What is Rimming? Beginner's Guide to Analingus

Intrigued by anal play, but not quite ready to go from zero to full penetration? Or maybe you’re just curious about what analingus is, exactly.

If you’re after a good gateway option to anal pleasure, give rimming a try. Stimulating your partner’s anus with your mouth and tongue (or asking them to stimulate yours) gives you a chance to sample the joys of anal play in a low commitment, yet intensely pleasurable way.

In this guide, we’ll explore why rimming can be a fun stepping stone towards full anal sex as well as a great level up to your oral sex game. We’ll also share how to enjoy rimming safely, tongue techniques to try and general oral sex tips to get you started.

Only got time for a quickie?

Consider these your bitesize notes on all things analingus – or skip ahead for more detail on the bits you’re most into!

• Rimming is when you pleasure the highly sensitive anal area with your lips and tongue.
• Before rimming, make sure the butt is clean and use a dental dam for extra safety.
• Hair removal isn’t necessary, but going hairless can enhance the sensations.
• Vary the pressure and speed of your tongue and ask your partner what they like best – especially if they’re ticklish!
• If rimming feels amazing, imagine how anal feels... See if you’re partner’s excited to up the ante with anal beads or a vibrator.
• Flavoured lube can make for an extra tasty treat.

While rimming doesn’t get as much airtime as other foreplay classics, like giving a blowjob, it can be a ‘hole lotta fun…“There are tons of nerve endings in and around the anus,” says sex and relationships expert Annabelle Knight, “so it can be extremely pleasurable, really intimate and sensual — and a great precursor to sex.”

Rimming isn’t just for gay men. Anybody who’s curious and comfortable with rimming can give it a try, whatever their sexual orientation. That’s the beauty of anal play; we’ve all got an anus — so it truly is an equal-opportunities sex move!

In fact, a study found that 40% of women surveyed have tried anal at some point and 8% do it every month. Another found that 47% of straight men have had anal, with 14% having done it in the last month. If you’re curious to join these anal aficionados, rimming is a good place to start.

If you’ve already explored how to do anal before, then the same tips apply; hygiene and consent are key, and grooming is optional. Plus, getting in the mood beforehand will definitely enhance the experience, so consider starting out with a little mutual masturbation.

Chat to your partner

As always, trying something new in the sack is only fun if you’re both really into it. “Consent is really sexy, and it’s never a bad thing just to check with your partner that what you’re doing is okay,” says Annabelle. “Just asking, ‘do you like that?’ or ‘is this okay?’ keeps the conversation open as you play, and helps sex to be amazing for both of you.”

Why not start the convo before you hit the sheets? You could discuss whether you want to use sex toys (there are lots of anal sex toy options out there if you do) or even condoms. It doesn’t have to be awkward; think of it like foreplay and tell your partner how hot you find the idea.

Get clean

Before any kind of anal play, it’s essential for the receiver to wash between their butt cheeks with soap and warm water. This’ll not only prevent the spread of bacteria (let’s face it, the anus has its fair share) but it’ll also help you both relax into the session, knowing everything’s good to go down there.

If you’re receiving, it’s up to you if you want to douche inside your anus to feel extra clean, but you don’t have to. Simply washing yourself in the shower is enough, especially for rimming.

If you’re keen for other kinds of anal play, like pegging, you still don’t have to douche. First, check out or guide on How to Use an Anal Douche. You'll get all the info you need to douche safely, and then you can decide if it’s for you.

Only landscape if you want to

As always, it’s totally your call. But if removing body hair before sex is something you or your sexual partner like to do, then there might be more to gain from grooming than just a polished look.

“Once you’re nice and clean, you might want to consider shaving down there,” says Annabelle. “Some people feel that shaving or waxing heightens sensations.” That’s because removing hair can mean more direct tongue-to-skin contact, which can feel extra sensual and slippery-smooth. Lovely!

