24 Hot Anal Sex Positions for Both Beginners and Seasoned Pros
Add these to your must-try list ASAP.
Anal sex might seem intimidating if you’ve never tried it before, but don’t let that stop you from giving it a go. “Anal sex is for anyone who wants to explore it!” says sex educator Searah Deysach, owner of online sex toy retailer Early to Bed. “It can be for people all across the gender and sexual orientations spectrums.” So whether you’re looking to try anal for the first time or add to your current positions repertoire, we rounded up a buttload (heh) of anal sex positions to make it great.
What makes for a good anal experience? “When both partners are enjoying themselves and no one is in pain. The sensations that both the giving and receiving partner experience can be unique, extremely pleasurable, and very erotic,” says Deysach. Plus, it can feel kind of edgy. “For some people, anal sex feels like a more taboo or kinky type of play, which can heighten the arousal for them.”
As with all sex, consent and talking things over with your partner is a must. “If you are interested in being the receiving partner of anal penetration, be sure that you are communicating with you partner, starting very slowly (like with a finger or small toy) and using lots of body-safe lube,” says Deysach. “Avoid any numbing lube or gel as pain is your body’s way of saying stop (or slow down).” And if you don’t want to go straight to penetration with a penis or strap-on, you can experiment with rimming or these almost-anal test positions. Before you back that ass up, a couple of gigantically important tips:
Lube=everything.“Your anus is a magical and beautiful place that can do some fantastic things, however, lubricating itself is not one of them,” says sex expert and relationship coach Niki Davis-Fainbloom. “A continual application of lubrication is necessary when penetrating someone with a finger, penis, or toy.”
Stay safe. "Play it smart. Remember, only six bodily fluids transmit HIV. Four can be commonly exchanged during anal sex: blood, anal fluids, cum, and pre-cum. Wear a condom to keep butt play safe and sexy, " says Twanna A. Hines, M.S, award-winning sexual health educator. "No double dipping! If a penis, finger, toy, or other object has entered your anus, wash it before putting it inside your vagina. If you don't, you can increase your chances of contracting a UTI, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or other infection."
If you’re still not quite sure about all this (which, totally fine! You never have to do anything you don't want to do.), here’s a little anal pep talk: “The body contains too many delicious holes to limit pleasure to a couple of openings,” says Hines. “Think outside of the box, or hole, as it were. If your current sexual practices have become routine, exploring anal can be a great way to spice things up.”
Here are some positions to try on for size:
The Can Opener
If the receiver is feeling a little skittish, try a variation on missionary with the receiver’s knee bent up between your two bodies. It gives them more control to slow things down and keep the penetration less deep. And TBH, nerves can go down a ton when everyone is super aroused, so it’s a good time to fire up a wearable vibe. “It does not interfere with the anal penetration, and the receiver gets clitoral and vaginal vibrations for three-pronged intensity!” says Deysach.
SHOP NOW The Deia Wearable Vibe, $169, Early to Bed
The D's Galore
“When using a strap-on for anal play, it is a great idea to have the ability to switch sizes of toys easily so you can find the perfect fit,” says Deysach. Get a set with several different sizes to find the one that’s just right. (Try it in the shower for easy clean up!)
SHOP NOW Tri-Play Silicone Dildo Set, $48, Early to Bed
A is for Anal Solo
You don’t need a partner for anal. Go ahead and get yourself started with an anal toy like a vibrating butt plug and use it when you masturbate. If you love it, you can graduate to larger, more penis-y toys, or just stick with your faithful plug.
SHOP NOW Novice Plug, $135, b-Vibe
T and A
“Make a T Shape!” says Angela Rosario, sexpert and relationship coach at TooTimid.com. The receiver lays down on their side against the edge of a bed or table, facing away from their partner. The penetrating partner stands to enter. “The penetrator can rotate their hips side to side, or up and down to give their partner new sensations as they thrust in and out!” Pop on some nipple clamps to zhuzh it up.
SHOP NOW Bondage Boutique Rose Gold Adjustable Nipple Clamps, $17, Lovehoney
Butty Love
For lots of eye contact, Rosario recommends that the receiver put their feet or legs on their partner's shoulders in a V. “Eye contact, or being able to watch your partner enjoying the sex, can help create more intimacy,” she says. “It is also easier for the giver to pleasure their partner in other areas such as nipples, penis, or clitoris at the same time. Stimulation in multiple areas of the body at the same time can help many people orgasm much easier.” Pop a pillow under the bottom person’s bum for extra comfort.
SHOP NOW Liberator Jaz Pillow, $95, Early to Bed
Cheeky Monkey
If you love watching your partner's reactions, lie back while they straddle you. They can masturbate while you slide a finger or toy in their bum and behold your ass-tastic sexual powers. Try a wearable vibrator for you too and... holy hell.
