So forget the harsh scents and chemicals - before sex, simply clean the outside of the anus well in the shower or bath with plain water or a very gentle soap. In fact, chemical wipes and over wiping are the most common causes of anal itch (if you haven’t experienced this…trust me, you don’t want to). This causes the skin around the anus to become inflamed, leading to thickening and ultimately itching or discomfort with sex. Common mistakes I see patients make include using chemical wipes (the perfumes and preservatives make them irritating) and wiping too much (friction can lead to abrasions). While maintaining anal hygiene is important, people tend to be too fastidious when it comes to cleaning up before anal intercourse. Check out his expert advice on how to make anal sex more pleasurable: How To Prepare for Bottoming (Along With Some Common Mistakes) Joseph Terlizzi, a New York-based colon and rectal surgeon, for the lowdown on how gay and bi men can prepare, how to do the deed, and how to stay safe post-coital. When it comes to having safe and pleasurable anal sex, it’s important to know all the facts. Everything you wanted to know about bottoming but were too afraid to ask.
