What is an Anal Orgasm and How to Achieve It?

Due to its construction as an act of deviance or perversion with a convoluted history, governed by religious and ecclesiastical frameworks of prohibition, anal intercourse has long been viewed as a taboo and a condemned sexual conduct. While early medical research also outlined anal sex as a shift from ‘normal’ sexual development, contemporary studies suggest an increase in anal sex among partners, as well as an evolution in the status of anal sex: from prohibited to trendy.

What is Anal Orgasm?

Anal orgasm is a type of sexual pleasure that results from anal sex, which consists of inserting the penis through the anus and into the rectum but can also include anilingus (oral stimulation of the anus), fingering, and the use of sex toys such as vibrators, dildos, strap-ons, and butt plugs.

While some people prefer anal intercourse because of the specific pleasure it provides, others may consider it as an ‘alternative’ to vaginal sex to avoid some situations such as: undesired pregnancy, losing vaginal virginity, or menstrual bleeding. Some may even engage in anal sex when there is evidence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), however research has shown that this practice may be a significant overlooked route of STI transmission.

Can everyone experience Anal Orgasm?

Anal intercourse has long been thought to be a sexual behavior exclusive for gay men, however numerous research and surveys on individuals of various gender identities and sexual orientations revealed that this sexual act occurs in both heterosexual and homosexual sexual encounters. 

Not only women are capable of enjoying anal sex and orgasm in heterosexual relationships or masturbation activities, some males can as well by utilizing sex toys or, as some guys prefer, by having their female partner peg them.

However, a certain number of people do not enjoy anal sex and are therefore more unlikely to achieve an anal orgasm from it. Actually, they view it as a deviant activity and find it disrespectful, uncomfortable, damaging, unhygienic or even disgusting.

How does Anal Orgasm happen and what does it feel like?

Three distinct sources of sexual stimulation that result from anal intercourse have been identified by research: the rectum, the anus, and, in males, the prostate gland. Through various pairings of nerves, each of these parts transmits sensory information to the brain. In fact, these neurons equally transmit impulses originating from various sex stimulation methods such as vaginal, clitorial, cervical, penile, … resulting in a comparable orgasmic sensation.

When asked about what anal orgasm feels like, some men stated that an anal orgasm produced by prostate stimulation feels “deeper,” “more global and intense, longer lasting, and associated with greater feelings of ecstasy than orgasm elicited by penile stimulation only.”

The subjective feelings that women report having during anal intercourse range from joy and desire to compulsion and brutality.  While some have more pleasurable encounters, some of them find anal sex uncomfortable, especially the first time it happens.

How to achieve Anal Orgasm?

In order to have an anal orgasm, there are few steps that needs to be respected, including:

1. Communication: Every sexual activity has to include this element. Since discussing the tempo and motions to be done with one’s partner or partners is crucial for a safe, comfortable and satisfying practice of anal sex.
2. Considerations:  It’s important to consider the partner’s beliefs and comfort levels. No one should be pressured or coerced to engage in any type of sexual activity. 
3. Relaxation: People who have experienced anal sex claim that it is untrue that the act is always painful. The act is absolutely pain-free and quite enjoyable when the sphincter muscles are properly relaxed. However, this process needs practice.
4. Using condoms: The use of an effective condom is crucial, some of them are specifically designed for anal sex. Experts report that condomless anal intercourse is linked to extragenital STIs in the anal niche. Although some of these infections are asymptomatic, others can be identified by clinical signs such as anal pain, purulent discharge, tenesmus, bleeding, ulcerative proctitis among other lesions and malignancies. Therefore, the early recognition of infection or risk-raising behavior is critical for the initiation of appropriate screening tests and treatment.
5. Starting slowly: Anal sex is viewed as a process rather than an immediate act. In fact, the anal region is fragile and easily harmed; thus, it is advisable to begin the activity gently to avoid injury, by massaging the anal region, then entering fingers to relax the anus, and gradually advancing. The use of sex toys can be helpful in this process.
6. Using lubricants: In contrast to the vagina, the tissue lining the rectum produces minimal natural lubrication, hence a personal water-based lubricant with a tear-resistant condom is recommended during anal intercourse. Using lubricants not only facilitates anal penetration, but it has also been found to boost pleasure and so aids in the attainment of anal orgasm.
7. Using sex toys: There are several sex toys, including dildos, vibrators, strap-ons, and plugs, that can assist individuals enjoy anal stimulation.
8. Hygiene: Maintaining certain hygienic standards is required in order to enjoy anal stimulation, such as avoiding anal intercourse while the intestines are full and cleansing the region before sex as feces in the rectum during anal intercourse is typically viewed as undesirable and can be a turn-off to some individuals.
9. Rectal douching: Most individuals choose to do rectal douching (or enemas) prior to having receptive anal intercourse for various reasons including hygiene, enhancing pleasure, request from a sexual partner, etc. Rectal douches may have extra advantages over other forms of cleaning, such as infectious diseases prevention (HIV and STIs). However, it is crucial to remember that several frequently used home items might harm rectal tissue and perhaps raise a user’s risk of developing STIs and HIV.
10. Preparation: As previously mentioned, anal sex can be described as an unspontaneous sexual action that needs “anal training.” The danger of sexually transmitted illnesses, the chance of fissures and “rectal bleeding,” the likelihood of exposure to feces, “bowel problems,” and fecal incontinence are all regarded as potential risks associated with anal sex if performed without prudence. So, several rituals are required to prevent these cases from happening and to make the anal intercourse more pleasurable.

References:

1. Komisaruk B. R. (2010). The orgasm answer guide. Johns Hopkins University Press.
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4. Morhason-Bello, I. O., Kabakama, S., Baisley, K., Francis, S. C., & Watson-Jones, D. (2019). Reported oral and anal sex among adolescents and adults reporting heterosexual sex in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Reproductive health, 16(1), 48.
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