How to keep it clean “down there” before having anal sex is one of those questions some guys ask in embarrassed, hushed tones. No need to feel that way, fellas. It is a perfectly reasonable process to ask about, especially for guys new to receptive anal sex. No one is born with an innate understanding of anal cleanliness. This article is designed to point guys in the right direction to clean out, or douche, safely.

Now, before I get pounded by people about whether it is right or wrong to promote douching, let me just say that douching DOES NOT protect you against transmission of STIs or HIV. One should preserve the natural flora of the lower gut as it protects against a myriad of infections. Douching tends to flush that protective layer away. Those who choose to douche do it purely out of a need for cleanliness. And all the research I have done supports this. When having sex, nothing protects against STIs and HIV better than good quality condoms properly used and water-based lube.

So, there are a few things to know before you begin exploring the wonderful world of douching. Surprisingly, your anus is relatively empty most of the time. In fact, it will only fill with excrement moments before it all needs to come out. That’s not to say that there may be residue afterwards left in the anal canal. This is what most guys are the most concerned about, and therefore have no idea if they are clean or not, or how to go about making it clean.

Hence, from this concern they may turn to some rather misleading, bizarre and, at times, dangerous, methods of making sure that they are clean. Some people have been advised to use chemical enemas, or use soapy water. This would be very abrasive to the delicate tissue that lines the rectum. Others have even been recommended to pack any manner of cotton wad soaked in various salves and creams to prevent the “brown bear” from emerging from his cave at inopportunity times.

None of these methods are particularly safe unless practised by a medical professional. The best and safest way to douche is to use luke-warm, low pressure tap water gently inserted into the rectum until the sensation of fullness (for most beginners that amounts to about a cup of water, even less). Then, you let this go into the toilet bowl or into an open drain in the shower recess. Repeat, if it is necessary to do so, but do clean up after the process.

There are a variety of products on the market to aid in getting the water up there, ranging from douche bulbs that you can purchase at any neighbourhood chemist to shower set-ups purchased online that plumb right into the mains tap fixtures in your bathroom. Use a touch of water-based lube both at your anal entrance and also on the implement you are inserting. It is a good idea to have a warm shower and gently clean the area first before you begin douching.

The most important thing to remember is that douching is a gentle process that takes a bit of time and patience. If you are planning on fucking (always using condoms and a water-based lube of course) and you are concerned about the cleanliness up there then plan ahead. A high-fibre diet, with your last meal about two hours before you begin douching and starting the process an good two hours before having sex will all impact on the success you have when douching.

And, of course, there is nothing to say that because you are having sex with another guy you have to have anal intercourse at all, whether receptive or insertive. If you are not comfortable with the idea then don’t do it. It will only make the experience even more unpleasant.

Douching can be a sensual experience regardless. Some guys like douching simply for the sensations it produces. It certainly is an interesting way to become more familiar with your anus, rectum and the millions of nerve ending down there, and to break down some of the taboos and psychological blocks about how “dirty” that area of the human body is.

For more information on douching, WAAC runs a number of workshops about sexual practices where douching is one or the subjects, and you can contact Ben at WAAC on 9482 0000. Or, alternatively check out these websites for more douching information.

Websites of interest:

http://www.gbmnews.com/articles/1551/1/ANAL-HEALTH-SERIES-PART-1--ANAL-DOUCHING/Page1.html

http://newsletters.sacredtouchformen.com/0607/index.htm

http://www.gmax.co.za/play/sextalk/a-z/douche.html

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Relationships/messages/101.html