Anal Douching

Guide & Safe Practices Provided by Polari Labs

The information provided on this website is or educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.

⚕︎ Reviewed by Carmen Fong, MD — Colorectal Surgeon, Co-Director of Hemorrhoid Centers of America, Author of Constipation Nation.

Produced by Dr. Henry Blest — Medical Scientist, CTO at Polari Group


Anal sex can be an incredible part of your sexual wellness, and feeling clean and confident makes it even better. Whether you’re prepping for a big night or just want to know what’s up (or what’s going in), this guide walks you through how to douche safely and comfortably.

From fiber to technique, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make sure your bottom is as ready as you are.

Jump to: Diet | Types of Douches | How to Douche | FAQ

Diet

The preparation for anal sex is helped by having a high fiber diet and drinking lots of water. Fiber compacts and draws water into feces, allowing for regular bowel movement with soft formed and lubricated stool. Which exits your rectum without leaving fecal remnants.

Note: Every person is different, so follow this guide as a rule of thumb.

Eating clean can be a challenge. To make it easier, the Bottom’s Digest provides bottom-friendly recipes.

Fiber Supplements

Many people find it hard to get enough fiber in their diet. One solution can be fiber supplements. Build up gradually to the recommended dose for the specific fiber supplement you're taking. Rapidly increasing your fiber intake can lead to constipation, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.

It’s a common myth that PrEP cannot be taken alongside fiber supplements. Although, fiber pills can block the action of some medications. Consult your doctor before you start taking them together.

Psyllium Husk is considered the best fiber supplement for bottoms. Generic brands are available, which will be cheaper than branded products.

To Douche or Not to Douche: It’s Your Choice!

Shit happens! Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it. Great sex happens without douching, but if douching helps you to confidently enjoy sex, see the guide below.

Different Types of Anal Douches

Which Douche to Choose

What You Don’t Want

You don’t want:
Uncomfortable, sharp, or rigid tips. These can damage your sphincter.

You don’t want:
Shower attached douches. The lack of control over water pressure and temperature can cause injury and burns.

You don’t want:
Large attachments that you will need to insert before the sphincter relaxes during foreplay. This can not only damage the sphincter, but also make sex painful.


What Colorectal Surgeons Recommend (AKA, What You Do Want)

Empty a fleet saline bottle, rinse thoroughly, and fill with tap water.

Do not douche with the provided solution. It’s a laxative and you will trigger more poop.

✻ ✻ ✻

Fill the bottle directly from the tap if hot and cold are not separated. Otherwise, clean sink thoroughly, fill with lukewarm water (98.6ºF/37ºC), and fill the douche.

If the water is not safe to drink, do not douche with it. Douching with unclean water is dangerous, as you can introduce pathogenic bacteria or parasites directly into your gut. Gross.


How to Anally Douche

Lube is crucial to avoid injury. Lube up your: anus, douche, and finger.

Use lube designed for the anus. Vaginal lubes have a lower pH than desired.

Loosen the anus by gently massaging.

Do not force your finger in. Apply gentle external pressure and wait for your sphincter to relax. Go slow, baby.

Over the toilet:

  1. Lube up the douche and gently insert into your anus

  2. Gently squeeze in water

  3. Hold for 30 seconds

  4. Release the water

  5. Repeat until water runs clear

Do not suck the water back into your douche! This will suck the lining of your rectum into the douche — OUCH!

Usually, no more feces will appear after 4-5 flushes. If after 10 flushes feces is still appearing, try another night.

Wash douche with warm water and soap.

Thoroughly rinse and leave to dry in a ventilated space. Drying your douche in drawers grows mold. You don’t want a moldy ass.

Keep the orange tip so your douche stays dust free.

You don’t want a dusty ass, either.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is douching before anal sex necessary?

Nope! It’s totally a personal choice. Some people feel more confident when they douche, others don’t bother. Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

How far in should the douche go?

Only insert the nozzle tip past the sphincter—usually no more than 1-2 inches. Deeper doesn’t mean cleaner, it just increases the risk of injury.

How long before sex should I douche?

Give yourself about 1-2 hours before play. Use that time for foreplay, a shower, or whatever feels good to you. This gives your body time to finish expelling water and avoid any surprise encore during the fun.

How often is it safe to douche?

Experts recommend not douching daily. Overdouching can irritate your rectum, upset your good gut bacteria, and cause dryness.

What About Enemas and Saline Solutions?

Saline enemas (like Fleet) are for constipation, not sex prep. They trigger full-on bowel movements and can leave your booty... unexpectedly active. Stick with plain, body-temp water unless your doctor says otherwise.

Does douching increase risk of STIs?

Douching can slightly increase the risk of infections (like HIV) by irritating or thinning the rectal lining. Using protection and giving your butt a break after douching helps reduce that risk. If you’re HIV-negative and want an extra layer of protection, ask your provider about PrEP.


Hate douching? Meet the alternative.

  • 30 seconds and ready to go

  • No bathroom breaks   

  • Less stress more connection

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