6 Easy and Pleasurable Anal Sex Positions for Beginners
Anal play can be an exciting way to enjoy pleasure and sensation for people of all genders and sexualities, but it can be intimidating to explore if you've never tried it before. While we've already covered the best anal sex positions, we still need to cover anal sex positions for beginners to experiment with.
In this first-time anal sex guide, we'll also show newbies how to keep pain to a minimum, what tools and accessories to use, and how to stay safe during your anal adventures. Many people think anal can only be pleasurable for the person penetrating, but can anal sex be pleasurable for both partners? The answer is a resounding yes - you just need the right education on the topic. Whether you've just discovered anal sex or are simply thinking about trying it out, we've got your back.
How do I prepare for anal sex as a beginner?
If you're unsure how to safely prepare for the act, we've got some anal sex comfort tips and hygiene must-knows that can make for a smoother ride. First things first: cleaning the area. While some people might be a little anxious about mess during anal, most people only need a good shower to clean your body and your booty. As long as you have a good diet of healthy fiber and go to the bathroom about an hour before you play, there should be a limited amount of leftover material in your rectum. Just make sure to use soap and water between your cheeks and on the outside of the anus to fully remove sweat and anything missed when wiping (this is helpful for rimming or oral-anal sex too).
But if you want to feel a bit fresher, you can use an anal douche - only use warm water, and never introduce soaps or chemicals into the douche. Slowly insert the douche and release the water. Give it time to fully empty and rinse - just a rinse or two should do it, and over-douching can irritate the anus, which you don't want before anal sex. Do this at least an hour or two before your session rather than immediately beforehand.
Mental and physical relaxation are also key parts of prep. This will allow you not only to maximize pleasure but will ensure the anal muscles are fully relaxed, which is necessary. Integrate it into your foreplay with your partner if you'd like! Begin with a warm bath, breathwork, or a sensual massage to mentally relax. Foreplay can build arousal and ensure you're fully turned on. Remember to take things slowly and communicate with your partner each step of the way, establishing a safe word if you'd like.
If you're asking yourself, 'Does anal sex hurt the first time?' you're not alone. To train or stretch yourself for penetration, you can explore using toys first, some of the best anal sex toys for beginners, include small anal plugs or beads and small diameter silicone dildos. For people with prostates, a prostate plug or massager can stimulate what's known as the - male G-spot - and provide a unique kind of orgasm.
However, we suggest starting with a finger. This can stretch and relax the muscles gradually before anal sex or during foreplay. If you do use toys, make sure to rinse them in between uses with warm water or use a purpose-made toy cleaner to make sure any fluids or bacteria is removed before storing. And if you use a toy anally, do not use it in the vagina as it can lead to infections.
Next, we'll go over some helpful anal sex tips for women and equally useful anal sex tips for men - any gender can include this prep routine!
The importance of using anal lube
The most important part of learning how to relax during anal sex is lube. Personal lubricant is an absolute non-negotiable for this activity. Since the anus doesn't naturally lubricate, using a liberal amount of lube is essential anytime you use fingers, toys, or explore penetration with a penis.
Choosing the right type of anal lube
So what lube is best for anal sex? With silicone toys, the best lubricants for anal sex beginners are water-based or hybrid lubes. If no toys are being used, silicone lube might be preferable since it's long-lasting and doesn't require reapplication. There are even lubricants designed specifically for anal sex, like the pjur BACK DOOR line. Anal relaxing sprays with lidocaine and benzocaine can numb the area and lead to injury, but gradually stretching and relaxing your muscles by inserting one or more fingers can help ease penetration and help you explore the sensations you like during anal. If you're using toys, a water-based formula like pjur analyse me! Moisturizing is hydrating and fortified with hyaluron but won't degrade silicone.
