How to Eat Ass The Right Way – 48 Tips, Techniques & Positions

18 min read

We reached out to 48 people who love eating ass to get their favorite tips and techniques. Jump straight to those 48 tips & techniques, or if you want the fundamentals first, keep reading below…

Eating ass is one of those activities plenty of people quietly avoid, even though it can feel amazing and build serious intimacy. Whether you've steered clear of the topic despite being curious, or your partner has hinted he'd like to receive it, now's the time to learn how to eat ass!

Rimming can be deeply intimate. When a guy admits he wants to try this, he's opening himself up, trusting you not to judge him or gossip about it later. Naturally, trust needs to be there before you dive between his cheeks.

But offering that same vulnerability yourself can be just as intimate. You probably wouldn't eat someone's ass during a one-night stand, but it's the kind of act that tends to emerge once you're in a real relationship. Recognizing that a partner is willing to experiment with you, or go to real lengths for your pleasure, is powerful and arousing. Could this explain why guys like anal sex so much?

Don't forget – Women do like anal sex too.

Plus, the anus is packed with nerve endings, which is exactly why eating ass can feel incredible.

There are plenty of reasons why rim jobs lead to great orgasms.

Keep reading to learn how to deliver a fantastic rim job…

Discussing Eating Ass

Open communication matters for basically everything, but it's especially critical here. You may need to gently mention that your partner should shave or clean up first. Or if you're the one curious about trying this, you might need to bring it up yourself instead of waiting.

Even with good intentions, these conversations can go sideways. Wrong wording, tone, or bad timing can leave someone unreceptive. Catching a partner when they're busy, exhausted, or hungry rarely sets the stage for a productive talk. And some concerns are better left out of the bedroom entirely, since raising them mid-sex can kill the mood.

If speaking up about sex — or anything, really — doesn't come naturally to you, broaching this particular subject might feel especially tough. But it's a skill you can build, like learning to phrase things without hurting anyone's feelings.

Talking it through also reassures your partner, keeping you connected and helping him relax enough to actually enjoy the experience. Relaxation matters for insertion too — a tense body doesn't mix well with inserting a butt plug.

Check out our guide to sexual communication to sharpen how you talk about sex overall.

One thing worth addressing, whether the idea originated with you or him, is his possible hesitation. Lots of guys feel nervous about anything involving their anus. He might worry it's unclean (it doesn't have to be) or that enjoying it makes him gay (it doesn't, especially with a female partner!).

Safety And Eating Ass

Before diving in, it's worth understanding the safety side. Rimming does carry some risk. Like most sexual activity, STIs can spread through anal contact — and actually spread more easily this way than through some other acts.

One study found women who engage in analingus show higher rates of C. albicans, a yeast sometimes present in the reproductive tract [1]. Earlier research also found gay men who practiced rimming had elevated rates of E. histolytica infection [2].

Bacteria from the anus can also trigger infections in the mouth or vagina if it spreads there. And if your partner's dealing with a stomach virus or bacterial infection, you could catch it through anilingus [3].

Stomach bug symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and weight loss, among others. Keep this in mind if you feel unwell shortly after rimming a partner.

Even without penetration, using a barrier is a smart call. Dental dams — thin latex or polyurethane sheets placed between mouth and vagina or anus during oral sex — offer protection [4]. They can also make you feel more at ease during the act itself.

If you're lubing up a dental dam, apply it between the barrier and your partner's body for maximum comfort. Similarly, if things progress to penetration (you can use anal training to work up to larger toys) and you're using a condom, lube both sides.

In a pinch, a condom can be cut open and used as a makeshift dental dam.

Getting Ready For A Rim Job

There are three main concerns before someone gets their ass licked: leftover fecal matter, odor, and hair. The first issue mirrors anal sex prep. Even a small mishap can be a big deal, potentially souring someone on anal play going forward.

