A Friendly Intro to Anal Play

You probably already know this, but anal sex isn't just penetration. If you're new to it, anal play is one of many sexual activities that can enhance your sexual experience, especially if you stay curious and communicate openly with your partners. If you’re wondering about rimming or just exploring butt stuff in general, we've got a guide for you.

Your anus, b hole, bussy, backdoor, starfish, rose; whatever you call it, it's got sensitive nerve endings, making it one of the body's erogenous zones. Like other erogenous zones, stimulation here can feel especially intense. A slow tongue, a finger, or a toy can unlock new sensations and create a lot of intimacy. For some people, eating ass is another fun add-on to foreplay. For others, it can be a vulnerable moment of feeling close to a partner.

Because the anus is part of the digestive system, hygiene matters. A shower, light cleaning, or a gentle anal douche can help people feel more relaxed and confident. Trimming or shaving hair in the perianal area can also enhance sensation and reduce cleanup concerns, as long as it’s done well in advance to prevent chafing and ingrown hairs. Some folks also use a dental dam, especially if they’re thinking about STI risk.

Above all, talk to your partner. Ask how they’re feeling in the moment. Read their body language, keep checking in and stay flexible. Relaxation is key for both partners to enjoy the experience.

There’s no one right way to do oral anal play. Some people love slow teasing, others like more pressure, and some enjoy adding fingers or a rimming butt plug. Positions like doggy style, face sitting, or spread eagle can make access easier and help everyone relax.

What Does “Eating Ass” Mean?

Eating ass, also known as ass licking, rimming, tossing salad, or pleasuring your partner's ass, is just a form of oral sex focused on the partner’s ass. That usually means the anus and the surrounding butt cheeks. You might also hear it called eat booty, peach munching, or butt munching. Different words, same idea.

Ass eating can be a great warm-up to sex. It might be pleasurable enough that it ends up being the main event for you and a partner.

Why Eating Ass Can Feel So Good

The anus is extremely sensitive thanks to all those nerve endings, making it a powerful spot that works similar to other erogenous zones like the nipples or inner thighs. A gentle lick, light pressure, and slow pacing can feel amazing for the receiver and exciting for the giver as you get intimate. Using other parts of the face, like the nose or chin, can also add variety to the experience.

Relaxation is a big part of this. When someone feels safe and unhurried, their body responds more positively. Foreplay, a comfortable setting, and taking your time all help set the tone.

Consent, Communication, and Paying Attention

Before you put your mouth anywhere near someone’s ass, talk about it. Consent is non-negotiable, and so is listening.

Pay attention to:

• Verbal consent that also checks in if your partner seems less-than-present or excited during sex
• Dirty talk to create a sexy vibe
• Breathing, sounds, and movement
• Non verbal cues like tensing up or leaning in
• How your partner feels and your partner's reactions throughout the experience

Good communication makes everything feel better.

Hygiene Matters (But Don’t Stress)

Cleanliness helps everyone relax. That usually looks like:

• Showering beforehand
• Gently cleaning the butt crack and anal opening
• Using an anal douche if either partner prefers it

While some people want to feel squeaky clean, washing the external anal area with gentle soap and water is sufficient for cleanliness before analingus. If you're eating ass as an appetizer for anal sex, the receiving partner may need to douche further for an anxiety-free experience. To help create an easier bottom prepping experience, get GuttButt's fiber supplements in your system ahead of time.

If either partner has cuts, sores, bleeding gums, or isn’t feeling well, it’s better to skip ass eating for now. Poor hygiene increases exposure to fecal matter and harmful bacteria, which can lead to irritation or an upset stomach.

Gut Health and Safety Basics

One of the main concerns with eating ass is transferring harmful gut bacteria into the mouth. That doesn’t mean rimming is unsafe, but it does mean being mindful.

Helpful precautions include:

• Avoiding contact if there are sores in the mouth
• Using a dental dam if that feels right
• Not going straight from ass to mouth or genitals
• Stopping if something feels off
• Not getting rimmed if you've had an upset stomach recently

These small steps go a long way in keeping things comfortable.

Best Positions for Eating Ass

Comfort makes everything easier. Here are some of the best sex positions for eating ass:

Positions That Make Rimming More Comfortable and Fun

Doggy Style
The classic and most popular position for ass eating is doggy style. It gives the giver great access to the anus and surrounding cheeks, and for queer men or anyone interested in anal sex, it’s easy to transition into penetration afterward. If the angle feels tricky, the receiver can lie flat on their stomach instead to make spreading the cheeks and getting your face in there easier.

Spread Eagle
Another go-to is the spread eagle, where the receiver lies on their back with legs open wide. For more comfort, a pillow under the pelvis can lift and tilt the ass just enough to make rimming easier and save the giver’s neck from strain. If your receiver is flexible (lucky you!), bending the legs toward the chest or even behind the head adds extra access.

Face Sitting
Face sitting is a fun and intimate option, though it can take some practice for both partners. A pillow under the giver’s head brings the anus closer and keeps neck strain minimal, while the receiver can balance themselves on the bed, wall, or elbows for comfort.

