Oftentimes, poop makes an unexpected cameo during coitus. While nothing can guarantee a mess-free anal, there are precautions and decisions we can make that can greatly reduce the chances of it happening.
Many people perform enemas, which involve inserting liquid into the rectum, in order to avoid excrement rubbing off on their partner during anal sex. However, an enema can also increase your risk for infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Protein-Rich Foods
Oyster fluids tend to make a cameo, sometimes even a starring role (spit play), during coitus, but that doesn’t mean you can’t control when your bottom gets messy. What you eat can have a major impact on how messily an anal session will go, so be mindful of your diet ahead of time.
Ideally, you should avoid foods that make your stomach gassy or cause urgent bowel movements (sorry, chickpea lovers), and also steer clear of dairy (since 75 percent of us are lactose intolerant). Processed foods, fried foods, and high fat or protein items are also not the best choices if you’re going to be bottoming.
You may also want to skip cruciferous veggies, which are rich in FODMAPs (which trigger bloating and abdominal pain) and sulfur, and limit your intake of dairy and beans, as these can cause intense cramping. Finally, don’t eat breads or other grains, which can lead to gas and bloating.
It’s a good idea to empty your bowels 30-60 minutes before you plan to get down and dirty (anal sex) because it can take about an hour for the body to digest them. It’s also a good idea to skip the lube and anal douches, which can be damaging (plus, they aren’t as effective as anal fisting). Instead, clean your anus gently with soapy water or unscented wet wipes, as these will not irritate your skin.
Complex Carbohydrates
You may not think that what you eat can affect your anal sex, but the right foods can actually help reduce pain and discomfort. You can start prepping your anal for sex before you even enter the bedroom by eating a healthy diet rich in fiber, greens and water. Getting these nutrients in advance allows your anal cavity to naturally clean itself during anal sex.
It’s important to eat plenty of complex carbohydrates before anal sex, which can help you digest your food more quickly. These foods can also help reduce the risk of gas, bloating and diarrhea during anal sex. Try to avoid consuming dairy, gluten or red meat before anal sex, as they can cause digestive issues that could make the experience uncomfortable for both you and your partner.
It’s also essential to drink a lot of fluids before anal sex, as dehydration can make your anus harder to insert and cause discomfort. This can also prevent you from achieving an orgasm during anal sex. Avoid drinking high-sugar drinks like juices, soda and energy drinks before anal sex, as they’re more likely to cause gas than low-sugar beverages. It’s also a good idea to use anal lubricant before and during anal sex, as this can help make the experience more comfortable for both of you.
Healthy Fats
For anal penetration to feel good, you need to have a clean, poop-free rectum. You can do this by squeezing the anus while in the shower (along with some other body-cleaning activities we’ll get to in a moment), or by using a home enema kit. Just be sure to use lukewarm water and only the solution that comes with the kit; adding other solutions can cause damage or an imbalance of electrolytes.
A high-fiber diet can help keep your poop regular and bulky, which may reduce your risk of encountering fecal matter during anal. However, you should avoid fiber-rich foods right before anal sex, because consuming too much can lead to gas, bloating, and constipation that may be uncomfortable or even painful for you and your partner.
Aside from avoiding fatty foods and increasing your water intake, you should also drink plenty of alcohol-free beverages. “Alcohol dehydrates the hell out of you, throws your gut bacteria out of whack, and can increase your risk of constipation, diarrhea, and other not-so-pleasant bottom messes during anal,” says Hall. “An alcoholic beverage can also make it harder for you to hold your butt in position, making anal less comfortable.”
Water
The anus doesn’t produce its own lubricant, so proper lubrication is a must. Using an anal lubricant and adding it to any anal foreplay can help make the experience more pleasurable and reduce the risk of irritation or damage to the rectal tissue. Some people also like to use their tongues, dildos, or butt plugs for foreplay with anal sex, so it’s important to find what feels good.
Having enough fiber in your diet is also important for anal health. Fiber can help prevent constipation, which could lead to a build-up of stool in your colon, which can cause pain during anal sex and reduce satisfaction in both partners.
Lastly, drinking plenty of water helps keep the anus and colon hydrated. That’s why it’s recommended to drink a glass of water about 30 minutes before anal sex, says O’Shaughnessy.