Cleanup doesn't need to be elaborate, though. A bowel movement generally clears the anal tract. A quick lukewarm-water douche over the toilet adds extra assurance. Unless you're aiming for spotless, a full enema isn't necessary.

Learn more about cleanup in this article on preparing for anal sex.

As for odor, a shower handles it — and can even become part of the fun. In a pinch, wet wipes work too. The shower is also a great spot to deal with hair, since as mammals, we all grow hair there, often thicker and darker around the anus and genitals than elsewhere.

Get tips for incredible shower sex before diving into ass eating.

Some couples like adding flavored lube before a partner goes down there.

Removing Hair

If someone's about to eat your ass — or you're the one asking for the favor — dealing with hair is generally expected. A few approaches:

Shaving, which leaves stubble and needs repeating based on regrowth speed
Trimming to stay tidy while avoiding shave-related irritation
At-home waxing for results that last longer
Depilatory creams
Professional waxing for convenience and reliable results

Every DIY method comes with its own challenges. You can't directly see your own ass, though a mirror — or squatting over one — helps. Reaching certain spots can also prove tricky. Expect some trial and error, but here are pointers to make it easier.

When shaving, use a sharp blade and go with the direction hair grows, using short strokes rather than fighting against the grain. A smooth shaving cream softens hair for an easier shave while conditioning skin. Plenty of people swear by hair conditioner as a shaving cream substitute. Whether shaving or trimming, holding your cheeks apart makes reaching the hair much easier.

Trimming might suit you better if you have sensitive skin prone to razor burn. An electric shaver also removes hair with less risk of nicks and cuts.

Waxing isn't for everyone. If you haven't perfected it on your legs yet, this delicate area probably isn't the place to start — a burn here would be miserable! Hard wax without strips tends to work best: heat it, apply it, let it set briefly, then peel it (and the hair) away.

Waxing sounds simpler than it actually is. There's a lot of room for mistakes, which is exactly why professional waxing exists. Not everyone can afford regular appointments or wants a stranger examining that area, but it's a solid option for arriving prepped and smooth.

The final option is depilatory cream, which we'd recommend using cautiously. These creams dissolve hair chemically and can irritate skin. Sensitive formulas — like those made for facial use — are your safest bet, but never leave them on longer than instructed. Coarser hair may resist these creams altogether.

Depending on comfort levels, you might help your partner remove hair, or ask for their help with yours. This can feel genuinely intimate, though it's not for everyone — having a razor near such a sensitive area can understandably cause some anxiety.

What About Anal Bleaching?

Anal bleaching might cross your mind before a partner goes down there, but it's entirely optional. The anus is naturally darker than surrounding skin — that's normal, not a sign of being unclean. The same holds true for most genital skin.

Learn more about anal bleaching to decide if it's right for you.

Managing Gas

Gas isn't glamorous, but it's a real part of eating ass. There's no way to predict when your partner might feel bloated, so pointing him toward this section could ease his worries.

First, he can watch his diet to reduce gassiness — maybe cutting back on bananas or carbonated drinks. Everyone's triggers differ, so he'll likely know his own patterns best.

You might also notice you're gassier at certain times, like during your period or pregnancy (learn more about anal sex during pregnancy), and choose to skip anal activities then. He won't necessarily need to.

Some people take something like GasX beforehand to head off flatulence entirely.

If he feels gas building up, it's better to just let it happen before things start rather than fighting to hold it in.

You'll find plenty of overlapping advice in our guide to preparing for anal sex.

How to Eat Ass – Tips and Techniques

Once hygiene's sorted, you might be eager to jump right in. But we'd suggest easing into it slowly. Taking your time builds anticipation and tension, which only intensifies the experience.

Discover why sexual tension is so important and how to build it.

Warming Up First – Before honing in on the anus itself, try massaging, kneading, and kissing the cheeks. After a gentle bite on the fleshier parts, drift toward the anus and pull back again before making contact. Let him feel your breath against his skin, genitals, and anus. Licking the cheeks first before moving inward works well too.