SHOP NOW Silicone Prostate Probe, $19.55, Adam & Eve
SHOP NOW Hidden Talent 10 Function Rechargeable Panty Vibrator, $60, Lovehoney
The Snake
“While on your knees, lean forward and place your chest on the bed. This is fun for a range of foreplay activities like rimming or using toys,” says Kelly Ashlen, founder of online sex toy retailer Sexsi Toys. If you want deep penetration, the penetrator can lean back and pull the receiver's hips in. “Having your hips raised also makes penetration feel deeper and allows you to reach under and stimulate yourself while your partner is penetrating you.”
SHOP NOW Satisfyer Plug-ilicious 2 Connect App, $69.95, Satisfyer
Hot Seat
Super deep penetration plus a convenient place to hang on to? Yes, please. Kneel in front of a chair, beanbag, side of the bed, and hold the hell on, as needed. Your partner enters from behind and you get a cushion for the pushin'.
SHOP NOW Bikini Strap-On and Silicone Dildo Set, $59, Good Vibrations
Your Ass is Grass
A CBD-based lube can make anal feel more intense and pleasurable. Apply some in and around your bumhole a few minutes beforehand for maximum magic, then sit back slowly onto your partner's biological or store-bought D and take as much as you want at your own CBD-assed pace.
SHOP NOW Smooth Operator Intimate Serum, $48, Quim
All Hands on Pecs
Anal sex often leaves you staring off into the distance, so this position is great for people who want a sexy view. From missionary position, have your partner enter you slowly. Hold onto their chest to help guide their thrusts. As long as you’re being all sexy, fire up a super luxe candle to create a romantic mood.
The Plug and Play
If you're not a billion percent sure you want your partner to go all in, start with a test run. Try some clit love via toy or hand, while your partner attempts an exploratory excursion with a well-lubed butt plug. If you want more, it's easy to move onto trial entry by penis or strap-on. Your butt, your rules.
SHOP NOW Nudge, $25, Unbound
The Posterior Plank
This position has the lowest incidence of suffering a sex-induced butt cramp, if that's something you're worried about. Perfect for when you're feeling lazy but also want to have anal sex, AKA Thursday.
SHOP NOW Aloe x Shea Lube, $18, The Butters
Anal Will Always Love You
A more intimate take on doggy-style, stand in front of your partner and have them enter you from behind, keeping your bodies close like they're your bodyguard. Then, for the grand crescendo, throw your arms out to the sides like the diva you truly are.
SHOP NOW Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Anal Play Gel, $15.50, Organic Loven
Back Me Up
A kinky take on doggy-style, and who doesn't love doggy-style? Always communicate what speed and depth you're comfortable with in this position, but your partner can help you relax and stay horny by reaching around and fingering your clit with a fave arousal gel.
SHOP NOW Intimate Earth Intense Clitoral Arousal Serum, $20, Organic Loven
The Kinky Cowgirl
Straddle your partner, cowgirl-style, and slowly ease onto their, er, saddle. Then ride them and enjoy holding the reins. “This position is a great one to allow the penetrating partner to use a butt plug at the same time! Because they are laying down and not moving too much, a simple plug or prostate toy can greatly enhance their stimulation,” says Deysach.
SHOP NOW Aneros Trident Massagers, $55, Early to Bed
The Low Rider
Get more control over what's going on back there by with a doggy-spoon hybrid. You can use your foot to go deeper or slow it down if it gets too intense. Press a wand vibrator between your legs for extra good vibes.
SHOP NOW Kink Power Wand, $193.14, Doc Johnson
T&Anal
Just because your rear is the center of attention doesn't mean your front should be ignored. Have them enter you in a spooning position, then use their top hand to give your nipples or clit some love.
SHOP NOW Naked Arousal Oil, $33, Simple Jane Co.
The Inversion Booty
An advanced move for yogis and experienced anal sexperts. Swing your legs over their shoulders and have them enter you at an upward angle. The pay-off to your impending leg cramp: They can rub against the sensitive interior parts of your clit from here.
The Doppelbanger
Get the physical benefits of double penetration, but just using a dildo instead of a second person's penis. (Unless you're 100 percent DTT—Down To Threesome.) Hug a pillow between your legs to keep the dildo or a rabbit-style vibe in place while your partner goes in from behind. So. Much. D.
SHOP NOW Eve's Rechargeable Thrusting Rabbit, $110, Adam & Eve
Lean on Me
With this position, you have little control over the speed and depth, and your partner might have a hard time reaching your clit to keep you aroused, so it's up to you to give yourself a hand. Do this one with a trusted partner with whom you communicate well to make sure everyone feels supported.
SHOP NOW Back Door Silicone-based Personal Lubricant, $39, pju
Jill Hamilton is a contributor for Cosmopolitan.com and writes the blog In Bed With Married Women.
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