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Sexuality & Relationships (Expert Forum)
****** Question
Answered by
Janice M Epp, PhD - Female sexual issues, Adolescent sexuality, Male sexual issues
Private Practice
Palo Alto - CA
This forum is for questions and support regarding relationship issues such as: Abstinence, Arousal Problems, Birth Control, Cohabitation, Commitment, Communication, Couples Counseling, Desire /Lack of Desire, Sexual Technique.
****** Question
by fallen_days, Jul 14, 2008 08:36PM
Me and my partner were thinking of having anal intercourse.
Is it safe to use a vaginal cleanser (such as summers eve) as an anal cleanser?
I didn''t want to get an infection or anything off of it.
Is it safe to use a vaginal cleanser (such as summers eve) as an anal cleanser?
I didn''t want to get an infection or anything off of it.
Doctor's Answer
by Janice M Epp, PhD, Jul 15, 2008 04:02PM
, Jul 15, 2008 04:02PM
To: fallen_days
Many people greatly enjoy anal stimulation—whether with a tongue, finger, penis or dildo. This is a sexual activity that requires lots of good technique and communication, so you’re to be congratulated for asking questions before commencing. From your question, I’m assuming you’re a woman, but most of the following applies to both sexes.
Generally, no one should use any commercial douches, as they contain perfumes that can dry out and otherwise irritate that delicate tissue in your crotch area. To clean the anus of any fecal material, use an enema—plain warm water will do just fine.
The keys to anal sex are 1) lots of lube (the anus doesn’t produce its own lubrication), 2) lots of stimulation of the anal area (to relax that tight sphincter) and 3) gentle, slow penetration, not just ramming it in. Be sure you and your partner are communicating during anal sex; tell your partner when you experience pain and when something doesn't feel good so that you can stop or go slower. Start gradually and slowly, first with just a finger, and then if you mutually decide on penis insertion, do that very slowly as well. It’s OK if you discover that you only want to be penetrated by something small, rather than something a bit more “important” like a penis.
Very important: The anus is a very tight orifice, and tears easily, leaving it vulnerable to infection, so BE SURE to use a condom. And don’t put anything in your vagina that has first been in the anus (fingers, toys, penises, etc.) without using a new condom, because the bacteria that live in the anus can be harmful to the vaginal environment, which can cause various unpleasant side effects like yeast infections. Dr. J
Generally, no one should use any commercial douches, as they contain perfumes that can dry out and otherwise irritate that delicate tissue in your crotch area. To clean the anus of any fecal material, use an enema—plain warm water will do just fine.
The keys to anal sex are 1) lots of lube (the anus doesn’t produce its own lubrication), 2) lots of stimulation of the anal area (to relax that tight sphincter) and 3) gentle, slow penetration, not just ramming it in. Be sure you and your partner are communicating during anal sex; tell your partner when you experience pain and when something doesn't feel good so that you can stop or go slower. Start gradually and slowly, first with just a finger, and then if you mutually decide on penis insertion, do that very slowly as well. It’s OK if you discover that you only want to be penetrated by something small, rather than something a bit more “important” like a penis.
Very important: The anus is a very tight orifice, and tears easily, leaving it vulnerable to infection, so BE SURE to use a condom. And don’t put anything in your vagina that has first been in the anus (fingers, toys, penises, etc.) without using a new condom, because the bacteria that live in the anus can be harmful to the vaginal environment, which can cause various unpleasant side effects like yeast infections. Dr. J
As for the cleanser, NEVER use any type of ******...vaginally or anally. It can cause infections and other complications due to the chemicals in the fragrance. Were you going to use the cleanser before or after anal sex? If you wanted to use it before OR after, I would suggest using an enema instead of a cleanser. It does the same thing, but with no chemicals that can cause infections.