about clitoral and penile stimulators, as they can always be helpful for arousal, relaxation, or even distraction!
There are plenty of anal options to choose from, such as anal dilators, anal plugs and anal beads. These toys can be easily integrated into partner play or reserved for solo use. Another great advantage of using anal toys is that they are manufactured with high hygiene standards, contain body-safe materials, and can even be sterilized by boiling or putting them in the dishwasher. If you're going to share your pleasure objects or if hygiene is a concern for you, incorporate the use of a condom. Use toys only with a flared base. This will prevent the erotic toy from slipping all the way inside the anus through involuntary sphincter contractions.
Tantric Principles
The principles of tantric sex are very useful when it comes to anal masturbation. Erogenous zones, such as nipples or genitals, are the areas of the body most sensitive to touch; stimulating them can provoke a powerful sexual response. There is a particular technique in Tantric Sex that supports systematic stimulation of the erogenous zones, in which the body is stimulated in a specific order. Kissing, licking, caressing, massaging, and giving warm or cold breath can be used to achieve this effect. By the time the last zone of the body is stimulated, a tremendous amount of sensual energy has been generated in the individual.
The anus is classified as a tertiary (third-level) erogenous zone, as it is meant to receive the ultimate stimulation. However, it is not designated as such because it is less sensitive—the case is quite the opposite! The anus is so sensitive that stimulation would feel very uncomfortable unless the person is very relaxed. This tantric technique demonstrates the close relationship between relaxation and arousal. To enjoy anal play, one must patiently wait until the body is in a high state of arousal before giving pleasure to this area.
Preparation
There are a couple of things to do before attempting anal masturbation. It really helps to have a complete bowel movement before engaging in play, but make sure to wait at least four hours afterward before attempting penetration. Proper hygiene and good preparation also play an important role, whether you're alone or with a partner. Wash with mild soap and don't use strong-smelling shower oils, as they have the potential to irritate sensitive tissue. If it makes you feel more comfortable, trim or shave the genital area as you see fit; if you opt for waxing, give yourself at least a day of rest because the anus may be too sensitive to be touched at that time. Don't forget to trim your nails if you choose to use your fingers.
Prepare your accessories, which may involve sterilizing your toys or setting up your mirror. The following items can also be useful to have nearby: towel, rubber gloves, hand sanitizer, and plenty of lubricant. You can also try an anal desensitizer, which is meant to help relax the anal sphincter. Products like anal spray are non-anesthetic and can be used in combination with condoms and lubricants. Afterward, relax! Go for a walk, have a glass of wine, or enjoy a massage—do something that eases nervousness. Finally, do a couple of sets of Kegel exercises. This practice will help you gain control over involuntary anal contractions. Once you're ready to play, treat the experience as if it were a regular solo masturbation session.