What is a Rim Job? How to Do it Right

Rimming (or analingus) is one of the most overlooked—but deeply pleasurable—forms of butt stuff. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to elevate your rimming skills, this guide will walk you through how to give a rim job with confidence—including preparation, rimming tips, safety strategies, and the best sex toys to enhance anal play.

What Does "Rim Job" Mean? 

A rim job—also known as rimming, analingus, or tossing salad—is oral stimulation of the anus using the lips and tongue. It can be a standalone act or incorporated into other kinds of anal play, including solo anal play or partnered exploration. Despite any lingering taboos, rim jobs can be intensely pleasurable and deeply connective for people of all genders and sexual orientations.

What Does Rimming Feel Like? 

For many, rimming feels amazing because the anus is packed with nerve endings that respond beautifully to warm, wet, and rhythmic sensations. Some people even report intense orgasms from external anal stimulation alone. The perineal region, located between the genitals and the anus, is densely packed with nerve endings that create deeply pleasurable sensations.

Rimming can also indirectly stimulate the prostate (for those who have one), which can lead to powerful orgasms. For those with a vulva, anal stimulation may feel good due to the proximity of the vaginal wall and shared nerve pathways between the anus and clitoris.

The Psychological and Emotional Appeal of Rimming 

Rimming is more than just physical pleasure; it can be an intimate experience that enhances trust, vulnerability, and connection. Engaging in anal play requires communication, consent, and attentiveness—which can build emotional intimacy.

While analingus can be part of a power dynamic, it doesn’t have to be. Some people enjoy rimming as a form of Dominant/submissive play, but for others, it’s simply about shared pleasure and surrender. Exploring taboo or nontraditional sexual acts together—like learning how to eat ass for the first time—can bring partners closer and increase overall sexual satisfaction.

How to Get Ready for a Rim Job

Whether you’re giving or receiving a rim job, you want the experience to be as safe and comfortable as possible – and prepping well can help with that. It’s hard to relax into epic pleasure when you’re worrying about stuff. So, here are some tips for how to prepare to enjoy analingus fully. 

Clean the Area

If you can, shower beforehand, using fragrance-free soap to make sure the area is free of any poop. If showering isn’t an option (spontaneous sex FTW!), body-safe wipes can help do the trick.

Hair Grooming

While some people prefer a hairless, smooth area, others love the natural hair that’s there. There is no right or wrong here; it’s all about how you feel comfortable, empowered, and sexy.

Digestion

Eating fiber-rich foods and staying hydrated can help with digestive regularity and cleanliness. Check out @thebottomsdigest on Instagram for more about this topic!

Anal Douching

Anal douching is helpful for those who want extra cleanliness inside the area as well. Check out Future Method, a brand founded by anal health expert Dr. Evan Goldstein and built specifically for safe, enjoyable butt play. If you do use a douche, try to wait about 30 minutes post-douching before engaging in play. 

Relax

If you’re having trouble relaxing into the experience, try to do things that can relax you! Whether that is taking a warm bath or shower or starting playtime with a gentle massage – these things can help ease tension and make the entire experience more enjoyable.

How to Give a Rim Job: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Get Into Position

Choose a position that gives the giver access while keeping the receiver comfortable and relaxed. There’s no “one right way,” but easy beginner positions include the receiving person on all fours (doggy-style) or lying on their back with their knees pulled toward their chest while the giver kneels or lays between the receiver’s legs.

Step 2: Warm Up the Area

Before diving in tongue-first, start with some teasing. Use your hands to caress the thighs, butt, and lower back. Soft kisses, licks, or even gentle bites around the cheeks or inner thighs build anticipation and help your partner ease into the experience.

Step 3: Gently Spread the Cheeks

Use your hands to gently open the area so you can see and access the anus. Go slowly and respectfully—this can feel vulnerable to the receiver, so take your time. Try to keep the energy aligned with what you’ve both agreed on—whether that’s sensual, playful, or power-play inspired. 

Step 4: Start Slowly & Lightly Licking

Try to begin with gentle licks around the outer rim of the anus. Use the flat of your tongue to make broad strokes, or try tracing soft circles. At first, avoid darting inside or getting too intense—this is about easing in and helping your partner relax.

Step 5: Build Rhythm and Explore

Once your partner is moaning, relaxing, or asking for more, you can try flicking motions with the tip of your tongue, gentle pressure with the flat of your tongue, and/or light suction or sucking on the area. Make sure to listen to their body and/or verbal cues. Everyone’s preferences are different—what feels fantastic to one person might be too much for another.

Step 6: Keep Breathing & Take Breaks (if needed)

Rimming can feel intense, especially at first. You can take short pauses, go back to kissing the thighs, or check in with your partner to see what they’re liking and not liking. If your mouth gets dry, take a little break to sip some water and keep things comfortable. 

