What Anal Sex Really Feels Like, According To Women Who've Tried It

If the question "Do you like anal sex?" hasn't come up during your boozy brunch or girls trip, who even are you?

Over the past decade, anal sex—or at least, talking about anal sex—has become significantly less taboo, perhaps because butts have taken on an entirely new status (thanks, Kardashians) or because society has become more sex-positive overall (yay!). Either way, butt sex remains a ~controversial~ topic among women, because not everyone can agree on whether or not it feels good. But guess what? Not everyone has to!

For some women, anal is the cherry on top of a sexual sundae: a little extra treat that elevates something that was already delicious on its own (duh, talking about sex here). But for others, butt sex is more like pâté: intriguing, worth a try, but absolutely not up their alleys (as in, a penis will probably not be going up that alley ever again).

If you've yet to add anal to the menu but are curious to taste test, there are some things you should know first:

1. Cleanliness is key. Be sure to clean yourself up after the act with a wipe, to avoid spreading fecal bacteria, and never have your partner go from anal straight to vaginal sex (since it could cause an infection like bacterial vaginosis).
2. Try anal training. If you're worried about tearing, you can work your way up to full-blown anal by starting with a butt plug, anal beads, or fingers.
3. Lube, lube, lube. To make things way more comfortable, remember that lube (and lots of it) is your best friend. Try an anal-specific option.
4. Prep the pipes. Anal douching is always available to you, but you're best off just going poop before the act.
5. Talk it out. Be sure to communicate with your partner how you're feeling about anal—before, during, and after you do it. And if something doesn't feel right: stop!
6. Hop right in the shower after. In addition to wiping yourself down, you and your partner should take a thorough shower to clear yourselves of any bacteria (together even, to continue the sexy time!).
7. Leave the place cleaner than you found it. It's not just your bodies you should clean post-butt sex. Make sure you immediately get rid of condoms and throw any towels or sheets that may have gotten a bit messy in the laundry.

For more deets on these must-know tips, check out the WH Ultimate Anal Sex Guide.