Rimming
Rimming
- Rimming is oral-anal sex.
- It can be part of any sexual relationship.
- Rimming may be by touching and/or kissing the area around the anus including the perineum (the area of skin between the genitals and the anus).
- Some people use it as an opportunity to relax before anal sex.
- It is recommendable to bathe well before and after rimming.
- Don’t move from the anus to the vagina as this can transfer bacteria and cause infection.
- Oral-anal contact increases the risk of transmission of E.coli which can cause gastroenteritis. Similarly, other strains of E.coli that can pass from the anus to the vagina which can cause urinary infections and STIs including Hepatitis A, B and C, HPV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and LGV.
- Also since the interior of the anus hosts intestinal bacteria, oral-anal contact carries risk for Giardia and other intestinal conditions such as Shigellosis. Using dental dams, tongue condoms, cut condoms* and lube will greatly reduce the likelihood of transmission of STIs and other infections. Even a recently washed anus can carry infectious microorganisms especially if you rim someone who hasn't washed beforehand, or who is suffering from diarrhoea.
- Look after your mouth, do not carry out rimming if you have gum disease, ulcers or cuts or if you just have brushed your teeth or flossed.
*N.B:
- Use sharp scissors to carefully cut the tip off the condom.
- Cut across the bottom of the condom just above the rim.
- Cut down one side of the condom.