Tips on keeping your rear in tip top shape is no small matter. Whether you are a bottom or top, if anal sex is part of your repertoire you should check these tips out! The guys over at www.gay.net interviewed Dr. Robert Bolan and nurse practitioner Elisa Clay from the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center for tips on protecting your butt health. They were so good I had to reblog them and only added two extra tips.

1. Protect yourself:
“Always protect yourself and your partner by properly using a condom,” Dr. Bolan says. You’re not only preventing the possibility of transmitting diseases, but feeling the latex slide in and out can be a pleasurable experience.

2. Make lube your BFF:
“Water-based lubrication is best and least likely to compromise the integrity of condoms,” Clay says. “Frequent application and reapplication is recommended.” Some lubes use nonoxynol-9, which is a spermicide that can sometimes cause irritation for the receiver. Since you don't have to worry about butt babies, use a lube without nonoxynol-9 and don't risk the itch.

*Silicone is another option too BUT, if you're playing with toys (i.e. butt plugs, anal beads, etc.) made of silicone don't use the silicone lube and toys together. It will cause your toys to break down.

3. Enemas are the enemy:
Frequent use of store-bought enemas can irritate your colon and compromise its natural ability to pass stool. Clean up the way nature intended, with regular bowel movements. Learn more here.

4. Food for thought:
Eating high-fiber foods (whole grains, leafy vegetables, etc.) and staying hydrated throughout the day increases digestive health. “I would recommend avoiding spicy foods if the butt is really sore or has cuts after receptive anal sex,” Clay says.

5. Massage away:
The buttocks have more flesh than other areas of the body, so ask your partner to massage your glutes. “Anal massage may be healthy to perform with lubrication for those who feel pain and tear during receptive sex,” Clay says.

6. Beware of love in the tub:
Having sex in a hot tub, pool, or the ocean increases risk for unprotected sex. The water’s temperature or chlorine could damage condoms, wash away lubrication, and irritate your anus.

7. Bust a myth:
There are several things one can do to help prevent prostate cancer—a sensible diet and lifestyle, low alcohol intake, taking vitamins—but taking it up the rear isn’t one of them. “Anal sex provides no benefit [such as cancer prevention] to the prostate,” Dr. Bolan says.

8. Visit your M.D.:
“Regular rectal screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia is very important,” Clay says. “Talk to your medical provider about when to screen for colon cancer. They will assess you for any risk factors, which may require early screening. If none are present, screening typically begins at age 50.”

*Anal pap smears are also important to the prevention of anal cancer. Read a guest blog about them here.

9. Just dance:
The right cardio exercise—whether it’s hiking, biking, or swimming—definitely tones and trains your rear, but nothing’s more fun than dropping low and shaking your ass on the dance floor.

Extra thoughts:

10. Get vaccinated for HPV (human papilloma virus) that can lead to anal cancer. Learn more about the importance of the vaccine here.

11. Practice safer rimming. Using a split open condom or dental dam as a barrier during rimming, as well as getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B that can be transmitted during anal play are great ways to play safer. For other safer rimming tips check out our link.

What do you do to keep your butt healthy?