Preparing for Receptive Anal Sex (Rectal Douching)

A brief introduction to an important, complex topic
Stay tuned for updates & deeper exploration

Regular use of a fiber supplement (daily for most people) will make the process of preparing for anal sex much easier so that when you have a bowel movement, the anus and rectum are mostly cleared. A bulking fiber supplement like psyllium husk (Metamucil) is especially effective. Powder based fiber supplements work better than capsules (1 tablespoon of powder is similar to 6 capsules) and gummy fiber supplements tend to be less effective. Increased hydration is necessary when you add or increase fiber (especially if you notice abdominal discomfort or bloating). Even if you get a lot of fiber in your diet, bulking fiber supplements can still be helpful. Every body is different, so try different doses of different fibers at different times to see what works best for you, but avoid a fiber supplement within 2 hours of taking medication (as it can reduce the effect of medication).

Having a bowel movement before anal sex can be helpful, but only if your body is ready. Trying to force a bowel movement, sitting on the toilet a long time, and pushing/straining can cause or worsen hemorrhoids. If you have hemorrhoids or want to avoid them, check out my post about anal sex and hemorrhoids.

Once your fiber intake is optimized, you’ll find cleaning the external anus and cleaning internally much easier. Cleaning externally can be done in the shower with a gentle cleanser (like something you’d use on your face). Soap and toilet paper can irritate the inside of the anus, so never insert either. Wet wipes can cause irritation to the skin around the anus.

And now, “rectal douching”

If we all had perfect diets, no stress, didn’t take any medications, and had no gastrointestinal issues, our rectums would actually be empty except just before bowel movements… but that’s just not the case. Most medical information on rectal douching focuses on risks, so most healthcare providers recommend against it. But rectal douching is a common practice, and I’m here discuss best practices to accomplish your goal as safely as possible.

The anus and rectum are flat when not in use, so very little fluid is needed to fill them. For most sex, a bulb syringe or over-the-counter enema bottle filled with tap water will do the trick. Shower attachments can be difficult to control and may lead to hemorrhoids. Around half a cup of room temperature water slowly instilled into the anus and rectum fills the space you need it to. Don’t push the water out; holding it in place and relaxing until your body naturally releases will reduce the risk of hemorrhoids. If you find yourself repeating this process more than 2-3 times, consider revisiting your fiber regimen.

Cleaning for prolonged sessions (many hours), fisting, or extra large toys is more complicated (and may be more likely to cause trauma). If this is what you’re looking for, the Lockjaw guide below is especially helpful, but be sure to review the information above as the potential to cause some unwanted side effects may increase with more cleaning.

Resources

As I mentioned above, healthcare providers typically advise against rectal douching, so it’s not surprising that Dr. Terlizzi recommends against it, but his Doctor’s Guide to Bottoming is full of helpful information.

Blindjaw’s graphic guide How to Clean Your Ass Before Anal Sex, is one of the most frequently used guides which is filled with great visuals and deep explanations. Our recommendations differ in a number of ways, so be sure to pair this with the advice above (especially don’t spend too long on the toilet and don’t push!). The “fast” method is adequate for most sex. As discussed above, I don’t recommend shower attachments, but if you choose to use one, read about best practices here.

Check out the Queer Health Podcast episode on Rectal Douching.