Anal eroticism is probably the oldest manifestation of human sexuality. The Kinsey Institute researchers reviewed seven major studies and surveys going back 40 years to establish the number of people who had tried anal sex and concluded that at least 39% of women had had anal sex.
Redbook surveyed 100,000 married women on their sex lives. Among the questions was:
How many had tried anal intercourse - and enjoyed it?
The survey established that:
43% of married women had tried anal intercourse of these, 40% found it somewhat or very enjoyable 49% didn't like it and 10% had no particular feelings one way or the other
This shows that practicing anal intercourse - like other forms of sex - is a personal choice. Both partners have to be completely happy with the experience for it to be included in their lovemaking.
It is a good idea to build up to anal sex by trying anal stimulation before full penetration. The area around the anus is sexually very sensitive and for some people it is their most erogenous zone. Stimulation gives deep pleasurable feelings. The simplest form is merely touching your partner's anus during intercourse or oral sex. A woman can be stimulated if a well-lubricated finger is inserted into her rectum and moved gently in and out. Make sure your fingernails are short and smooth. When you have your finger a little way in, stay still so that your partner can become used to the sensation. You may find that the anus sucks you a bit further in and if that is the case go with it. If practicing anal sex with a woman, keep the heel of your hand pressed firmly between the vulva and the anus. Little by little you can slide your whole finger in but make sure you do not force it and that your partner is comfortable every step of the way.
A man can be stimulated in much the same way by his partner. They can stimulate his prostrate gland by pressing against the front wall of the rectum with slight downward pressure.
Keep the heel of your hand applying firm pressure behind his scrotum. The stimulation can often help a man's flagging virility. As with stimulating a woman, make sure that your finger (or fingers) are well lubricated or the whole experience will cause discomfort.
When both partners are ready for anal sex the man must lubricate his penis well and insert himself slowly and gently. The first time (or times) it may be that he will only be able to penetrate a short distance, but if both become relaxed and comfortable with the idea the penetration will become deeper. At no stage should the man force things. The man should be prepared to put the head of his penis in, then stop and wait for a minute while his partner relaxes. When his partner is relaxed he can then begin to thrust with a gentle rhythm. The man should not withdraw quickly because that could cause pain for his partner.