Engaging in anal sex, like oral-anal play, fingering, fisting, and other types of anal stimulation, can be super pleasurable and lead to intense orgasms. It's important to remember that there are physical aspects involved, like stretching the anal muscles and the potential for tiny tears, which may need some recovery time for healing. So, knowing how to recover from anal sex is key to enhancing sexual health and pleasure and preventing any discomfort or complications.
What to expect after anal sex
Everyone’s post-anal sex experience will be different, but you may experience discomfort, fullness, or mild pain due to the stretching of the anus. These sensations are normal, particularly if you're new to anal sex, but also if you’re a seasoned veteran of anal play. However, some symptoms may indicate a problem.
Persistent severe pain, heavy bleeding, or unusual discharge require medical attention. These could be signs of an anal fissure, hemorrhoids, or an infection. If you notice any of these symptoms or if discomfort continues for more than a few hours, contact a healthcare provider.
In extreme cases, symptoms like heavy rectal bleeding and abdominal pain may indicate a severe condition such as colon perforation. These rare cases are often caused by using objects not intended for anal penetration, which can injure the delicate anal tissue. If you experience severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
When engaging in anal sex, listen to your body. From preparing for anal sex to anal sex aftercare, your body can indicate when something's wrong. Like any sexual activity, anal sex carries some risks, but proper preparation, including the use of appropriate sex toys, plenty of lubricant, and protection, can minimize those.
What to do after having anal sex?
Prior to having anal sex, it's important to understand the associated risks and the importance of post-sex aftercare for health and comfort. Here's a step-by-step guide to help navigate this process and address what to do after anal sex.
Clean up afterwards
After having anal sex, the first step is to clean up. Since it's a sensitive area, there's a higher risk of bacterial infections, especially if there are tears in the anus. Take a shower to clean the area and minimize the risk of infection. Having a detachable shower head or a bidet can be extra useful for cleaning your anus. If you experience any discomfort or pain, a warm sitz bath can be extra beneficial. Bathing removes any lube, which is often used for anal sex but requires thorough cleaning afterward. In the absence of a shower or bath, wet wipes are a good substitute in the interim, though the ingredients in wet wipes may irritate some. Just remember to always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria.
Relax and rest
Mild discomfort after anal play can happen even with the most experienced of us. Even with preparation and plenty of lube, it’s possible to get small anal tears. These usually heal on their own with time. If there is any discomfort after your experience, rest and allow your anus to heal, monitoring for anything that indicates a bigger problem. This period of no anal play can be an opportunity to reflect on the experience and identify any issues, like insufficient lubrication.
Monitor for health concerns
While a bit of bleeding doesn’t necessarily indicate a big issue, it’s important to monitor and be aware of how your body feels in the aftermath. If you notice bleeding that lasts longer than a few hours, sores, unusual discharges, or intense pain, it's a good idea to seek medical attention right away. After you have your first bowel movement post-anal sex, inspect the stool to see if there is any blood or bleeding. These could be signs of damage to anal tissue or other complications.
Try home remedies for additional care
If you experience some discomfort or pain after anal, don't worry, there are things you can do at home to find relief. Take a warm bath or sit in warm water (a "sitz bath") with Epsom salts to relax your muscles and ease the discomfort. Stay hydrated, eat foods high in fiber, and consider using fiber supplements. If you notice that it’s painful or difficult to have a bowel movement, consider using stool softeners. If needed, you can also use over-the-counter laxatives and pain medications. Just follow the instructions and consult a healthcare provider before trying any creams or ointments.
Engage in gentle activities
While you're healing, it's a good idea to avoid any intense activities. Instead of lifting heavy weights try going for a stroll or doing some gentle stretching, or even giving yoga a shot. These activities can help your body recover without undue strain.
Practice Kegel exercises
Doing Kegel exercises can help keep your pelvic floor healthy, especially if you're regularly engaging in anal sex. Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn't stretch the same way, so it might need some extra care to stay in good shape. It’s also a good idea to understand how to engage, coordinate, relax the muscles of your pelvic floor and external anal sphincter to help your anal sex experience stay pain-free.
