By Danielle Simpson-Baker aka The Sexpot Therapist
Anal August may be over, but your fun doesn't need to be. Let’s clear up some of the biggest misconceptions about anal sex so you can explore with confidence:
Myth 1: Anal is always painful
Truth: Anal sex doesn’t have to be painful. With proper preparation, relaxation, and lube, anal sex can be a pleasurable experience. Pain usually occurs when things are rushed or done without enough lubrication.
Myth 2: Only certain people enjoy anal
Truth: There’s no one type of person who enjoys anal sex. People of all genders and sexual orientations can find pleasure in anal play. It’s all about personal preference and exploration.
Myth 3: You don’t need lube for anal
Truth: The anus doesn’t produce natural lubrication, so lube is essential. Skipping lube can lead to discomfort or even injury. Always use a generous amount of a high-quality lube to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Myth 4: Anal is dirty or unsafe
Truth: Anal sex can be safe as long as you take the necessary precautions. This includes using protection like condoms to prevent STIs and ensuring proper hygiene before and after play. With proper hygiene, anal sex is no dirtier than any other form of sexual activity. If you’re concerned, you can use an anal douche to clean the area beforehand, but this is entirely optional.
Myth 5: If a cis-het man enjoys anal, he must be gay
Truth: This is one of the most persistent and harmful myths out there. First of all, there’s obviously nothing wrong with being gay. Second, enjoying anal play has nothing to do with your sexual orientation. The prostate is a pleasure center for those who have one, and exploring that doesn’t define your sexuality. Straight men, gay men, bisexual men - people of all orientations can enjoy anal stimulation. It’s about pleasure, not labels.
Danielle Simpson-Baker is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in Florida and a Board Certified Sexologist with the American Board of Sexology. Danielle holds an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and is currently working toward a dual certificate in Sex Therapy and Education. She also runs a sex-positive Instagram page (@thesexpottherapist) that has amassed more than 23,000 followers since its inception in 2018; with that following, Danielle started a virtual sexual wellness clinic called Sex(pot) Therapy, LLC. Danielle provides sex therapy, coaching, and consulting, as well as a host of sexual wellness products for every person’s needs!
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