How to apply anal lube
To have safe anal sex for beginners, knowing how to properly apply lube is key. Be sure to wash your hands first. Then, squeeze a generous amount of lube directly onto your fingers, and slowly insert one finger inside. This helps with getting more lube inside the anus and also allows you to explore different sensations and types of stimulation - you can slowly pull the finger out and push back in, or curl the finger in a come-hither motion, or press into the sides of the anus to find particularly pleasurable movements or spots. Once you acclimate to one finger, make sure you're fully lubed up and add another finger (or two!), then scissor your fingers to stretch out the ring of muscle in the anus. With anal, there's no such thing as using too much lube. If things start to feel dry, don't be afraid to reapply, and keep the bottle close by during your session.

The best anal sex positions for beginners
Anal sex can be uncomfortable and even painful if you don't prepare for it and attempt penetration too quickly. Choosing the right positions for first-time anal sex is paramount for a positive experience. But if you go slowly and gently with the right preparation (and only opt for beginner-friendly positions), you can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
So what is the best position for anal sex for beginners? There's no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, which is why we've compiled a variety of options for you to get to know. These easy anal sex positions for first-timers can lead to pleasurable anal sex for both the giver and receiver. Whether you're penetrating or being penetrated, this anal sex position guide for novices will ensure that everyone is comfortable.
1. The Sphinx position
In the Sphinx sex position, the receiver lies on the stomach, bending one leg. This provides the person penetrating with easy access to the anus while allowing the person being penetrated to fully relax their body, which can help the sphincter relax more effectively.
2. The Rider position
What are the easiest anal sex positions? Ones where the receiver is in control. Knowing how to prepare for anal sex as a beginner starts with finding a position where the passive partner is in control of depth and movement, providing a greater sense of safety. This is why the rider position is one of the most comfortable anal sex positions for couples. Here, the receiver sits on top, deciding how deep the penetration is. If things get uncomfortable, they can immediately lift themselves up.
3. The Spooning position
If you're wondering how to make anal sex feel good in a cozy and affectionate way, this relaxed sex position is perfect. Sometimes referred to as the angel position, the penetrating partner lies behind the receiving partner and can penetrate from behind. This position also allows the muscles to relax, but it is a tender position that allows for plenty of physical contact.
4. The Elephant position
The Elephant is one of the best anal sex positions for beginners as it provides support with the help of a pillow. Here, the person being penetrated lays on their stomach with a pillow placed under the pelvis so the anus can be accessed easily, but it also prevents too-deep penetration.
5. The Lazy Dog position
The Lazy Dog sex position is very similar to the Elephant. The only difference is that there's no pillow to raise the pelvis. It's simply a matter of experimenting to see whether the Elephant or the Lazy Dog version without a pillow is a better alternative for you and your partner.
6. The Lotus position
This popular position from the Kama Sutra allows for some steamy eye contact and is one of the more intimate beginner anal sex positions. It comes in two variations: sitting and semi-reclining. For anal, sitting is a better choice. Here, the penetrating partner sits cross-legged. The person being penetrated then sits on top of their partner. They can choose to cross their legs behind them or leave them stretched out.
The key to the best anal sex positions for beginners: don't go too deep. Generally speaking, it's best not to choose sex positions that allow the active partner to penetrate particularly deeply. This can be uncomfortable, especially at first, and you should gradually work your way into more advanced positions that involve giving up control, such as the doggy-style position.
Communication is key
Is anal sex safe for first-timers? With the right steps and precautions, it absolutely can be. However, this starts with communication. If anyone feels uncomfortable, nervous, or in pain, don't push them to go any further. Postpone that adventure and have plenty of discussions until both people are equally excited to explore!
For people wondering, 'How can I make anal sex more comfortable?', all of the above tips can help you have a positive experience. While you can explore anal play solo, how can couples try anal sex for the first time? There's no set way of how to have anal sex - that's all up to you. Prepare accordingly - stock up on toys and find a long-lasting lubricant you love. Start with some foreplay to see where your desires take you, and pick a position that excites you, whether that's something face-to-face or filled with snuggles. And don't forget the lube!