Next-Level Techniques for Rimming

Once you’ve gotten comfortable with the basics, you might want to explore some next-level stuff. These techniques, or ideas, are all about amplifying sensation, deepening intimacy, and adding new layers of pleasure to your rimming experience.

Explore Genital Stimulation

Rimming doesn’t have to be a standalone act!  Try using your hands, a toy, or even your mouth to stimulate your partner’s genitals while rimming. Dual stimulation can heighten arousal and lead to more even more intense orgasms.

Try a Vibrating Butt Plug

A small, well-lubed vibrating plug or rimming plug can be inserted before or during rimming for internal stimulation that complements your tongue’s external play. For some, this combo creates a full-body response that’s hard to match.

Play with Power Dynamics

Rimming can naturally lend itself to Dominant/submissive energy. If it’s consensual and desired, try incorporating light spanking, dirty talk, or verbal cues that play into a power exchange. If you choose to explore power dynamics, talk it through beforehand to set clear boundaries and expectations (often called a pre-scene consultation). 

Experiment with Temperature Play

Try alternating warm breaths with quick flicks of something cool—like running an ice cube along the thighs or cheeks before diving back in. The contrast in temperature can wake up nerve endings and keep the sensations unpredictable.

Use Your Voice

Just because your mouth is busy doesn’t mean you have to be silent. Whisper something filthy, encouraging, or affectionate in between licks, or use moans and breath to stay connected. Many people find that verbal stimulation deepens their arousal.

Explore Different Positions

While lying back or being on all fours are go-to’s, switching things up can change the feel entirely. Try face-sitting, lying on your stomach with a pillow underneath, or side-lying analingus positions to switch angles up  for new sensations.

Incorporate Teasing & Edging

Instead of constant stimulation, try slowly building sensation and backing off just before things peak. Repeating that cycle can make the eventual orgasm—or release of tension—far more intense. 

Safety and Hygiene Tips for Rimming

We’ve established that rimming can be incredibly sexy, pleasurable, connective, and fun. And, as with any play, it’s important to take the precautions that we can to ensure our health and safety:

Use a Barrier

Dental dams or condoms cut into dental dams can help protect against bacteria while still maintaining the sensations. It’s important to find a condom or dental dam company that makes something not aggressively smelly so it doesn’t distract from the enjoyment.

Oral Hygiene

Using antibacterial mouthwash post-rimming can reduce bacteria in the mouth! 

Avoid If You Have Open Sores

Cuts, ulcers, or infections can increase the risk of transmission of STIs. Avoid rimming if you have any open cuts, sores, or infections—especially around the mouth or genitals—as this increases the risk of transmitting an STI.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rimming

Can you get an STI from rimming?

Yes, certain STIs like HPV, herpes, and hepatitis can be transmitted through oral-anal contact. Scroll up to the section above on safety and hygiene section for some recommended products to reduce the chances of STI transmission.

Do women like like rim jobs?

Yes! Regardless of gender, some people enjoy this sex act, and some don’t. In all genders, there are biological reasons why this feels good, regardless of the genitals someone has. 

What does rimming feel like?

The sensation varies for each person, but most describe it as warm, wet, and incredibly stimulating due to the number of nerve endings around the anus.

What is the best lube for anal play?

A silicone-based or thick water-based lube made for anal play are both because they provide long-lasting slickness and comfort. Babeland’s anal lubes offer great options.

Level Up Your Rimming Game With Sex Toys

Sex toys can enhance the sensation of rimming. Sex toys aren’t meant to replace anyone—they’re tools that can do things humans can’t or help sustain pleasure in new ways. If you’re open, check out these toys to help level up your rimming experiences:

Rimming Butt Plugs

Rimming toys are designed to mimic, you guessed it, rimming. For example, it may mimic the swirling motion of a tongue. (Check out the b-Vibe Rimming Plug).

Anal Vibrators

Pairing a rimming plug can maximize pleasure. Brands like Lelo and b-Vibe offer excellent vibrating anal toys in a range of styles and intensities. (Just be sure to use a good anal lube!)

Prostate Massagers

These can enhance rimming for those with prostates by offering internal stimulation. Aneros is a trusted, long-standing brand with a wide range of options. 

Ready to Explore Rimming for Yourself?

Now that you know how to give a thoughtful and pleasurable rim job, you can confidently bring analingus into your pleasure toolkit. Looking to explore even more anal play? Check out Babeland's anal toy collection and dive deeper into pleasure!

Rachel Wright is a relationship, sex, and mental health therapist. With a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology, Rachel has worked with thousands of humans worldwide, helping them scream less and screw more.