If talking about rimming makes you blush, you’re definitely not alone. Loads of people are still uneasy saying the word, let alone actually trying it. The thing is, rimming—or analingus—has been around forever and is a big part of a lot of people’s sex lives. It’s not just some edgy trend you see online. Being 'rimming active' doesn’t mean you’re wild or reckless—it can also mean you take your pleasure and your partner’s pleasure seriously enough to explore new things together.
So why do people who try it keep coming back for more? For a lot of couples, rimming isn’t just about the nerves and skin—it’s about trust. That level of vulnerability can actually bring people much closer. And if you know what you’re doing in terms of hygiene and communication, it’s safer and more comfortable than most would think.
You don’t have to be a daredevil to try rimming. Just knowing a few basic tips can help you be confident, clean, and connected the first time, or the hundredth. If you’re ready to take your sex life a notch higher (or at least not giggle every time the topic comes up), stick around as we break down everything from prepping to pointers on making it feel fantastic—for both people.
- Why Rimming Still Raises Eyebrows
- Health and Hygiene: What Really Matters
- How to Talk About & Try Rimming
- Techniques for Rimming Active Enthusiasts
- Elevating Connection and Trust
Why Rimming Still Raises Eyebrows
It’s wild how something so intimate can still feel so forbidden. The main reason people hesitate about rimming is a mashup of lingering taboos, worries about cleanliness, and not wanting to seem "weird" between the sheets. If you grew up anywhere that treated sex like some secret shame, butt play was probably off-limits to even think about.
Here’s what a lot of folks don’t know: According to a 2023 Kinsey Institute survey, about 24% of sexually active adults reported trying rimming at least once, and the numbers are climbing, especially among younger couples. Still, social stigma hangs on. There’s this awkward myth that only certain "types" of people or relationships are into it—which isn’t true. Hetero, queer, married, dating—it pops up in every crowd.
Worries about health and hygiene are super common, too. People get anxious about germs (which is fair!), but often skip reading up on the real risks or smart ways to keep things safe. Popular culture also doesn’t help: movies and TV usually skip these topics, or they go for cringey jokes that make open talk feel risky or embarrassing.
| Reason | How Many Mention This? |
|---|---|
| Hygiene Concerns | 67% |
| Social Stigma | 48% |
| Lack of Communication | 41% |
So, what actually helps people get past the weirdness? It’s mostly honest talk and reliable info. Couples who chat about kinks and boundaries are way more likely to try new things and enjoy them. And surprise—once rimming is on the table, people often say it’s a bigger trust boost than almost anything else. Feeling anxious? You’re not weird. It’s totally normal, and knowing some facts makes it a lot easier to ditch the shame.
Curious? That’s the first step of being rimming active. You just have to get past the myths and into real, judgement-free knowledge. That’s where the magic (and fun) starts to happen.
Health and Hygiene: What Really Matters
If there’s one thing that freaks people out about rimming, it’s probably the hygiene side. Worrying about germs or bad smells is totally normal. But here’s the thing: being rimming active is a lot safer and less nerve-racking when you follow a few simple rules and know some real facts about what’s risky and what’s not.
Your mouth and your butt have different bacteria, so there is some chance of picking up things like hepatitis A, parasites, or some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through rimming. The good news—there are very real, practical steps you can take to cut that risk way down.
- Clean up first: A shower, some gentle soap, and focus around the anus is the best basic prep. Wipes are handy in a pinch but go for unscented and gentle ones.
- Consider barriers: Dental dams or cut-open condoms create a thin shield between your mouth and the skin, cutting down on exposure to anything risky. Not every couple uses them, but sex health pros say they work.
- Don’t rim if sick: If anyone’s got diarrhea, sores, or the stomach flu, skip it. Germs are way more likely to get passed along.
- Keep regular checkups: Test for STIs if rimming is part of your routine. Not all STIs give symptoms, so regular testing means you catch anything early.
Some people worry about E. coli, and yes, it’s there. But if both people are healthy and you’re not rimming someone who’s sick, the odds of a problem are low. Here’s a simple look at infection risks and basic protection methods:
| Risk | Chance Without Protection | How Much Barrier Use Reduces Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Low to moderate | Reduces risk by over 90% |
| STIs (like gonorrhea or chlamydia) | Low | Reduces risk by over 80% |
| Intestinal parasites | Low | Reduces risk by up to 95% |
One last solid tip: never move straight from rimming to other kinds of sex without washing your hands and mouth. It’s a small step that keeps bacteria from getting places you definitely don’t want it to be. Keeping it clean, knowing the facts, and having a plan makes rimming way less scary and way more fun.
How to Talk About & Try Rimming
If you’re curious about rimming but have no clue where to start, you’re not alone. Most people freeze up—not because it’s weird, but because they’re worried about saying the wrong thing or getting laughed at. The trick is open, honest conversation that doesn’t feel like an awkward confession. First up: You don’t have to spring this on your partner out of the blue. Pick a quiet moment, like when you’re just hanging out or chatting about new things to try in bed. Keep it light and non-pushy.
