All About Rimming: Your Comprehensive Guide to Anilingus (AKA Analingus)

A rim job is perhaps one of the most daring (heh) oral sex plays in the book. Rimming, also known as anilingus, analingus, rim jobs, ass eating, cracker snacker, butt licking, and salad tossing, is the act of using your tongue, mouth, and lips to pleasure another person's anus and surrounding area (AKA the "rim" of the anus), which can feel extremely intimate and erotic.

 Rimming can be done merely on the outside of the anus, or you can go within to experience even more powerful sensations. It can be done with only your lips, or you can add hands, fingers, or sex toys to amp up the intensity. Rimming, in its broadest sense, refers to anything that involves oral-anal pleasure. Before we continue, let's go over some basic anatomy. The anus is a tiny muscular ring at the bottom end of the rectum. The anus extends inside about 2-3 inches and includes the little, stretchy pucker on the outside of the body (as shown in the image above). Because of the tissue's densely packed nerves, those few inches are extremely sensitive both inside and out. The pudendal nerve, which is the major nerve that connects the clitoris with the head of the penis, also runs through the anus, which is why oral feels so amazing.

There are two major erogenous sites that are frequently the focus of a-hole pleasure: the anal sphincter and the perineum.

Anal sphincter

The anal sphincter is made up of two muscles that enclose your anus and are placed at the end of the rectum. These muscles — one internal and one external sphincter muscle — can open and close, allowing you to use the loo appropriately. The exterior sphincter muscle is voluntary, whereas the internal sphincter is involuntary.

Perineum

The perineum (also known as the taint or coffee table) sits between the anus and the vulva or scrotum. This area is loaded with sensitive nerve endings and can provide a great deal of pleasure, regardless of gender. Its medical or practical aim is to protect the pelvic floor muscles as well as the blood vessels that supply the genitals and urinary tract. And, fortunately for us, it can be extremely enjoyable for all genders.

Is Rimming safe?

Rimming is a normal, delightful way to connect sexually with your partner, but as with most sex acts, you should exercise caution while dealing with butt things. Bacteria is a major worry during bum investigation (E.coli and Salmonella are two examples). It's no secret that ass play can lead to contact with fecal matter. Let's not mince words; we're all aware of what happens back there. However, as long as the receiver is properly cleaned, there is really no problem. If you are rimming someone who also has a vagina, do not transfer back and forth between the two. Switching back and forth can cause infections if contaminants are carried from the anus to the vagina. If you or your spouse experience gas, diarrhoea, constipation, bleeding, or sores (such as haemorrhoids), you should avoid rimming until the problem is cured or cleared by a health expert. Rimming also requires safe sex practices. Getting pregnant may not be a problem, but developing a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or disease (STD) is. The safest way to avoid contracting or transmitting a STI or STD by rimming is to use an FDA-approved barrier technique, such as a tooth dam or a tongue condom. You can also lower your risk by talking to your spouse and getting tested on a regular basis.

How to Talk to Your Partner about Anal Rimming

Trying anything new, whether you've been dating for a long time or you're just getting started, may be scary, especially when it comes to something as taboo as rimming. However, communication and consent are critical, regardless of what you're doing in the bedroom. If you want to provide or get a rim job from your spouse, remember to do so in a gentle manner. Not everyone is willing to engage in ass play. No matter what their conclusion is, make sure you listen to their concerns and respect it – even if you are dissatisfied.

As we often say, communication is essential, so have an open and honest chat with your spouse before any butt testing occurs.

Anal Hygiene: Tips to Prepare for Anal Play

Before you get into anal play, you might want to clean up down there. (Unless you and your lover enjoy coprophilia.) A short shower with mild soap and water would suffice. If you don't have time to clean up, use a baby wipe or a moist cloth to clean the spot. You and your lover can decide whether or not to shave beforehand.

People occasionally use an enema to flush out all of the poop in their rectum before rimming, although this is rarely necessary. A thorough shower in which you use your hand or a washcloth to clean the outside of the anus with water and mild, unscented soap should suffice.

How about for the giver? If you're the one putting your mouth to the back, consider using mouthwash or brushing your teeth first (and possibly afterwards). However, make sure you both are aware of any minty tingle ahead so that your spouse is not surprised by the sensation. If delivering or getting a rim job is too close for comfort, or you are simply not ready for direct oral-to-anal pleasure, Lorals panties provide a simple alternative that benefits everyone involved. Simply put them on and tuck them into your buttocks like a lovely wedgie (believe us, it works). Then your lover has a nice place to suck without being exposed to poo.

Rib Job Tips and Techniques

If you're new to rimming, there may be a learning curve, but enthusiasm is usually a good start. Here are a few ways to get your spouse moving during a rim job.

Spread those cheeks.

Don't be afraid to go right in there; hold their cheeks open with your hands flat against their body, or grab a large handful of cheeks to grip and squeeze as you proceed.

Use your fingers.

Stroke your tongue and fingers down the top and bottom of their crack, tickle their perineum, or push one finger firmly on it. If you're both willing and have a good lubrication, you can enter a finger while licking and sucking the anus's outer regions.

Use your hands.

You (should) understand what your spouse enjoys during other sorts of intimacy, so incorporate it into your butt play as well. Caress their thighs, squeeze a bosom, tweak a nipple - there are so many alternatives!

Keep your tongue flat and gentle.

Pretend you're licking an ice cream cone and perform gentle laps and teases against and around your partner's anus. To make things even more enjoyable for you and your lover, consider using a flavoured lube.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Begin gently, licking the perineum and caressing the inner thighs. Slowly tickle the rim rather than simply sticking your tongue in and out like a fry in ketchup. There are a lot of nerve endings in this area, so make it your objective to hit them all. When you've located the ideal spot, you can always accelerate and apply more pressure.

Remember to check in with your partner.

You won't be able to see your partner's face, but check in with them every now and then to see if you're enjoying it or if they'd like you to change things up a little.

Chat, moan and sigh.

Whether you're giving or receiving, keep communicating and affirming—let them know if you enjoy (or dislike) what's going on. Remember that moaning is a turn-on regardless of who does it, and it may provide some intense feelings when combined with a mouth against the body.