If hair removal is up your street, we recommend avoiding irritation as your hair grows back with a soothing balm or aftershave.

Consider safe sex

Not to be a downer, but when you’re eating ass — as with any sex act — there’s a risk of spreading STDs like herpes, chlamydia or gonorrhea. There’s also a chance of the rimmer accidentally picking up bacterial infections from ingesting faeces.

While a thorough clean will remove the bacterial risk, it won’t protect you from STDs. But there’s always the option of using a dental dam if you or your partner haven’t been tested recently. Dental dams are made from thin, stretchy material, designed to act as a barrier between the tongue and the anus or genitals. You can also improve a dental dam by carefully cutting open a condom and laying that over the anus.

Opting for a dam made of latex is ideal (as long as you’re not allergic, of course) because temperature transfers easily through this material — giving you a sensation that’s very close to having a tongue directly licking the anus. Adding a slick of lube on the anus-facing side of the dam can help boost sensation, too. Who says dodging poo and sexually transmitted infections can’t be fun?

Let’s get down to it: here’s exactly how to give your partner’s butt some serious lovin’...

Lying flat on their front also works well, as does kneeling on all fours or standing up and bending over the bed.

Try flavoured lube (if you want to)

“You can add some lube, or edible massage oil,” says Annabelle. “This reduces friction, add new sensations, improve glide and can make the whole experience feel really sumptuous and luxurious.”

Lubes come in loads of different flavours too; just make sure they’re compatible with the condom or dental dam you’re using. But, if you’re planning to move from rimming to penetration, we recommend going for an anal lube; these are thicker than regular lubricant, and create a more comfortable, cushioned effect.

Worship the booty

Instead of heading straight for your partner’s anus, it’s a good idea to start with a little foreplay. “Because there are so many nerve endings in the anus, it can actually be ticklish!” says Annabelle. “So if you start further out and then zone in, it gives your partner time to get used to those sensations.”

Begin by caressing the bottom and inner thighs; run your fingers across the skin in slow, soft strokes. You can also squeeze the butt cheeks a little — kisses, licks and nibbles work well as a delicious hint of what’s coming next…

Use your breath

Once you’ve worked your way in towards the anus, allow your breath to build suspense and stimulate the opening before you start to use your tongue.

Pleasure them in other ways

Blending different types of pleasure can lead to unforgettable orgasms. Plus, being really aroused helps relax the anus for anal masturbation and penetration, if that’s where your night is headed.

If your partner has a vulva, try massaging their clitoris; if they have a penis, get them turned on by fondling their shaft and balls. Sounds like a lot to juggle? Ask them to touch themselves or grab their favourite vibrator while you focus on the booty.

Swirl the tongue

“Gentle tongue movements in a circular motion is what I’d advise to start with,” says Annabelle. “A little bit of penetration is okay, if your partner’s alright with that.”

Try alternating between using the flat and the tip of your tongue and applying different levels of pressure. Keep your partner guessing by switching from moving your tongue clockwise to anticlockwise around the anus, and by alternating between making tiny circles and larger ones.

Flick the tongue

Move your tongue up and down or side to side across the anus with a flat tongue, or try flicking the tip of your tongue in quick motions. And don't forget about the perineum; applying pressure here with either a lubed finger or your tongue can feel incredible.

Pay attention to your partner

Pausing to ask, “does that feel good?” and paying attention to how your partner is reacting can help to guide you. How heavily they’re breathing, and whether their body is tense or relaxed, are useful things to keep an eye on.

Touch their body

Keep caressing their butt and thighs or, if you can reach, try using a bullet vibrator to tease their nipples. While you’re putting your tongue to work on your lover’s anus, your hands are free to dial their pleasure up a notch by stimulating other areas of their body at the same time. Lube up a male masturbator if they have a penis, or a dildo if they have a vagina (if that’s something your partner’s keen to try, of course).

Rimming is just the beginning: Shop anal sex toys