2 minutes read2 minutes readThese days, it seems like there are all sorts of new sexual conventions to learn. One sexual act you may not have heard of is rimming.
However, rimming may not be the safest thing in the world.
In this blog, we’ll explore what rimming is, whether it’s dangerous, and how you can get an STI from it.
What is rimming?
Rimming, sometimes known as analingus, is a sexual activity that involves licking or kissing the anus of another person.
It has become more popular in recent years as people are exploring new forms of pleasure and intimacy. The act can be pleasurable for both partners as it stimulates nerve endings in the area, leading to intense sensations.
However, there are some risks associated with rimming that should not be taken lightly. In addition to potential hygiene issues, rimming may also lead to an increased risk of contracting an STI if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Is rimming dangerous?
Engaging in rimming may increase the risk of faecal-oral transmission of infections. This means that potentially harmful particles from faeces, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, can be ingested through the mouth. The anus can also be a site of infection, and you can easily get an infection from someone’s anus if a mucous membrane of yours, like the mouth, comes in contact with it.
Can I get an STI from rimming?
The risk of disease transmission by the faecal-oral route is one reason why it’s important to use barriers for oral-anal contact. You may want to consider using condoms or dental dams when engaging in any kind of anal intercourse or anal play.
Some sexually transmitted infections that can be transmitted by the faecal-oral route include:
- Hepatitis A
- Herpes
- Gonorrhoea
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
Diseases transmitted through the faecal-oral route are also often linked to water contamination from human or animal waste. Food poisoning, caused by contaminated food or water used for drinking, cooking, or cleaning, is a common way the faecal-oral route poses an infectious disease risk.
You can also get sick from faecal-oral transmission when people don’t wash their hands properly after using the bathroom. Another reason is when people forget to wash their hands before eating.
Unusual contact can lead to contracting the same diseases that cause food poisoning.
Final thoughts
All sexual activity comes with inherent risks. However, if you practice safe sex and discuss your sexual history with your partner, your risk will be lowered.
But it’s never possible to completely protect yourself from the risk of getting an STI. If you think you’ve been exposed to an STI, get tested with Better2Know today.
