What Are the Benefits of Anal Sex?

At a Glance

• The prostate is the main event for AMAB people: The prostate sits just inside the rectum and is packed with nerve endings. Anal sex stimulates it in a way nothing else can, and prostate orgasms are frequently described as more intense and full-body than penile orgasms alone.
• Higher orgasm rates across the board: A nationwide sexual behavior survey found that people of all genders reported more frequent orgasms during anal sex than any other sexual activity. The anus is loaded with nerve endings that connect directly to the genitals.
• Health benefits go beyond pleasure: Regular sexual activity, including anal, is linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and immune support. Prostate stimulation specifically may help with inflammation and erectile function.
• Prep is short but worth doing: Empty your bowels an hour beforehand, shower, and use plenty of lube. If you want a deeper clean, an anal douche works well. Have an STI conversation if you’re with a new partner.
• You don’t need penetration to start: Fingering, anal plugs, and prostate massagers all let you explore anal stimulation on your own terms. They’re also excellent ways to build up to full penetration when you’re ready.

Anal sex is for everyone, no matter your sexuality, gender, or how you identify. If you haven’t explored the benefits of anal sex before, you’re missing out on one of the most potentially pleasurable sexual experiences out there.

Whether you’re a top or bottom, or just interested in learning more about how good anal play can feel, we’ve got a primer on all things anal and how you can make your next anal experience the best yet.

The Benefits of Anal Sex

Yes, we said there are benefits of anal sex! It’s way more fun than you may think, especially if you know how to do it the “right” way. If you’re on the fence about trying it yourself, we hope we’ll give you a reason (or a few) to give it a shot.

Anal Sex Can Stimulate the Prostate

We’re all about prostate health at GIDDI and are huge believers in the power of prostate stimulation. If you were born with a prostate, anal sex provides stimulation uniquely and excitingly.

The prostate is a gland at the base of the penis shaft, slightly below the bladder, and in front of your rectum. It’s a walnut-sized gland that is responsible for helping to make semen, but it’s also an erogenous zone with a lot of pleasure potential.

While the prostate isn’t physically inside the anus, you can reach it and massage it that way. With prostate orgasms being described as intense, full-body experiences, it’s worthy of a little exploration.

Anal Sex Can Make Orgasms More Likely

In a nationwide survey on sexual health and behavior, people of all genders and sexualities rated anal sex number one for satisfaction. What does that mean, exactly?

More people reported that they had orgasms during anal sex (regardless of which side of the equation they were on) than during any other form of sexual activity. That’s a pretty glowing review, right?

It doesn’t matter what body you have, either. The benefits of anal sex extend to people with and without prostates, as it can stimulate the G-spot in those born with vaginas. The anus is also packed with nerve endings, many directly connecting to the genitals.

Orgasms are incredible for you, no matter how they happen. The endorphins released from having an orgasm can act as natural pain relief and even help to improve your mood. There’s a reason you feel so good after!

Anal Sex Can Be Taboo

We all know that anal sex is perfectly normal and healthy for everyone to enjoy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the taboo. Exploring anal sex with your partner, especially if neither of you has tried it before, can add an extra element of “naughtiness” that makes it even hotter.

That said, don’t let any of that taboo extend to how you feel about yourself afterward.

Potential Health Benefits of Anal Sex

Being sexually active (including all sexual activity — vaginal, anal, oral, and even self-love) has been linked to various health benefits. Sexually activity can support healthy blood pressure and the immune system, soothe feelings of tension, and help you get a good night’s sleep.

If you have a prostate, there are even more benefits of anal sex for you to explore. Prostate stimulation can help support your body’s defenses against inflammation and potentially help erectile dysfunction (ED).

How Can I Prepare For Anal?

Anal sex is fun and pleasurable but requires a little prep work. Preparing for anal can help you relax and prepare to enjoy yourself, reducing the possibility of discomfort or awkwardness.

• Try it solo. Before attempting anal sex with a partner, it’s a good idea to try it by yourself first. We have suggestions about how to do that up next, but practice makes perfect. Plus, if you try it and it doesn’t end up being your thing, it’s much less awkward.

• Communicate with your partner. Once you’ve tried it solo, the next step is to work on your active communication with your partner. Communication is essential for any healthy relationship, so don’t be afraid to bring up your interest in anal sex with them. If they’re game, you can talk about the details.

• Consider hygiene. Anything that has to do with the anus can involve mess. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. Try to move your bowels an hour or so beforehand, or even consider an anal douche. Watching what you eat and cutting out caffeine and alcohol can also help.

• Talk about STIs. If you’re exploring the benefits of anal sex with a new partner or if you’re not in a monogamous relationship, it’s crucial to have a conversation about STI protection. It’s a great idea to get tested at the end of a relationship and again before getting into a new one.

What Are Other Ways To Enjoy Anal Play?

Anal stimulation doesn’t have to mean anal sex. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy anal play without penetrative sex with another person, allowing you to explore on your own.

Each of these suggestions gives you a way to try it yourself, or you can use them to build up to full anal sex.

Manual Stimulation

Manual stimulation of the anus (and prostate), also known as “fingering,” not only helps get you warmed up for penetration but can also be pleasurable on its own. It’s also an excellent way to ease into anal play and see if you like it without committing to full anal sex.

Like any other stimulation involving the anus, you’ll need to use plenty of lube to prevent friction. You’ll also want to trim and file your nails to avoid any potential scratches.

Anal Plugs

If you’re comfortable with manual stimulation and ready to take your anal play up a level, consider trying an anal plug like our Vulcan. People with any genitalia can use anal plugs, and they can help you prepare for further play if you decide to take it to the next level.

If you’re not familiar with the idea of the anal plug, it is inserted comfortably into the rectum and stays there during other types of sexual activity. There are multiple styles of anal plugs, including those that vibrate, but the key is to look for one with a flared base to keep it from slipping up into the rectum.

Prostate Massagers

The next step up from an anal plug is a prostate massager. A prostate massager is more prominent in size and shaped specifically to stimulate the prostate during anal penetration.

Choosing a prostate massager that works with your body (in shape and size) is crucial. Some people prefer a prostate massager with a come-hither motion designed to target the prostate with a curved tip, while others enjoy a rotating prostate toy that adds extra movement and stimulation. Don’t be afraid of a little trial and error to find the right one for you. We also have a quiz to help narrow your choices down.

It is essential to go slow, use plenty of lubrication when inserting your prostate massager, and continue to apply lube when you feel friction. Lube not only helps keep anal stimulation comfortable, but it also helps reduce the risk of tearing or pain.

In The End

The benefits of anal sex are more than just physical. Anal play can help you learn more about your sexual preferences, build your relationship with your partner, and explore your body in new and different ways.

Make sure you explore anal play safely, using lots of lubricants and a healthy dose of communication. At GIDDI, we prioritize your health and safety and want you to have fun! Follow us for everything you need to know about the prostate.