Reverse Face Sitting
In this variation, the receiver sits on the giver’s face but faces away. They can lean against a wall, headboard, or their own elbows for support. This position opens up different angles for tongue play and makes the experience interactive for both partners.

Anilingus 69
Once you’re comfortable with reverse face sitting, it’s easy to explore an anilingus 69, where the person on top can perform oral while also receiving oral themselves. It’s a playful way to share pleasure and switch roles without changing positions too much, but it may be hard to stay focused while you're giving and receiving.

Keep Tongue Techniques Simple

A great rim job doesn’t need to be a whole performance. Applying pressure with your tongue or other parts of your face, like your nose or chin, can enhance sensation. Slow, steady licking around the anus, using gentle and varied movements, and moving between cheeks and surrounding skin often feels best. Make noise or moan into your partner, the sensation will give a nice vibrating feeling. Try shaping your tongue in different ways and seeing how they respond.

Before starting, it's important to warm up by teasing the anus and engaging in standard foreplay on other parts of your partner's body to build arousal and comfort. Pay attention to how your partner responds and let that guide you. Experiment to find the best techniques for you and your partner, and know that consistency usually beats intensity.

Little Extras That Can Help

If you're into it, a few additions can enhance the experience:

• Flavored or water-based lubricant for taste and comfort
• A rimming butt plug
• Light external finger play

Using flavored lube on the anus can help the receiver feel more confident and comfortable. It can also help mask any unpleasant tastes and enhance the experience, even if saliva is present.

Everything should match comfort levels and personal preference.

When It’s Totally Fine to Skip It

Ass eating isn’t mandatory. Skip it if:

• Hygiene isn’t where it needs to be
• Someone feels pressured or unsure
• There’s irritation or soreness
• One partner just doesn’t like it

Pleasure should always feel safe and mutual.

Final Thoughts on Eating Ass Like a Pro

Eating ass like a pro uses some technique, but it's really about attention, trust, and comfort. When both people feel relaxed and respected, it can be a really enjoyable part of sex.

If anal play is part of your routine, staying clean and gut-aware helps support both pleasure and peace of mind. For more tips on feeling confident and comfortable, check out GuttButt’s other guides and fiber supplements designed for real life, stress-free anal sex.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Ass

Is eating ass safe?

It can be, yes. Good hygiene, clear communication, and paying attention to your body go a long way. Clean the area beforehand, avoid contact if there are cuts or sores on faces or holes, and take things slow. Safety is about being thoughtful, not paranoid.

Can eating ass make you sick?

It’s possible, especially if harmful gut bacteria make their way into your mouth. That’s why cleaning, avoiding fecal matter, and using a dental dam if needed can help reduce the risk of irritation or an upset stomach.

How do you prepare for eating ass?

Most people prep by showering and gently cleaning the butt crack and anal opening. To prepare for analingus, the receiver should clean the external anal area with gentle soap and water. Some choose to use an anal douche, while others keep it external and simple.

What does eating ass feel like?

For many people, it feels really good. The anus has a lot of nerve endings, so sensations can range from light and ticklish to deeply relaxing. What feels best depends on pressure, pace, and personal preference. Applying pressure in different ways, using the tongue, lips, or even the nose and chin, can change the sensations experienced and help you discover what feels most pleasurable.

Do straight men eat ass?

Yep. Ass eating isn’t tied to any one orientation. Straight men, gay men, and people of all identities enjoy it.

What are the best positions for eating ass?

Some of the best sex positions for eating ass include face sitting, reverse face sitting, doggy style, and spread eagle. These positions are popular because they’re comfortable and give good access. The best position is the one where both partners can relax and communicate easily.

Should you use protection when eating ass?

Some people choose to use a dental dam to reduce contact with harmful bacteria or STIs. It’s especially helpful if you’re concerned about hygiene or want extra peace of mind.

Can you switch from ass eating to other sex activities?

It’s best to avoid going directly from ass to mouth or genitals without cleaning first, especially when transitioning between different sexual activities. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria and reduces the chance of irritation or infection.

How do you know if your partner enjoys it?

Pay attention to breathing, movement, sounds, and body language. Non verbal cues say a lot. Checking in verbally never hurts and often makes the experience better for both of you.

Is eating ass necessary for good sex?

Not at all. Eating ass is optional, not a requirement. Good sex comes from mutual interest, consent, and feeling comfortable. If it’s not someone’s thing, that’s completely fine.

How long should I not eat before bottoming?

Most people don’t need to stop eating entirely before bottoming. A light meal 2 to 4 hours beforehand works well for many, especially if you eat fiber regularly or use a supplement like GuttButt, and know how your body responds. Skipping heavy, greasy, or spicy foods right before sex can help you feel more comfortable and confident, but listening to your own digestion matters more than strict rules. Douching is only necessary if penetration will go deeper inside the anus. For rimming or external stimulation, extra preparation like douching is usually not needed.