Shaping Your Tongue – Your tongue can go flat for a broad, soft surface, or pointed and firm for precision. Tapping the flat side against the anus can feel great, while curling it works well for insertion. Watch your partner's reactions closely, or simply ask what he prefers.

Tongue Movements – Try up-and-down motions, side to side, circular patterns, kissing, sucking, and even a light graze of teeth. A figure-8 pattern adds some variety too./

A Cool Breath – Don't overlook your breath. Pursed lips can send a cool stream of air across the anus, while a wider mouth produces warmer breath.

Bring In Your Fingers – Fingers can be just as valuable as your tongue here (tips for anal fingering here). Try positioning them on either side of the anus while your tongue does its work. You can also keep massaging or kneading the cheeks throughout. Tips for prostate massage.

Don't Forget Your Hands – Use your hands to spread his cheeks apart for better access, or press them together for a different sensation altogether.

Reach Around – His genitals shouldn't be forgotten either. Reach around to fondle his testicles or stroke his penis while you work (get tips for giving a handjob simultaneously) — plenty of men love this combination. You can even suck his balls before returning to the anus.

Where To Go From Here – There's no rule saying you need to keep going until he climaxes. Eating ass makes great foreplay, and you can transition into pegging (learn what pegging is) or toys — anal beads make a great addition, for instance. You could also try using a strap-on.

Related: How to Suck Balls

You'll likely find his cheeks need spreading for proper access. If your hands are free, spread them yourself, or ask him to hold them apart so your hands stay free for other things.

This kind of play can also serve as a solid warmup before anal sex, which shouldn't be painful when done right. Does anal hurt? There are ways to address that if it does.

48 Ass Eating Tips & Techniques From Readers

Here's what our readers told us they love when a partner eats their ass!

Frenching with my ass as if it were my mouth. as passionate and slow as possible.
I love when he holds my ass up, propped on his elbows, and drives his tongue deep in my ass.
I like the entire length of my crack to be paid attention to all the way to my balls. I also like to be on my back so I can watch him lick my ass. So hot.
All around the hole with her tongue but penetrate only with her finger.
Sucking and tonguing everything with hip bone kisses.
I direct them. Again, slow flat tongue from the bottom of my asshole to my balls. Back and forth. Then hard pointed tongue in my asshole while jacking me off. Then as I get close, fingering my ass to stimulate my prostate.
Talking dirty as they eat my ass is heavenly.
Long slow flat drags across the entire anus to the perineum. Did I mention slow?
She must finger my prostate while circling my ring with her tongue.
Pulling my hair and grabbing my boobs as they do it is….uhhhhhh.
I like him to finger my ass. And I like him talking dirty to me while doing so.
Putting their thumb in my butt as well.
He goes from ass to clit and it feels so good.
Deep probing and digit insertion in reverse cowgirl.
I love when he does it gently because it gives more of a sensation. If you go into it too hard it's just like, "Where's the pleasure?" ya know?
Diving his face in my ass with no reserve. Making out with it, acting like he's been needing it to survive.
Caress it first. Apply some pressure, then fingering with one finger always with lube. Then two, then three fingers. Spanking me, too.
I just love when he grabs me while doing it, or when he inserts his tongue inside of me and maybe two fingers inside my pussy.
I love when he squeezes my hips and ass and when he strokes my back.
He doesn't let me get away from him. He holds me right and makes me take all of what he's doing to me.
Just be wild.
There's often lots of other masturbation taking place. Sometimes mirrors.
Hand on the back of my neck the other hand on my hip.
Biting my cheeks while eating my ass. I love it.
I love it if he covers my ass in a golden shower.
Rub my clit at the same time for double the fun.
It's best when I don't expect it and they just kinda slip back there.
Switch it up with other moves to keep me guessing but returning to tongue pulses when I get near to coming.
That they bite at a random pace.
I like to push my anus out and then have him lick and suck on my anus.
Anything and everything.
I like when he grabs, licks, and nibbles on my ass cheeks.
He slaps my ass until I'm in pain, then kisses it all over.
Eat like you're starving!!
Facesitting. The. Best. Feeling. Ever.
I really enjoy my partner fingering my vagina or using a dildo in my vagina whilst he eats my ass. I also really enjoy when he incorporates using a finger in my ass whilst eating it.
Have to play with the balls as well.
Don't be shy. Get your face right in.
The swirl–lick from an imaginary outer ring and slowly swirl in closer.
A vibrator and a tongue.
Wash, wash, and wash. Then probing and flicking with a mild gape.
Be sure you have had an enema and shower beforehand by two hours. Then have fun.
Like eating watermelon.
Before we even get into the bedroom he will write assplay erotica to work me up. And later, when we are together he likes to carefully disrobe me, and take a look first. And his dialogue makes me feel sexy before he rubs & adds some lube.
Spitting on my ass.
Touching nipples.
Just going for really long like it's the main event; not a precursor to something else, just enjoyable on its own.
My girl likes me on my left side so she can put her head between my legs and lick my ass while stroking me.

