A Clean Affair: The Science (and Sensuality) of Preparing for Anal Play
- Olivia Corvisart
- Jan 3, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 11
Let’s set the record straight: porn has done an exceptional job of making anal sex look… easy. One minute, someone’s bent over a desk. The next? A 9-inch surprise is gliding in like butter on hot toast—with zero prep, zero mess, and zero anatomical accuracy.
In reality? It doesn’t work that way.
Whether you’re a giver or receiver, it’s time for a little science-based sexual education. Because if you—or your partner—enjoy the Grecian Isles, you should understand what’s involved behind the scenes (and behind the sphincter).

Understanding Your Anatomy: Rectal Reality Check
The human large intestine includes three major sections: the ascending, transverse, and descending colon. When it comes to anal play, we’re primarily dealing with the distal end of the descending colon—namely:
Sigmoid colon: Curves toward the rectum, stores fecal matter.
Rectum (~12cm): The final holding chamber before elimination.
Anal canal (2.5–4cm): Surrounded by two muscular rings: the internal and external anal sphincters.
Here’s the kicker: many people—thanks to the standard American diet—are walking around with a rectum full of “unfinished business.” Low fiber, dehydration, and sedentary habits mean the body’s natural peristalsis (wave-like muscle contractions that move waste through the GI tract) is sluggish or even stalled.
So what happens when you attempt penetration into a system that hasn’t been cleared out properly? You guessed it: discomfort, embarrassment, and a very different kind of surprise.
Forget the enema. Respect the timeline.
While the last-minute “squeeze-and-squirt” approach is common, frequent use of enemas can irritate the rectal lining, disrupt gut flora, and lead to dependency. And—let’s be real—it doesn’t actually clean the full rectum. You’re just displacing surface contents. You’ll often end up with cramps, residual stool, or a lingering burning sensation during play.
Instead, plan ahead: 24–72 hours in advance is ideal.
Tools of the Trade:
Osmotic laxatives like Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) or Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom salt) draw water into the colon, softening and stimulating full evacuation.
Timing: Take a dose 24–48 hours before planned play. Expect bowel movements 6–12 hours later.
Water intake: Aim for 120–144 ounces per day. Dehydration is a major factor in constipation and sluggish peristalsis.
Fiber boost: Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, chia, or leafy cruciferous greens (kale, cabbage, mustard greens) to support bulk movement through the colon.
This isn’t just about sex. With colorectal cancer and diverticulitis rates on the rise in the U.S., this is basic preventative health—and your backdoor pleasure will benefit.
Step Two: Train the Gatekeepers! The sphincters need a dress rehearsal.

The anal canal is protected by two sphincters:
Internal sphincter: Involuntary, smooth muscle.
External sphincter: Voluntary, skeletal muscle.
If you skip warm-up, these muscles will spasm and resist intrusion, leading to pain—not pleasure.
Enter: Anal Plugs (Glass Preferred)
Why glass? It’s non-porous, easy to sterilize, and provides the right weight and firmness for training.
Start small: Begin with the smallest plug, lots of lube, and slow insertion.
Breathe: Wait until your muscles stop clenching and the sensation becomes neutral or pleasurable.
Level up: Gradually increase size in 5–10 minute increments, respecting your body’s limits.

This process mimics what adult performers often do off-screen—it’s not “tight by nature,” it’s training by design.
Final Thoughts: Clean, Comfortable, and Consensual
Done properly, anal play should feel good—not like a punishment. Pain, mess, and stress are not prerequisites for pleasure. With the right prep, you and your partner(s) can create experiences that are intimate, confident, and clean.
Have tips, rituals, or pre-game routines that work for you? Share them in the comments or DM me directly—I’d love to feature your best insights (anonymously or otherwise).
Remember: pleasure is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re the one giving, receiving, or both—cleanliness, consent, and communication will always be the sexiest part of the experience.
Play safe, play smart, and enjoy every inch of the adventure.