Rimming, also called anilingus or anal-oral contact, refers to using the mouth, lips, and tongue to stimulate a partner's anal opening and surrounding area. It falls under both sensory play and oral worship because it combines intense nerve-ending stimulation with an act that many people experience as deeply intimate or submissive. The anus has a high concentration of nerve endings, making this area highly sensitive to oral stimulation for many people regardless of gender or anatomy. Rimming can be performed with the receiving partner in various positions, including lying face-down, on hands and knees, or squatting over the giving partner. It may be incorporated into foreplay, used as a standalone act, or combined with other forms of anal or genital play. Some people experience rimming primarily as physical pleasure, while others find the psychological dimensions, such as vulnerability, trust, or power exchange, to be equally significant.
Rimming carries a real risk of transmitting certain infections, including hepatitis A and B, herpes, HPV, E. coli, and intestinal parasites. Using a dental dam or cut condom as a barrier significantly reduces this risk. Vaccination for hepatitis A and B is strongly recommended. Thorough external washing beforehand is a practical hygiene step. Both partners should discuss comfort, boundaries, and any relevant health history before engaging. Explicit, ongoing consent matters here given the vulnerability involved for the receiving partner.
Reviewed by Reviewed by the Jar of Kinks editorial team