An anus is an anus. You can't sterilize it. You can, however, gently wash the outer skin with a moist cloth to remove any fecal residue stuck to your skin and mild soap to avoid unpleasant smells.

Enema or douching is not advised because it irritates the delicate lining inside your colon, even if you use only plain water. Also, normally you won't be able to evacuate the entire liquid enema before sex.

Moreoever, enema (douche) does not protect you from any of the serious health risks that the rimming carries, such as the risk of being infected with cryptosporidiosis, hepatitis-B or -C etc.

In order to reduce the risk of transmission of infection, good anal hygiene before sex and good oral hygiene after sex is essential. Use sheets of clear plastic food wrap as protection, or use the thumb of a cut open latex glove as a "tongue condom."

If you wish to indulge in or already participating penetrative anal sex and wish to know more about the care regarding these, please do get back to us for assistance.

Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team