How to Use an Anal Douche

Let's be honest, hygiene is everyone’s biggest worry when it comes to getting the backstage pass. It's a completely valid concern but we’re hoping to put your mind at ease!

Read on to learn how to use an anal douche to cleanse your anus and rectum before you embark on your steamy anal escapades.

Anal douches are super handy tools for lovers of anal sex toys and anal sex. Essentially, they are anal cleaners which rinse the anus and rectal passage, ensuring it’s as hygienic as possible for your anal play session.

Many people who indulge in anal sex benefit from using anal douches in the sense that they ensure you’re feeling clean and confident between the sheets (or should we say cheeks).

Taking these measures to ensure your anus is clean before rushing into anything means your intimate play won’t be messy and also gives you the peace of mind that there won’t be any unexpected rectal-related mishaps.

So, using an anal douche gives many people the reassurance they might need to fully relax into anal play. And when it comes to anal play, there are so many ways to stimulate your partner(s) and tip them over the edge into blissful pleasure.

Whether you’re testing the waters with a cheeky finger, discovering the delights of the rim job, easing into anal intercourse or delving into extreme anal play like fisting, an anal douche kit is a fantastic way to prep.

Read our guide on how to use an anal douche for all the best anal douching safety tips and tricks.

Put simply, an anal douche floods water into the anus before it is expelled, leaving it clean and hygienic for your backdoor adventures. They’re mainly used to prepare for anal sex or anal play but some people are turned on by using douches and enemas (a kink known as Klismaphilia). Douches come in different sizes, shapes and styles to suit all levels of experience and are incredibly simple and intuitive to use, even if it’s your first time!

You might be wondering if there is a difference between anal douches and anal enemas? In short yes, there is some variation in douching equipment. Let us run through the basics.

Bulb Douche

• Used to flush out the immediate section of the anal passage
• Most commonly used for anal play prep
• Beginner friendly
• Consists of a nozzle tip and a compressible bulb
• Operated by hand

Enema Kit/ Enema Bulb

• Typically used for a deeper and more thorough cleanse
• Hold more liquid
• Consists of a larger bag to contain the liquid, a tube and a nozzle tip

If you’re new to anal cleansing, we advise starting with an anal douche rather than an enema. Anal douches hold a smaller amount of water and are easy to control intuitively.

1. Lube up

There will be absolutely no surprise that we recommend lubing up! When it comes to anal play the golden rule has to be: liberally apply lube. Unlike the vagina, the anus does not naturally lubricate itself, so go to town with this one. Apply your favourite water-based anal lube to both the nozzle tip of the douche and to yourself to ensure comfortable and effortless insertion.

2. Fill your bulb

Next up, you’ll need to fill the bulb of the anal douche with lukewarm water. To do this either squeeze the bulb so it empties of air and immerse it in water (so it can suction in) or remove the tip and run it directly under the tap.

3. Get into position

We advise using an anal douche while you’re sitting on the toilet. Not only will this give you an ideal angle for insertion but it also minimises the clean-up process since when you release the water it’ll go right down the toilet.

4. Rinse and repeat

Once inserted, squeeze the bulb of the douche to release the water into the rectum, which will gently cleanse you, removing waste from the lower part of the passage.

The intensity of the flow of water is completely under your control. The firmer you squeeze on the bulb the faster and more powerful the flow of water. We’d recommend starting off slowly and going from there depending on how it feels.

Once the water is inside you, carefully remove the douche and hold the water until you feel the natural urge to release it. Repeat this process a few times until the water runs clear, then you’re good to go!

• One handy hack is to slightly squeeze the bulb of the anal douche before you insert the nozzle tip because chances are, there will be a little air in it. Nothing terrible will happen if you do squeeze a bit of air up there but what goes in must come out at some point.

• Always test the temperature. You definitely don’t want to use hot water as you may burn yourself. Similarly, cold water might be a bit of a shock to the system and could cause your muscles to tense right up so try lukewarm or room-temperature water for optimal comfort. We’d also suggest testing the temperature on a sensitive bit of skin like the underside of the wrist.

• If you’re douching as a form or preparation for anal play we recommend doing so about 45 minutes to an hour before you intend to play. This time will allow your body to settle after the process.

• Remember, anal play of any kind should never hurt so don’t force it if it doesn’t feel right! Yes, it’s natural to experience slight discomfort (especially if it's your first time) but if you feel pain at any point, don’t try to push through it. You may simply need to apply more lube or change the angle for a more comfortable entry.

As it stands, there is zero evidence to suggest that anal douching decreases or prevents the spread of STDs (in fact in some cases, it may have the opposite effect). So although there’s no risk when it comes to the potential pitter-patter of tiny feet, STDs can still be passed regardless of whether you douche before or after your anal play. In short, it’s best to always wear a condom.

This blog post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice but for general informational purposes only. If you experience any lasting discomfort or pain please seek advice from a GP or sexual health clinic.