Communicate with your partner
Make sure to have open and honest conversations with your partner about your sexual experience and comfort levels, especially if you're feeling any discomfort. Your partner should respect your comfort levels to ensure a pleasurable and safe experience for you. This may involve asking them to go slower or help you prepare for anal sex with more foreplay or starting with smaller objects or fingers first.
Consult with a healthcare provider
If you experience recurring pain after anal sex, reach out to a healthcare provider. They may be able to give you some advice or rule out any conditions that may be inhibiting your anal pleasure. Your body's health and well-being should always come first.
Seek support
When it comes to anal sex, it's not just about the physical recovery – the emotional and psychological aspects are just as essential to acknowledge and navigate. If you find yourself dealing with any emotional or psychological issues in the aftermath of anal sex, it might be helpful to reach out to a professional or friend for support. Therapists or counselors can offer valuable tools and strategies to help you work through any feelings of discomfort, shame, or anxiety.
Long-term care and recovery
Just a friendly reminder: preparing for anal and keeping communication open are vital for avoiding any discomfort or unpleasant anal experiences. It's important to respect your body's needs and boundaries for a smooth anal sex recovery. Understanding what to do after having anal sex is crucial for maintaining health and comfort, ensuring both partners feel safe and cared for afterward. Recovery time largely depends on how well you've prepared and listened to your body, respecting its limits.
If you're new to anal play, you may want to start with anal training before moving into anal sex. Starting small, such as using fingers or small sex toys, can make a big difference in your comfort levels during and after anal penetration. And hey, if you want to prepare for anal sex, using sex toys like the anal vibrator Molto or Crescendo 2 can help ensure a pleasurable anal experience. Molto is perfect for beginners since it’s ultra-slim and bendable so you can adjust it as you see fit and take it small and slow. Crescendo 2 is more versatile with 6 individually controllable motors and a catalog of fun features, and while a little wider than Molto, still ergonomic and slim for pain-free anal penetration.
Takeaway
Knowing how to recover from anal sex is essential for maintaining pleasure and sexual health. Paying attention to your body's response to this intimate activity is just as crucial as any other sexual interaction. Keep things clean, monitor and address any pain or discomfort, and support your pelvic floor for overall health. And if you got this anal sex thing down and just want to spice things up, check out our fabulous collection of award-winning vibrators that can seriously elevate everybody’s pleasure.
Frequently asked questions
Is It normal to have pain in the anus after penetrative anal sex?
Feeling a bit of discomfort after engaging in anal sex is quite normal due to the nature of the act. However, experiencing intense pain is not normal and may indicate underlying issues such as tears in the anal tissue, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. If you're dealing with pain, excessive bleeding, or ongoing discomfort, seek medical attention right away.
Can a stretched anus heal?
Yes, a stretched anus can indeed heal. Overstretching of the anal tissue can lead to a fissure, which may cause pain and bleeding. However, most anal fissures are capable of healing within a few days to weeks with adequate home treatment. If a fissure persists for more than 8 to 12 weeks, it may require prescription medication.
How long does it take for your anus to return to its normal size?
The anal sphincter, just like other muscles in the body, is designed to stretch to a certain extent. Its main job is to keep stool in the rectum and let it out when needed. So, after stretching, it usually goes back to its normal size – which can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the extent of stretching.
Is it normal to bleed after anal sex?
While a bit of blood after anal sex may be considered normal, it's essential to know that severe or prolonged bleeding is not. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if they accompany pain, it's best to reach out to a healthcare provider right away.
Does anal sex affect your ability to poop?
Having anal sex typically doesn't affect your ability to control bowel movements. Some people feel the need to pass a stool after anal sex. However, if it becomes excessively painful or impossible to pass stool, it may indicate a problem.
Is it common to fart a lot after anal sex?
It's pretty common to experience increased flatulence or feel gassy after anal sex. This happens because the muscles in the sphincter loosen up and release trapped air, kind of like queefing.
