QUESTION
Do you recommend douching before anal sex?

ANSWER
The general rule of thumb is that douching to clean yourself before anal sex is not recommended. BUT the evidence regarding that recommendation is very limited. No studies have been done to show how safe or unsafe rectal douching is.

Butts are not meant to be without evidence of stool in them. If you're using a condom for anal sex, your partner will be protected from the small amount of stool he might come in contact with.

Douching could have some serious negative effects. First, frequent douching may compromise the natural protective fluids and lining in your anus. This could potentially make it easier for you to pick up an STD. Further, frequent douching -- multiple times a day -- could compromise the overall fluid and electrolyte balance in your body. A regular soap and water wash combined with condom use are your best bets for staying clean and safe during anal sex.

To your health,
Dr. K