Rimming, using the mouth or tongue to stimulate a partner’s anus, including the area just surrounding it, is a common form of oral sex. Some people enjoy it as foreplay, as part of anal sex, or by itself – primarily because the area contains sensitive nerve endings.

So, is rimming safe? According to the CDC, the chance of acquiring or transmitting HIV through oral sex, including rimming, is extremely low. However, rimming can transmit other STIs and gastrointestinal infections. 

That does not mean you need to avoid it. Understanding the risks, preparing beforehand, and keeping up with preventive care (such as testing) can help you make informed choices about the sex you want to have.

At Q Care Plus, we believe sexual wellness isn’t about judgment, it’s about giving you the information and tools (like PrEP and doxyPEP) you need to enjoy your sex life with confidence.

How to Rim a Gay Sex Partner

Good rimming begins with comfort and consent. 

There is no single “right” way to do it. Start slowly, pay attention to your partner’s reactions, and ask what feels good. A quick conversation can make the experience more relaxed for both partners.

The receiving partner may also feel more comfortable showering and gently washing the external anal area with warm water and mild soap. 

Some even prefer to use an anal specific flavored scrub to make the experience more enjoyable for both parties. Internal douching is not necessary for rimming.

Find a Comfortable Position

Choose a position that allows both partners to relax, breathe comfortably, and communicate. Common positions include:

• Lying face down with a pillow under the hips
• Lying on the back with the knees raised
• On hands and knees
• Lying on one side
• Standing or leaning forward
• Straddling partner’s face

Start on the Outside

Begin with kissing, touching, or broad strokes of the tongue around the buttocks and external anal area. A relaxed, flat tongue usually feels softer, while the tip of the tongue provides more focused stimulation.

You can experiment with:

• Slow circles around the anal opening
• Long up-and-down strokes
• Light or firmer pressure
• Faster or slower movements
• Gentle use of the tongue at the opening

The tongue does not need to enter the anus for rimming to feel good.

Use Your Hands

With permission, you can hold your partner’s hips, touch their thighs or perineum, or stimulate their genitals at the same time.

When adding fingers, toys, or penetration, use lubricant and proceed gradually. Saliva dries quickly and is not a reliable replacement for lubricant.

Avoid moving fingers, toys, or other body parts directly from the anus to another body opening without washing them or changing the condom covering them.

Keep Communicating

Simple questions work:

• “Do you want more pressure?”
• “Slower or faster?”
• “Does that feel good?”
• “Do you want me to keep doing that?”

Body language can provide clues, but direct communication is the best way to know what your partner enjoys.

How to Make Rimming Safer

Although the risk of HIV transmission is extremely low, oral-anal contact can transmit infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis A, and certain intestinal bacteria or parasites. 

Many infections cause no noticeable symptoms. To reduce your risk:

• Wash the external anal area before sex.
• Wash hands and toys before and after use.
• Avoid rimming when either partner has diarrhea, sores, bleeding, or anal / surrounding irritation, or just doesn’t feel well.
• If you see anything in the anal area that concerns you, let your partner know, so they can discuss with their healthcare provider, and temporarily avoid anal play
• Be sure your hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and HPV vaccinations are updated.
• Use a dental dam or a condom cut open into a flat barrier when you want additional protection.
• Get routine STI testing based on the types of sex you have.

A barrier can be placed over the anus before oral contact and used only once. Do not flip it over during sex. Adding a small amount of water-based or silicone-based lubricant to the body-facing side may improve sensation.

Testing Matters, Even When You Feel Fine

The CDC recommends that sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men receive screening for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea at least annually. 

However, testing every three to six months may be appropriate for people with multiple or anonymous partners or other increased exposure.

Testing should match the body sites involved in sex. If you have oral or anal contact, ask whether throat or rectal testing should be included. A urine or blood test may not detect an infection located in the throat or rectum. If there is a concern about an abnormality of the anus or surrounding skin, examination by a knowledgeable provider should be sought.

Do not wait for symptoms before completing routine testing. Many STIs cause no noticeable symptoms.

Where PrEP and doxyPEP Fit

Rimming alone is not considered a significant route of HIV transmission. However, it often happens alongside anal sex and other activities that may carry greater HIV risk. This is where PrEP can become an important part of a broader sexual health plan.

PrEP Protects Against HIV

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. It does not prevent gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis, or intestinal infections, so routine testing remains important.

DoxyPEP Can Help Prevent Certain Bacterial STIs

DoxyPEP involves taking the antibiotic doxycycline after sex, as directed by a healthcare provider, to reduce the risk of certain bacterial STIs.

The CDC recommends discussing doxyPEP with gay and bisexual men and transgender women who have had a bacterial infection in the past. When prescribed, it should be taken as soon as possible and within 72 hours after sex.

DoxyPEP can reduce the risk of chlamydia and syphilis and may reduce some gonorrhea infections. It does not prevent HIV, hepatitis, herpes, HPV, or gastrointestinal infections.

Build a Sexual Health Plan That Works for You

You do not need to choose between enjoying your sex life and protecting your health. A personalized prevention plan may include:

• PrEP for HIV prevention
• doxyPEP when medically appropriate
• Routine HIV and STI testing
• Throat and rectal testing based on your sexual activity
• Recommended vaccinations
• Barriers when you choose to use them
• Open communication with your partners
• Finding healthcare providers knowledgeable in sexual health, such as those at Q Care Plus, who you can form a trusting relationship with 

Q Care Plus licensed providers can help you start, refill, or transfer PrEP, determine whether doxyPEP is right for you, and arrange routine testing through at-home or local laboratory options.

Sexual healthcare should be direct, informed, and free from judgment, just like the conversations you have about the sex you want.

The content in this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with questions about your health or before making decisions about your care.