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Physical effort: Low Posterior

Anilingus (Rim Job): how to do it comfortably and safely

Anilingus, or rimming, is oral stimulation of the anus with the lips and tongue. In the reference position, the receiving partner is on all fours and the giving partner kneels behind with their face at the level of the pelvis. It involves no penetration and little physical effort, but it does call for good hygiene, a barrier if you want to reduce risks, and a lot of trust and communication.

Also known as: Rimming · Rim job · Analingus

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Illustration of Anilingus (Rim Job): Anilingus, or rim job, consists of stimulating the anus with the mouth and tongue. The area is very rich in nerve endings, making it very sensitive. It is pract
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner gets on all fours on the bed, facing away: hands and knees down, knees apart. Spreading the knees and lowering the chest opens the buttocks and makes access easier. The giving partner kneels behind, face at the level of the pelvis, resting their hands on their partner's hips or buttocks, and stimulates the outside of the anus with the lips and tongue. The giver sets the rhythm; the receiver can guide by moving the hips or by saying what feels good. Because the area carries intestinal bacteria, a shower beforehand and a barrier such as a dental dam reduce the risk of infection. There is no eye contact and little body contact.

Why this position works

The skin around the anus has many nerve endings, so some people find this stimulation very pleasurable. For others, much of the appeal is the trust involved and the feeling of being cared for. On all fours, the receiving partner can relax completely while the giving partner's hands stay free to caress the buttocks, thighs or genitals at the same time. Sensations vary from person to person.

Sensory Exploration Relaxation and Surrender Easy Non-Penetrative Interaction

Variations of this position

Variation 1: on the forearms

The receiving partner lowers their chest onto their forearms, raising the hips.

With the chest lowered and the hips higher than the shoulders, the buttocks open more and access is easier, so the giving partner does not need to bend the neck as much. It also takes the load off the receiving partner's wrists.

  1. From the base position on all fours, the receiving partner bends their arms and rests their forearms on the bed, with a pillow under the chest if they wish.
  2. They keep their knees apart, hips raised.
  3. The giving partner kneels behind, adjusts their height and rests their hands on the hips or buttocks.
  4. Start gently on the outside and adjust the pace by talking.

Variation 2: face down with a cushion

The receiving partner lies face down with a cushion under the pelvis instead of staying on all fours.

Lying down removes the load from the knees and wrists, so it is the most restful option for the receiving partner. The cushion raises the pelvis to keep access easy. The giving partner lies or kneels between their partner's legs, still behind them.

  1. Place a firm cushion on the bed where the pelvis will be.
  2. The receiving partner lies face down over it, legs slightly apart.
  3. The giving partner lies or kneels between their legs, face at the level of the pelvis.
  4. Use the hands to part the buttocks gently and start slowly.

Variation 3: with manual stimulation

While using the mouth, the giving partner reaches between the legs to stimulate the genitals with one hand.

The position stays on all fours, but one of the giving partner's hands moves from the hips to the genitals, between the receiving partner's legs. Combining both kinds of stimulation can make orgasm easier for some people. Keep that hand away from the anus so you do not carry bacteria to the genitals.

  1. Start in the base position, with the receiving partner on all fours.
  2. The giving partner keeps one hand on the hip for support.
  3. With the other hand, they reach between the legs and stroke the penis, vulva or clitoris.
  4. Coordinate the rhythm of the hand and mouth, and do not touch the anus with that hand.

Variation 4: at the edge of the bed

The receiving partner is on all fours at the edge of the bed, and the giving partner kneels on the floor.

With the receiving partner's hips at the edge of the mattress, the giving partner can kneel on the floor with their face level with the pelvis, keeping the neck straight and the knees off the mattress. Nothing changes for the receiving partner.

  1. The receiving partner gets on all fours at the edge of the bed, knees close to the edge.
  2. The giving partner kneels on the floor behind them, with a cushion under the knees.
  3. Adjust the height with a cushion under the receiving partner's knees until the pelvis is level with the giver's face.
  4. Rest the hands on the hips and start gently.

✓ Tips
  • A shower beforehand helps both partners feel comfortable; washing the outside with water and a mild soap is enough.
  • A dental dam or a condom cut open lengthwise reduces the risk of infection; hepatitis A, intestinal bacteria and parasites can be passed on this way.
  • Never go from the anus to the mouth, vagina or penis without washing or changing the barrier first.
  • Avoid it if the giving partner has cuts, sores or bleeding gums, or if the receiving partner has diarrhoea or haemorrhoids that are bleeding.
  • Start gently on the outside and ask what feels good: the area is very sensitive.
  • Talk beforehand: it is a practice of great trust, and either partner can stop at any time.
Interaction type
Oral stimulation of the anus (anilingus)
Active anatomy
Mouth / Tongue
Receptive anatomy
Anus
Main stimulation
Oral stimulation of the anus, without penetration
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people GayHeteroLesbian

Frequently asked questions

Is it hygienic?

A shower beforehand reduces discomfort, but it does not remove all risk: intestinal bacteria, parasites and hepatitis A can be passed on through anilingus. A dental dam is the most effective way to reduce that risk, and the hepatitis A vaccine protects against that infection.

What is the most comfortable position?

The reference position is on all fours, with the giving partner kneeling behind. Lowering the chest onto the forearms or lying face down with a cushion under the pelvis makes it even more comfortable for the receiving partner.

Can it be combined with other practices?

Yes, but always wash or change the barrier before going from the anus to the mouth, vagina or penis. If you then move on to anal penetration, use lubricant and a condom.

Sources and references

  • Literatura de sexología clínica y ergonomía sexual

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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