EATING OUT: THE HEAT GUIDE TO RIMMING

They say some things are an acquired taste — like oysters, blue cheese, and olives — and for millions of gay men worldwide, growing up as a faggot means there’s a big chance you’ll develop and appetite for something many others might find gross. 

We’re talking about ass. 

Let’s talk about rimming: eating ass, tossing salad, whatever the fuck you want to call it! What was once treated like some forbidden side quest is now a pretty standard part of queer sex.

And honestly? Good. Eating ass is fun and so is getting your ass eaten! 

The anus is an erogenous zone packed with nerve endings, and plenty of guys absolutely love having it played with. But if you're new to the whole thing, there's more to it than simply getting your face down there and hoping for the best.

There's hygiene. There's consent. There's sexual health. There's communication. And, perhaps most importantly, there's knowing when to take a beat. 

First Things First

Yes, we know. Nothing kills the mysterious horny vibe quite like communication. But trust us.

Don't assume someone's into rimming just because they've agreed to other kinds of sex. Ask!

It doesn't need to be a corporate presentation or some weird structured plan. A simple "Would you be into me going down there?" will do.

And remember: yes can become no. No can become maybe another time. Maybe can stay maybe.

The hottest thing you can bring into any sexual situation isn't always just confidence, it’s respect.

Cleanliness Is Sexy

Let's address the obvious concern.

Yes, the anus is part of the digestive system. Yes, bacteria live there. No, you don't need to perform some elaborate excavation before anyone gets near your ass.

A normal shower and gentle cleaning of the external area are generally enough for oral-anal play. You don't need to turn your bathroom into a doctor’s office. Don't go wild with harsh soaps. The skin around the anus is sensitive, and irritation is very much not the vibe.

If you're considering douching, know that it's not automatically necessary unless penetration is part of the mix. Excessive douching can itself cause irritation.

Know When The Time Isn’t Right

There are times when your ass should simply be left alone. If you have bleeding, open cuts, sores, unexplained bumps, significant irritation, or an active diarrhea, maybe postpone the butt buffet.

Nobody wins a prize for powering through. Your ass will still be there tomorrow and the following week. 

STIs: The Inconvenient Truth

Oral-anal contact can transmit infections. That's not meant to scare you off, it's just reality.

Hepatitis A, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and other infections can potentially be transmitted through sexual contact involving the mouth and anus. Gastrointestinal infections such as Shigella can also spread through this kind of contact.

And because plenty of infections don't come with obvious symptoms, you can't always tell whether someone has one by looking at them.

If you're having sex with new or multiple partners, keep up with appropriate sexual-health testing and talk about your status.

The Hepatitis A Situation

Here's one worth knowing about: hepatitis A.

It can spread through sexual contact involving the anus and mouth, and vaccination provides an important layer of protection.

If rimming is part of your sex life and you haven't been vaccinated against hepatitis A, it's worth talking to a healthcare professional about whether vaccination is appropriate for you.

The future you may send a very grateful text.

Don't Rush The Ass

Here's where people sometimes get it wrong.

The anus isn't a light switch. You don't just walk over, flick it on and expect fireworks.

Relaxation matters. So does trust.

Kissing, touching, massage, flirting, making out (whatever already makes your partner feel comfortable) can help create the right atmosphere before introducing anything new.

And don't make the entire experience about the hole itself.

The buttocks, thighs, perineum and surrounding skin can all be part of the experience.

Translation: explore the neighbourhood before obsessing over that one house. 

Read The Room And The Body

One of the most important rimming skills isn't actually a physical skill. It's knowing how to pay attention. Is your partner relaxed? Are they moving closer? Are they actively encouraging you? Are they suddenly tense or pulling away?

Ask.

"Are you good?"

"Want me to keep going?"

"Is this okay?”

It takes approximately three seconds and can save you from guessing your way through the entire experience.

And remember: silence isn't automatically consent. If you're unsure, check in.

Everyone Likes Different Things

There's no universal rimming technique. 

Some guys prefer things gentle and slow. Others want more pressure. Some love having the surrounding area included. Others want very specific attention in very specific places.

Which means the secret isn't memorising some ridiculous alphabet with your tongue.

It's listening.

Every body is different. Every hookup is different. Even the same guy can want something completely different depending on the day.

Your best tool is feedback.

The Positions Are Really About Comfort

There isn't one sacred position for rimming. The best position is basically whichever one gives both people comfortable access without turning somebody's neck into a medical emergency.

Side-lying can be relaxed and low-effort. Being on hands and knees can provide straightforward access. On your back with legs over your head? Count us in! 

Whatever you choose, make sure nobody is holding an uncomfortable position just because it looks hot in theory.Feeling sexy should not require a chiropractor appointment the next day.

Don't Make Anyone Feel Weird About Their Body

This should be obvious, but we feel the need to say it. Don’t ass shame!

Bodies aren't supposed to smell like vanilla candles. If need be, ask politely to shower with them if things aren’t up to your standard. Some people like smelly, some people like squeaky clean. It’s okay to communicate that with your partner. 

If someone is nervous about hygiene, don't make them feel disgusting for having a body that does normal body things. Help them feel comfortable.

If there’s an accident, like a fart or a little leak, don’t freak out. Put yourself in their shoes, would you want to be made to feel embarrassed? You're mature enough to be having sex, so you should be mature enough to deal with a situation like that respectfully and hygienically. 

And if you're the nervous one? Remember that your partner is presumably there because they want to be there. You don't need to apologise for having an ass.

The Golden Rule: You Can Stop

If you start, you can stop.

You said yes? You can change your mind.

Got halfway through and suddenly aren't feeling it? That's completely fine.

Sex isn't a subscription service. You don't owe anyone the full package because you agreed to the first five minutes.

The same applies to the person giving. If you're uncomfortable, stop. If something doesn't feel right, stop.

There is no participation trophy for enduring a sexual experience you don't want.

The (Power) Bottom Line

Rimming doesn't need to be scary, mysterious, or treated like some forbidden gay-sex final boss.

Keep clean. Know the health risks. Talk to your partner. Protect yourself when appropriate. Pay attention to boundaries. And, for the love of God, don't treat somebody's ass like a challenge.

The best rimming experience isn't the one with the most tricks. It's the one where both people feel comfortable, wanted, turned on, and completely in control of what happens next.

So if you've been curious, have the conversation, take your time, and remember the golden rule of queer sex:

If everyone's into it, everyone's having fun, and nobody's being a dick about it...you're probably doing a good (rim) job.