Are Anal Orgasms Real?

There’s more than one way to get to Vegas, it’s said – and there’s many ways to get to orgasm. Meaning, yes, you can have orgasms during anal sex.

Whatever your gender, the anus and rectum are part of your sexual apparatus; the nerves and musculature are connected, and anal, rectal, and perineal stimulation all affect the genitals, both directly and indirectly, says Patricia Johnson, co-author of Partners in Passion, Great Sex Made Simple, Tantra for Erotic Empowerment, and The Essence of Tantric Sexuality. In women, anal penetration stimulates the erectile tissue in the lower part of the vagina and the G-spot. In men, vigorous perineal stimulation can be felt in the prostate.

"Yes it's possible, because I get them all the time!" says Jillian Janson, an adult film actress. "It usually is an extremely intense feeling. For me it happens to be better and I'll come faster if it's intense in my bladder and I have to urinate, but that also can be what makes me squirt. So it's really amazing having anal sex, since there's multiple ways you can get pleased!” says Janson.

1. Stimulation

“Stimulation of the anus, perineum, and rectum can engage the pelvic and pudendal nerves, which are implicated in the orgasmic response,” says Johnson.

The pudendal nerve also supplies the genitals with nerves and is thought to be most central to orgasm. The pelvic nerve connects the cervix, uterus, and prostate to the brain, and the hypogastric nerve relates to the vagina, cervix, and rectum. The role of the vagus nerve is less well understood, though research over the past decade has shown that some women with completely severed spinal cords can still experience orgasm and that the vagus nerve is the pathway.

2. Consider The Combo

Although some women say they can orgasm solely from anal penetration and/or stimulation, it is more likely that a combination of stimulation will do the trick, says Jenny Block, author of O Wow: Discovering Your Ultimate Orgasm. "Some of the very best orgasms that women report are called blended orgasms — that’s when there is vaginal and anal penetration, as well as clitoral stimulation. There are all kinds of serious nerve endings in the anus. But the clit is where the action is, with 7000 nerve endings that are just waiting to come out to play!" says Block.

3. Brain Sex

For some people the act itself is erotic enough to get them go, go, going! Also, anal sex takes a lot of time, foreplay and trust, says Katrina “Rainsong” Messenger. All the ingredients for a great orgasm.

4. Comfort

Being comfortable with your environment goes along way. Turn the ringer off your phone so you’re not distracted. If you tend to hold back your moaning when someone else is home, send your roommate to the movies so you can really let go, says Messenger.

5. Experiment With Different Positions

So often when we think of anal sex with think of someone bending over. But on your back, on top or lying on your side with your leg propped up on a pillow are all great ways to go at it. Finding the right combination of comfort and alignment may help you get to that special moment with your booty, says Messenger.

6. Vibrators Are Your Friend, As Always

You can also try using an anal vibrator with your partner. Or, just bring your favorite vibrator with you, says Casey Calvert, adult entertainment performer. "As you really get into it, the vibe will help you relax your sphincter muscles. It's up to you whether you keep it turned on the whole time, and trust me, the orgasm from the toy will feel completely different," says Calvert. But if it starts to get too intense, don't worry about turning the toy off and seeing what happens. You might be surprised.

Try: Double Delight Wand Massager, $70, Amazon

Images: Matías Q.V/Flickr; Giphy