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Anal care is important, regardless of whether you are a bottom or practice anal sex. Is daily washing really enough, or are there other care measures you should take? If you already have problems, care is essential, but it also helps to prevent problems. We’ll tell you what problems you might have and how you can prevent them or get rid of them with proper care.
Typical problems in a poorly cared for anal area
First things first: poorly cared for does not mean poor hygiene. It simply means that you should give your bottom more than the bare minimum of soap and water.
If you already have initial complaints, they almost always manifest themselves with classic symptoms:
● Burning during bowel movements and wiping
● Pain during sex and bowel movements
● Bleeding
● Stool smearing in your underwear
● Itching in the anal area
If you discover blood in your stool or on toilet paper, this is a serious issue. It does not necessarily indicate cancer; many causes are harmless. Nevertheless, the first occurrence should always be treated by a doctor. A stool test for occult blood can reveal whether there is a source of bleeding in your intestine.
In most cases, however, the above symptoms result from harmless causes, such as hemorrhoids. Sometimes bleeding can also occur if you have suffered a small tear, known as an anal fissure, during sex with your partner, rough play with toys, or when wiping.
More painful is an anal abscess, which not only bleeds but also swells, and you can feel a lump. This could be a sign of an abscess or a boil caused by an ingrown hair. This is also a case for the doctor, because you can rarely get rid of such pus accumulations yourself.
How to properly care for your anal area
Washing and care often overlap, but preventive care measures involve more than just soap and water.
One of the most important measures is choosing the right shower gel. In theory, you could clean your bottom with water alone, but many men don’t feel comfortable doing so. If you want to use a shower gel, choose a pH-neutral solution without perfume. This won’t clog your pores and ensures an optimal, acidic environment down there.
Remember that moist toilet paper can also contain additives such as perfume. If you want to prevent hemorrhoids and other complaints, it is better to use a washcloth with warm water. Either use disposable washcloths or change the washcloth after each cleaning.
It is also important to use suitable toilet paper. Two-ply paper is inexpensive, but it feels more like sandpaper when cleaning. Anything that is rough can damage your anal mucosa. It is better to invest in three-ply paper, as it is softer on your bottom.
Did you know that more and more men prefer to use an anal douche after going to the toilet instead of toilet paper? It cleans more effectively and thoroughly, both inside and out. If you have a bathtub, you can also wash your bottom briefly after a bowel movement; your shower head will help with this.
Avoid irritants for your anal mucosa
Moisture and heat are breeding grounds for fungi and bacteria. Wearing the wrong underwear can be really uncomfortable, especially in summer. Your skin sweats, the sweat rubs between your buttocks, and your skin becomes irritated. It’s better to wear cotton pants or briefs because they absorb moisture and keep your skin dry.
As sexy as a bare butt looks in jeans, it’s not very butt-friendly. There’s plenty of hot underwear for gay men that shows more than it covers. Nevertheless, your most important and sensitive areas are well protected.
You can also irritate your back door when drying off if you rub too hard with a terry towel. When it comes to your backside, it’s better to pat dry rather than rub dry, as this will help you avoid painful tears and fissures from the outset.
Anal alarm after anal sex – how to get rid of your discomfort
Anal sex is hot for many gay men, but it can still cause nasty discomfort “afterwards.” If you don’t use enough lubricant, the anal mucosa can become irritated and even bleed slightly. If you already suffer from enlarged hemorrhoids, such discomfort is even more likely to occur.
Here’s how to soothe an irritated anal area after sex:
● Lukewarm water instead of shower gel: Rinse the area with water only to avoid further irritating the mucous membrane.
● Pat yourself dry: Use a fresh towel or a soft microfiber washcloth to gently pat yourself dry.
● Use healing ointments: Panthenol-based care creams and anal care ointments can help soothe your skin. Make sure that they do not contain any fragrances.
● Take a break: If it stings or hurts, that is a sign from your body. No sex for a few days, but all the more intensive care.
Anal care starts with your diet
What you eat doesn’t just end up in your stomach, but eventually also in your rectum. That may sound trivial, but it’s important. An irritated anal area is often not only related to external care, but also to what you put in your intestines every day.
Fiber plays the main role here. It softens the stool, ensures regular bowel movements, and prevents you from having to strain. Less pressure when going to the bathroom means you have less risk of fissures or hemorrhoids.
What should be on the menu for a healthy bottom?
● Lots of vegetables and fruit, raw or cooked
● Whole grain products
● Plenty of fluids
● Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut
If you tend to have hard stools, a tablespoon of psyllium husks in water can sometimes help. Always drink a glass of water with it to get the effect. Alcohol, fatty foods, and lots of sugar throw your intestines out of sync. If things aren’t running smoothly in the back, it’s no fun in the front either.
What you should avoid for good anal care
Sometimes, to feel better, you don’t need to do anything, but rather leave something out. Especially when it comes to anal care, there are typical mistakes that irritate your anal mucosa, even though they are well-intentioned.
These include:
● Too much cleaning: If you scrub, rinse, and disinfect after every visit to the toilet, you weaken your skin’s natural protective barrier. Two cleanings a day are sufficient.
● Perfumed products: Moist toilet paper, wet wipes for on the go, and, best of all, deodorant in the anal crevice are over the top and unnecessarily irritate your butt.
● Aggressive wiping: If you feel like your butt is never completely clean, you are wiping incorrectly or too hard. Try using an anal douche or a washcloth.
● Scratching instead of treating: If you feel itching and scratching in your rear, your body is trying to tell you something. Irritation heals faster when you treat it. So it’s better to get some ointment from the pharmacy before you rub your butt raw.
For a healthy bottom, you don’t need an arsenal of care products, but rather the necessary knowledge about anal care. Less is often more in this case! Observe yourself and your health. If it is sore, itchy, burning, or if pustules form, consult your doctor.