Anal sex isn’t supposed to be painful. But for many, it is—not because the body isn’t built for it, but because they’re making the same critical mistakes over and over again. The difference between pleasure and agony isn’t luck; it’s knowledge, preparation, and execution.
Most people believe anal sex naturally hurts. That’s a lie. Pain isn’t a requirement—it’s a warning sign. A sign that you’re doing something wrong. The problem isn’t anal sex itself—it’s the MISTAKES that sabotage the experience.
Think about it. Would you force a locked door open without a key? Of course not. Yet, many attempt anal penetration with zero preparation, ignoring the body’s natural resistance. The result? Pain, discomfort, and sometimes even trauma.
If you’ve ever wondered:
- Why does anal sex hurt no matter what I do?
- Why does it feel uncomfortable for my partner?
- Why do some people enjoy it while others hate it?
Then you’re about to find out exactly why. More importantly, you’ll learn how to fix it.
In this article, I’ll expose the 7 most painful anal sex mistakes—the ones that cause unbearable discomfort, ruin the experience, and make you think it’s just “not for you.” I’ll break down why they happen, the damage they cause, and the simple fixes that will transform your experience.
The best part? If you apply these tips, you’ll feel a major difference the next time you try. Whether you’re new to anal sex or trying to make it better, this guide will show you exactly what to avoid and how to do it right.
Let’s dive in.
1-Skipping Lubrication While Having Sex Anal
Imagine sliding down a dry waterslide—sounds painful, right? That’s exactly what happens when you attempt anal sex without lubrication. The anus does not produce natural lubrication like the vagina, so friction becomes your worst enemy.
Without proper lubrication, you’re not just inviting discomfort—you’re setting yourself up for micro-tears, burning sensations, and long-term damage.
The biggest mistake people make? Thinking spit is enough. It’s not. Spit dries up quickly, offering zero long-term glide.
And the worst part? Some even skip lube entirely, believing “if we take it slow, it’ll be fine.” Wrong. No amount of patience can replace the need for proper lubrication.
If you’ve ever felt a burning, raw sensation during or after anal sex, this is why. The solution is simple: use a high-quality lube, and use a lot of it. Silicone-based lubricants are the best because they last longer and don’t dry up mid-session.
Water-based lubes work too, but you’ll need to reapply often. Avoid anything with numbing agents—pain is a sign something is wrong, not something to be ignored.
But here’s the real shocker: lubrication alone won’t save you if you’re making the next critical mistake. And chances are, you are.
2-Rushing the Process—Going Too Fast Too Soon
Most people believe the slower, the better. But what they don’t realize is that “slow” doesn’t mean shoving it in at half speed. That’s still too fast.
The anal sphincter is like a locked door with a security system. If you force it open, it triggers a full defense mode tightening, resisting, and making the experience painful. The key? Don’t just knock. Warm up and give it time to open naturally.
Here’s where most people go wrong: they skip preparation. Just because you’re “taking it slow” doesn’t mean you’re doing it right.
The secret to pain-free anal sex is progressive dilation. Start with a finger, then a small toy, then gradually work your way up. Rushing in is a guaranteed way to turn anal sex into a nightmare.
But if you think pain from rushing is bad, wait until you see the damage that poor hygiene can do.
3-Ignoring Hygiene—A Recipe for Infection and Embarrassment during sex anal
Let’s be real—this is the elephant in the room. Nobody likes to talk about it, but hygiene is non-negotiable.
Too many people assume that because they pooped earlier in the day, they’re good to go. Wrong. Even if you feel empty, residual stool can be present. And trust me, nobody wants a surprise mid-session.
Skipping hygiene isn’t just unsexy, it’s dangerous. Bacteria from the rectum can easily cause urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or even serious internal infections if introduced into the vagina or urethra.
Cleanliness isn’t just about avoiding mess—it’s about ensuring the experience feels as fresh and worry-free as possible. Would you take a shower before an important date? Of course. Anal sex deserves the same level of preparation.
A simple, quick rinse isn’t enough. Douching with lukewarm water can make all the difference. When you’re clean, you’re confident. And confidence makes sex better for everyone involved.
What’s the fix? A quick rinse isn’t enough. The safest way to ensure cleanliness is to use an anal douche with lukewarm water, about 30 minutes before. No harsh soaps, no excessive force—just a gentle cleanse. Being clean removes anxiety and lets you fully enjoy the experience.
And while bacteria is one risk, there’s another mistake that can have even worse consequences—one that many people completely ignore.
4-Using the Wrong Condom or No Condom at All
Think condoms are only for pregnancy prevention? Think again.
STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HPV are far more likely to spread through anal sex than vaginal sex because the anus is more prone to tears and micro-abrasions. Even if you trust your partner, even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, going raw is a gamble.
But here’s something even scarier: not all condoms are built for anal sex. Standard condoms are thinner and weaker, making them more likely to break under pressure. If you’re using the wrong type, you’re not protected at all.
The fix? Use thicker, more durable condoms labeled for “extra strength” or “for anal sex.” And always pair it with silicone-based lube to minimize friction and reduce breakage.
Not using the right condom is like wearing flip-flops in a snowstorm—it simply doesn’t provide the right protection. Anal sex puts more pressure on condoms than vaginal sex, making it essential to choose wisely.
When a condom fails, the risks are higher than just an unwanted mess—you’re exposing yourself to infections that can have long-term health consequences.
Now, even with the best condom, the experience can still be ruined if you’re not communicating properly with your partner. And trust me, this next mistake is a silent relationship killer.
5-Not Communicating with Your Partner—Consent & Comfort Matter
Nothing ruins anal sex faster than fear, pressure, or discomfort.
One partner wants to try it, the other is hesitant. Sound familiar? The biggest mistake people make is pushing past hesitation without a real conversation.
Consent isn’t just about saying yes—it’s about enthusiastic agreement. If one person is feeling pressured, uncomfortable, or unprepared, the experience will always be bad.
Here’s the test: If your partner isn’t wet, turned on, and fully relaxed, they are NOT ready. No amount of lube can replace natural arousal and comfort.
The solution? Talk about it. Set expectations. Ask what feels good, what doesn’t, and be 100% open to stopping at any moment. If both people aren’t completely comfortable, anal sex isn’t worth it.
But even with full consent, there’s another mistake that can turn pleasure into pain—one that’s entirely avoidable.
6-Trying Positions That Make Pain Worse
Some positions are absolute torture for anal beginners. If you’ve ever felt like it’s too deep, too painful, or too intense, your position is likely to blame.
Doggy style? Too much force.
Cowgirl? Zero control.
For beginners, the best positions are ones that give full control to the receiving partner. The safest and most comfortable? Spoon position—where both partners lie on their sides. It allows for slow, controlled penetration with zero unnecessary pressure.
Another great option? Missionary with legs slightly raised. It keeps things gentle and reduces the risk of going too deep too fast.
Even in the perfect position, though, pain doesn’t end when the session does. What you do afterward is just as important.
7-Not Taking Care After Sex Anal
You wouldn’t run a marathon and then skip water, right? The same logic applies here.
After anal sex, your body needs time to recover. The anal sphincter muscles have been stretched, and the delicate skin around the area might feel irritated or slightly swollen.
If you ignore aftercare, you’re increasing the risk of infections, prolonged discomfort, and even small tears that can take days to heal. But most people skip this step, thinking “I feel fine”—until they don’t.
First, rinsing with warm water is a must. But here’s what people get wrong—they either scrub aggressively or use harsh soaps. Bad idea.
The skin around the anus is delicate, and soaps with strong chemicals can cause dryness, irritation, or even alter your natural pH balance, making infections more likely. Stick to plain warm water or a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
If you feel any irritation, apply a soothing cream like aloe vera, coconut oil, or a water-based moisturizer.
These help calm the skin and reduce friction soreness. Avoid anything with menthol, alcohol, or synthetic fragrances—they will burn and make things worse.
A warm Epsom salt bath can also help relax the muscles and promote faster healing. Sitting in warm water for 10-15 minutes can ease any soreness, especially if this was your first time or an intense session.
And finally—pee after sex. This isn’t just a casual suggestion; it’s critical for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
During anal sex, bacteria can easily be pushed toward the urethra—especially in people with a shorter urethra (like those assigned female at birth). Urinating helps flush out any bacteria before it settles and causes a painful infection.
CONCLUSION
Painful anal sex isn’t normal—it’s the result of avoidable mistakes. The key to a smooth, pleasurable experience comes down to preparation, communication, and technique.
Skip these mistakes, and you’ll be shocked at how different the experience feels.
Try it the right way, and you’ll never look back.
The truth is, anal sex isn’t just about penetration—it’s about understanding how your body works. When done correctly, it can be an incredibly intimate and enjoyable experience.
But ignoring the fundamentals—like lubrication, preparation, hygiene, and aftercare—turns it into something painful, uncomfortable, and even risky. It’s not about luck or natural ability; it’s about doing it right.
Now that you know what to avoid, you have two choices: keep making the same painful mistakes, or take these tips and turn your next experience into something completely different. The choice is yours—but if you follow this guide, you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way.