A beginner’s guide to rimming

There’s been some talk about rimming on social media lately. Not sure what it is? Rimming is the act of performing pleasure by licking someone’s butthole.

For some, it’s a great warm-up to anal play or penetration. For others, it’s the main course. There are several ways to enjoy rimming, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. While rimming isn’t talked about as often as other forms of oral sex, we want you to be safe while you have fun. Here are some healthy tips for you to keep in mind if you’re thinking about engaging in rimming for the first time.

What is rimming?

Rimming is a form of oral sex that’s enjoyed by all genders and sexual orientations; it involves kissing, licking, sucking and stimulating a partner's anus. Also known as analingus, it’s popularly called “rimming” because a partner uses their mouth to stimulate the rim of the anus. However, all parts of the anus can be roused. The anus is an erogenous zone with several nerve endings; when stimulated externally and/or internally, it can be very enjoyable. 

When should you avoid rimming?

Avoid rimming if you or your partner has been sick or experiencing symptoms of constipation or other digestion issues. Of course, it’s also important to refrain from this sexual activity if either of you has an active STI.

Pre- and post-rimming hygiene

Cleaning the external part of the anus will help lower the chance for infection; it might also make it more enjoyable for the partner performing the act. We recommend using an intimate wash like Cleanse to rinse out your anus before and after playtime.

For the partner performing the act, it’s also important to take care of your oral hygiene. Be sure to use mouthwash that targets bacteria afterwards to help lower potential STI transmissions.

Rimming safety tips

When rimming, avoid double-dipping. For instance, if your partner has a vagina, make sure you rinse your mouth before moving from rimming to vaginal oral sex. This reduces the likelihood of transmitting bacteria that could cause a UTI/infection.

If you think you’d be more comfortable having a barrier between the anus and your mouth, consider using dental dams or latex protection.