Ask The Feltt - "Is rimming safe?"

Hey there,

My partner and I have gotten into a bit of ass-eating recently and while we both really enjoy it, sometimes I wonder how hygienic it is while I’m going down there. Please put my mind at ease?? Is rimming safe?

Thanks! Tosser (sometimes Tossee)

Hi T(sT)!

Rimming (aka analingus, eating booty, ass eating, salad tossing etc etc) comes with its own particular set of risks—we’ll walk you through them and some risk reduction practices.

A good wash of the anal area beforehand is recommended, but this doesn’t fully eliminate the possibility of bacterial spread, and it doesn’t reduce the risk of contracting or spreading sexually transmitted infections.

The interior of the anus hosts intestinal bacteria, so oral-anal contact carries potential for contracting and spreading bacteria and parasites. If these are ingested it's possible they may cause eye, mouth and/ or throat infections, fever, cramping, and diarrhea. 

It’s also important to remember not to spread rectal bacteria to vaginas and urethras so wash up (lips, mouth, tongue, hands, etc) before going there if that’s in the mix.

If you’re going to be the rimmer and you have cold sores or cuts on your mouth or tongue it’s advisable to refrain from unprotected oral-anal contact.

If you anticipate being on the receiving end and you’ve recently experienced gastrointestinal issues (gas, diarrhea, digestive infections, constipation), bleeding, open sores (including hemorrhoids) it’s probably best to pass on this particular activity for the moment!

Hepatitis A or B, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV and genital warts are all STIs potentially contracted through rimming.

To reduce risk, the use of barriers such as dental dams is recommended. If you don’t have dental dams you can swap in a condom (carefully cut it down the side and spread it out). You can apply lube to the side of the barrier that makes contact with the anus to increase pleasure.

NB: We use publicly available medical research sources but we are not doctors or health professionals ourselves. Info - Columbia University (1). Image - Kim Sung-Jin via Pinterest. *THIS ARTISTIC PICTURE IS NOT MEANT TO BE INSTRUCTIVE. USE AN INTACT BARRIER.*