In truly monogamous couples, where both people are confident that neither has hepatitis, HIV or intestinal parasites, the only real risk of analingus is contact with digestive bacteria -- and enemas and careful washing virtually eliminates this. If you and your partner are a healthy, monogamous pair, the chances of your oral anal contact causing infection or illness are very low. Of course you should still take basic precautions.  Once the two of you have come up with some ground rules, consider it a go.

Here are some techniques and pointer to help you get started in your anal journey. Certain positions allow oral-anal contact with a minimum of contortions:

·         Knees and elbows. The person receiving pleasure assumes the position typically used for rear-entry (doggie style) intercourse, while his or her lover kneels or squats behind. Either partner may gently spread the cheeks to expose the anus.

·         The person on the receiving end should be standing and bent over from the waist. The giver should either sit, squat or be on their knees.

·         Lying on the back. The lucky one that is receiving will lie in a spine position with their legs bent and their knees touching their chest. The other participant will either lie on their stomach or lie in somewhat of a fetal position facing forward.  It often helps in this position to place a pillow under the recipient's hips, which raises the anus and allows for easier access.

·         Every body loves sixty-nine. If you and your partner are extremely flexible, this could be very fun.

Eventually the two of you will figure out what position is most comfortable. Once you have agreed upon this, use some of these techniques for the most pleasure.

·         Do not bum rush the anus. Take your time. Every once in awhile it may be fun to plunge in, but unless they specifically request it, you should approach this highly sensitive area slowly. Take the time to kiss all of their lower extremities and massage their back and butt gently. A slow approach builds anticipation for what's about to happen and often heightens the eroticism of analingus.

·         Save the tongue for last. Start off with kissing around and directly on the anus.

·         Use the flat of your tongue. Press it against your partner's anus.

·         The tip of the tongue is always welcomed. Wiggle it around the anus, slip it inside and move it in and out or wiggle it around in circles.

It is very normal for oral anus contact to be discovered while couples are indulging in other forms of anal play. For others, analingus might be their introduction to anal eroticism. If indeed you went straight to analingus and have never performed or received any other type of anal play, you should do some research on this subject matter to see if it is something that might interest you and your partner.

Whatever you and your lover ultimately decide about analingus, discussing it can deepen the intimacy you share. Learning about one another is such an important thing in a relationship. You will become clearer about what you're willing and unwilling to try. In the end, as it were, these discussions will help you feel closer to one another and better able to experience whatever sexual pleasure you both enjoy.