Don't see your go-to techniques listed here? Share your own tips in the comments!

Best Positions For A Rim Job

Technique isn't everything — comfort matters too, and that starts with finding the right position. Try any of these:

Kneeling on the floor, or sitting on furniture while your partner stands
Kneeling or sitting behind your partner on the bed while he's in doggy position
Lying between his legs while he's on his back with legs raised (a pillow under the hips opens up better access)
The 69 position – browse a few of these 69 sex positions to find what suits you

For any position that starts to strain, a pillow under your knees helps, or one propped under your partner. Memory foam works particularly well since it holds its shape.

Some anal sex positions also work nicely if you're simply kneeling behind your man.

Helpful Tools

Flavored lube can add slip while also masking any unwanted taste or smell. That said, with proper cleanup beforehand, the anus generally tastes about as neutral as clean skin.

Read More: What Is Lube and Why Should You Use It?

Whether to kiss your partner afterward is a personal call every couple makes differently. Some people are uneasy about kissing right after any kind of oral sex.

Word of caution! – Never go straight from a rim job into oral sex on a woman without a break. This can transfer bacteria into the vagina and trigger bacterial vaginosis (read more about BV). A dental dam helps prevent this kind of bacterial transfer.

Men face lower risk of this type of infection, so licking from anus to balls and back can be part of your oral routine without the same concern.

Rinsing your mouth beforehand helps too. Water clears some bacteria, but mouthwash goes further by actually killing it — and the tingling sensation might add an unexpected kick he either loves or doesn't.

Like most sexual activities, eating ass really comes down to confidence and communication. Once you've nailed the fundamentals of tossing the salad, the rest is about staying tuned into your partner's cues and giving him what he responds to!

What The Science Says

You might assume nobody's researching anilingus, but that's not the case! Several studies have examined the health implications of eating ass, which is exactly why dental dams are worth using.

Researchers have found that:

Stomach bugs like entamoeba histolytica, amebiasis, giardiasis, and shigella can spread through eating ass [5] [6] [7]. Parasites, including threadworms, can transfer this way too [8].
Oral infections can follow giving a rim job [9].
Analingus can transmit STIs including hepatitis [10] [11] and HPV in the form of anal warts [12].

Resources

Buzzfeed has an entertaining comic tutorial about how to eat ass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short on time? Here are quick answers to common eating-ass questions.

Q: Does eating ass get messy?

A: It's far less messy than most people assume! For someone with regular bowel habits and no GI issues, the rectum is typically empty. Fecal matter is stored higher up in the intestines, not sitting there waiting.

Your partner can also take the steps outlined above to make things as pleasant as possible for you.