- Start with a question: “Have you ever thought about trying something new like rimming?”
- Explain why it interests you, whether you’ve read about how it can feel really good or you’re just curious.
- Make it clear there’s no pressure: “If you’re not into it, that’s totally okay!”
- Allow space for their honest reaction—some people need time to process.
Research shows that talking about fantasies and sexual boundaries actually makes people feel closer and more sexually satisfied. According to a 2024 survey from a popular sex-positive app, 38% of users said that trying rimming after discussing it openly improved their overall intimacy.
Let’s say you both agree you want to give it a shot. It’s not just about jumping straight into bed. Hygiene is a top concern—and for good reason. A quick rinse in the shower goes a long way. You can also use flavored lubes or dental dams for extra comfort and safety. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s helpful vs. what’s not:
| Prep Step | Helpful? | Why or Why Not |
|---|---|---|
| Shower before | Yes | Keeps the area clean, boosts confidence |
| Use mouthwash right before | Yes | Good for fresh breath, but doesn’t replace other hygiene steps |
| Douche every time | No | Not needed unless wanted, can dry out or irritate |
| Dental dam | Optional | Adds a safety layer, especially with new partners |
When you actually try rimming for the first time, slow down and check in with each other—don’t guess what feels good. Agree on a safe word or signal for extra peace of mind. And if something feels off, just stop and laugh it off. It’s supposed to be fun, not a stress test. Remember, being rimming active is as much about comfort as it is about the thrill.
Techniques for Rimming Active Enthusiasts
If you’re looking to really enjoy being rimming active, having the right technique makes all the difference. First up: comfort. Both partners need to be relaxed and in a position that feels good. Lay on your stomach or prop yourself up with pillows—whatever takes tension out of the moment. Cleanliness isn’t just about peace of mind; it’s what lets you actually relax and focus on pleasure. Using non-scented wipes or hopping in the shower before you start is popular with most couples.
Start slow, and let your partner know what feels good or what doesn’t. This isn’t a race—it’s about the build-up. Here are some practical steps to make the experience better for both people:
- Keep your mouth soft. Use your tongue gently, circling the outside first before exploring further in.
- Don’t skip lube. Even if there’s saliva, a little water-based lube can make everything smoother.
- Vary the tempo. Try changing up speed and pressure. Some like flicking, while others want a flatter tongue.
- Pair it with other sensations. Touch elsewhere (like thighs or back) to keep things interesting and less focused on just one spot.
- Communication is your best friend. Ask your partner what feels right and adjust as you go.
For those who want stats, in a 2023 survey by a leading bedroom wellness company, roughly 37% of respondents said adding rimming increased their overall sexual satisfaction and made them feel closer to their partner. That’s a big chunk of people saying this isn't just hype—it can really work for intimacy.
| Technique | Pro Tip |
|---|---|
| Circling outside the anus | Start slow, watch their body language for feedback |
| Flat-tongue pressure | Gently press, alternate with softer licks |
| Licking combined with fingers | Use gloves for fingers, keep movements synced |
If you want to really go next level, consider using flavored, body-safe products or dental dams—especially if you’re with a new partner or want extra peace of mind. Dental dams aren’t just for safety, they can add different sensations too. Remember, the key with rimming active play is taking care with both consent and cleanliness. Everything else is about figuring out together what feels amazing.
Elevating Connection and Trust
Getting into rimming can do more for your relationship than just add a new move to your toolkit. When you and your partner are willing to get past old taboos and talk openly about turn-ons, it signals serious trust and comfort. Opening up about what feels good (and what feels off-limits) lets both people actually relax—because everyone knows where the boundaries are. That sense of safety ramps up arousal for a lot of folks. It’s all about knowing you can be your real self.
What does being rimming active do for couples? For starters, it can help you both drop shame around bodies and sexual pleasure. Studies highlight that couples who communicate about their kinks and curiosities have higher relationship satisfaction and better sex lives. With rimming, consent conversations tend to be more honest and specific—since there’s no way to tiptoe around this kind of play. That straightforwardness often makes other tough talks in the relationship easier too.
If you want to deepen trust, start by being clear and patient. Share your thoughts honestly, don’t judge, and bring questions to the table:
- “Would you like to try this sometime?”
- “What should I avoid? What feels amazing?”
- “Let’s come up with a word to pause or stop if needed.”
It helps to keep a light, low-pressure vibe. Even if one person ends up saying no, you’ve shown you’re open and safe to talk to. Couples often find these conversations bleed into other parts of their relationship—like talking more freely about stress, dreams, or boundaries.
At the end of the day, experimenting with rimming is less about technique and more about what it reflects: a willingness to be totally open. That’s the stuff trust grows from, and it’s what keeps sex feeling new—years down the line.
