Rimming is a vague term for an extremely specific sex act — licking a partner’s butthole.

If you’ve never done it before, going down on someone’s anus might seem odd. The genitals are right there, so why not just go for those? But lots of people (more than you might think) love a little oral butt stuff.

Often approached with a little hesitation and a lot of arousal, this once-taboo sex act is gaining traction — and for good reason. It’s surprisingly intimate and deserves the unashamed revolution it's receiving in bedrooms worldwide. If you’re curious, here’s everything you need to know about what a rim job is and how to give one safely.

Rim job meaning  

The rim job, casually known as rimming, is an intimate sexual act that involves stimulating and licking your partner's anus with your tongue and lips. Also called analingus, this practice dates back centuries and was super popular in the Middle Ages, proving that the curiosity surrounding butt stuff is anything but new. 

While people might have frowned upon acts like these in sexually prudish eras, modern sexual opinions are way more open-minded and adventurous. Playboy even called analingus “the biggest sex trend of 2018,” and it’s only grown from there. As society continues to break down sexual stigmas, butt play has found its way back into the bedrooms of enthusiastic individuals and couples, fostering a culture of consent and mutual pleasure. 

Are rim jobs safe?  

People often misjudge rimming as dangerous, and this might be because of its association with the anus (which, for obvious reasons, seems less hygienic than its genital counterparts). That said, there are many myths floating around about rim jobs that are worth dispelling. 

With proper hygiene, education, and precautions, rimming can be an enjoyable and safe part of your sexual repertoire. Here are a few common concerns associated with rim jobs:  

Bacteria  

When it comes to rim job safety, it’s totally fair to worry about bacteria. There's a risk of contracting bacterial infections or parasites, such as E. coli, giardia, or Shigella, the latter of which causes a gastrointestinal condition called shigellosis. 

But you can avoid these risks. Instead of worrying, practice impeccable hygiene and avoid giving rim jobs unless your partner is squeaky clean. You can also use barrier methods like condoms to make oral sex safer. 

Bad taste  

Some people claim that rimming tastes bad, but it doesn’t have to. With proper cleaning, there's no bad taste or smell during a rim job. Showering thoroughly immediately before the act is the best way to keep things smelling and tasting fresh.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 

Like all other unprotected sex acts, rimming does carry a risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Minor cuts inside the mouth make great entry points for these illnesses. Common STIs transmitted through rimming include hepatitis and herpes.

To reduce risk, communicate with your partner and get tested regularly. Use protection like a dental dam or condom to keep everyone feeling safe. 

Are rim jobs only for gay couples? 

Gay rimming is just rimming. Anyone can do it, no matter how you identify or who you’re sleeping with. The reality is that rim jobs are pleasurable, intimate sexual acts that any kind of person can explore and enjoy. The best part about buttholes is that everyone has them — so the playing field is level.

The incredible number of nerve endings in the anus provides sexual pleasure to all shapes and sizes of individuals, from heterosexual and homosexual to pansexual, queer, and bisexual. Despite what widespread myth dictates, enjoying rimming won't change a person's orientation. 

How to give and receive a rim job: 6 tips

Rimming can add a whole new dimension to your sex life. If you and a partner want to experiment with giving and receiving rim jobs, here are a few essential tips for a safe and sexy experience: 

1. Communicate

When it comes to intimacy, communication is key, no matter what you’re doing. Because this sex act is a little more risqué, it’s best to have a conversation beforehand about what you both expect from the experience.

Always ask for consent before giving a rim job, and keep asking your partner what feels good. And share what you like and dislike if you're on the receiving end. Open dialogue will enhance the experience and help you and your partner figure out your boundaries.

2. Practice excellent hygiene  

It's worth saying again: Hygiene is so important. Immediately before play, clean the anal area thoroughly with warm water and mild soap. While douching or using an enema offers a much deeper clean, it's unnecessary for this type of sex act (reserved for anal sex or pegging, instead). Hair's a matter of personal preference, but trimming can make the anus more accessible.

3. Use lube

If you or your partner are a bit worried about the taste, flavored lube is your friend. The taste can ease you into the experience, and who doesn't prefer less friction? Lube is also essential if you plan on penetrating your partner's anus with your fingers, penis, or toy later. Just make sure it’s an anal-safe lubricant.

4. Try different positions 

The anus is a little less accessible than the penis or vagina, so you might have to get creative. Typical positions for this act include the receiving partner kneeling in doggy style or lying on their back with legs bent or apart. These common positions are comfortable and make it easy for the giver to access the anus. 

5. Be intentional with your tongue

Use your tongue to make gentle, broad strokes. Experiment with swirling, flicking, or probing, and pay attention to how your partner reacts. Try different things to see what gets your partner going, or ask them what they prefer. Keep your teeth away from the action and let your hands wander to other erogenous zones. The goal is to find what feels good, whether you or your partner orgasm or not. 

6. Live in the moment

If you’re on the receiving end of some oral butt play, try not to be too nervous about it. It can be a little scary to try something new, especially if you’re new to butt stuff and are worried about what’s going on down there. But focus on the moment and feel the pleasure. Like any other sex act, tell someone to stop if you feel uncomfortable. You can always take a break to talk about how you’re feeling and dispel any worries — then you can skip to the good part.

Get kinky with Quinn 

Sometimes, you need a little encouragement to step outside the box. While how-to guides for fun acts like rimming are excellent, your fantasies can get even better when you pair them with ethical porn. 

Quinn is an audio erotica app created by women, for everyone. It offers a diverse and sexy range of erotic content for solo and partnered bedroom adventures, whether you want to try something new or spice up your me time.  

To access thousands of audio stories, body-positive affirmations, and guided masturbation sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.