Rimming, also called a rim job, is when someone uses their mouth and tongue to stimulate their partner’s anus, anal sphincter, and perineum. Penetrating the anus with the tongue is also a method of rimming. Rimming is often performed along with genital touch.
Anatomy
The anus is a 1½-inch opening at the end of the gastrointestinal tract that is incredibly sensitive and has many nerve endings. It is located at the lower end of the rectum. The anatomy of the anus includes the anal sphincter and perineum.
Anal Sphincters
Sphincters are circular muscles that can open and close, and they regulate the passage of bodily fluids like urine. The anal sphincter, which consists of two sphincter muscles, control the release of fecal matter. The internal sphincter muscle is involuntary and keeps the anus closed to prevent stools from leaking out when someone is not having a bowel movement. The external one is voluntary and can be clenched and unclenched to allow stools to pass through.
Perineum
The perineum is the area between the anus and the vagina or the scrotum. This region plays an important role in urination, defecation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth. The perineum protects the pelvic floor muscles and the blood vessels that supply the genitals and urinary tract. It also protects the nerves used to urinate. The perineum contains many nerve endings and can become very sensitive when it’s touched.
Is Rimming Safe?
While rimming is an enjoyable experience for many, some of you may be concerned about the hygiene risks associated with putting your tongue on your partner’s anus.
As with other types of oral sex, there is no pregnancy risk associated with rimming. However, rimming is still considered a relatively risky sexual behavior because it may expose someone to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) via the fecal-oral route.
Some of the STDs that can be transmitted by rimming include:
• Herpes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis A and B
One way to prevent getting an STD through rimming is by having you and your sexual partner get tested beforehand. Avoid rimming if you or your partner has an STD and has not fully recovered. You or your partner should also avoid rimming if either of you has cold sores, which increase the risk of transmitting herpes.
As with other types of oral sex, there is no pregnancy risk associated with rimming. However, rimming is still considered a relatively risky sexual behavior because it may expose someone to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) via the fecal-oral route.
Some of the STDs that can be transmitted by rimming include:
• Herpes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis A and B
One way to prevent getting an STD through rimming is by having you and your sexual partner get tested beforehand. Avoid rimming if you or your partner has an STD and has not fully recovered. You or your partner should also avoid rimming if either of you has cold sores, which increase the risk of transmitting herpes.
Pleasuring Your Partner
Your hands can work some real magic when it comes to pleasuring your partner, so be sure to use them.
Use your hands to:
Play with your partner’s nipples, gently squeezing or pulling on them.
Rub your partner’s clitoris.
Penetrate their vagina with your fingers.
Stroke their penis.
Gently squeeze and caress your partner’s scrotum.
Caress their neck, back, or inner thighs.
Squeeze or lightly spank their cheeks.
Use your hands to:
Play with your partner’s nipples, gently squeezing or pulling on them.
Rub your partner’s clitoris.
Penetrate their vagina with your fingers.
Stroke their penis.
Gently squeeze and caress your partner’s scrotum.
Caress their neck, back, or inner thighs.
Squeeze or lightly spank their cheeks.
Summary
Rimming is another sexual activity that people can enjoy with their partners, but not everyone will be comfortable with it. It may be because rimming carries STDs and bacterial infections risks. It may also be that some people are simply not interested in rimming. The choice to engage in rimming can be a deeply personal one.
