Anal Sex Basics by Carlyle Jansen is a comprehensive 200-page paperback guide designed to walk complete beginners through every aspect of anal pleasure with warmth, clarity, and zero pressure. Written by a renowned Canadian sex educator and published by Cleis Press, the book covers fingering, rimming, and penetration techniques step by step, alongside practical advice on choosing the right lubricant, preparing your body, finding the best positions, and selecting toys. Beyond mechanics, Jansen dedicates chapters to erotic fantasy, role play, and the communication skills needed to bring up anal play with a partner — making the experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. The softcover edition measures 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches and weighs 10.2 oz, making it easy to keep on a bedside table or slip into a bag.

Anal Sex Basics features:

• A comprehensive beginner's guide to anal pleasure
• Step-by-step techniques for fingering, rimming, and anal penetration
• Tips on overcoming common anal sex anxieties
• Guidance on discussing anal play with a partner
• Advice on toys, lube, prep, and best positions
• Chapters dedicated to fantasy, role play, and enhancing intimacy
• Written by Carlyle Jansen, renowned Canadian sex educator
• 200 pages; paperback/softcover edition
• Published by Cleis Press

Specifications / Size & material

• Format: Softcover paperback
• Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Weight: 10.2 oz
• Page count: 200 pages
• Publisher: Cleis Press
• Author: Carlyle Jansen

Intensity & Experience Level

Level: Beginner — Sensation tag: Curiosity / Educational

This guide is specifically written for first-timers and those with little to no experience with anal play. Its friendly, accessible tone and myth-busting approach make it one of the most forgiving entry points into the subject — readers can move at their own pace and revisit chapters as their comfort and curiosity grow.

Who is this product for?

• Curious beginners: Anyone wanting a no-pressure, comprehensive introduction to anal play with real technique and body-affirming advice.
• Partners exploring together: Couples looking to build trust, open communication, and shared understanding around anal pleasure.
• People overcoming anxiety: Readers who feel nervous about pain, mess, or embarrassment will find every common concern compassionately addressed.
• People shifting from vaginal to anal exploration: The book covers anatomical differences and adapts guidance for those making that transition.
• Educators and therapists: A practical, evidence-informed reference to recommend to clients or students seeking sex-positive guidance.

How to use the Anal Sex Basics?

1. Start at your own pace: Skim the table of contents and choose the chapter most aligned with your current curiosity or concerns rather than reading cover to cover.
2. Read with a highlighter or notepad: Mark new ideas, prep tips, or techniques you'd like to try solo or with a partner.
3. Share with a partner: Read key sections together to open the conversation, establish trust, and align on consent and boundaries before play.
4. Take notes before a session: Bookmark positions, safety advice, and lube tips for easy reference in the moment.
5. Comfort checkpoint: Check in with yourself (and your partner) regularly — this book is a pleasure roadmap, not a one-session manual; apply knowledge gradually over multiple sessions.
6. Apply knowledge progressively: Ease into anal play over time, returning to the book whenever new questions or desires arise.

Techniques & ways to play

• Solo reading and exploration: Use the book independently to learn at your own rhythm, bookmark favourite prep tips, and build confidence before introducing a partner.
• Spooning position: Ideal for beginners — intimate, allows slower entry, and keeps communication easy throughout.
• On all fours: Offers clearer access and lets you gradually adjust depth; particularly useful when incorporating toys.
• Face-down, hips elevated (pillow under hips): Promotes comfort and creates a better angle for solo toy exploration.
• Partner read-along: Use the book as a date-night activity — reading sections together naturally sparks conversation, sets expectations, and helps comfort zones evolve together.
• Dom/sub dynamic: The partner guiding the session can use the communication tools and exercises in the book to hold that role responsibly — always establishing consent and checking in before escalating intensity or trying new techniques.

Pairs well with / Complete the scene

• Lubricant: The book covers water-based vs silicone lube preferences in detail — pick up a quality anal lubricant to put the advice straight into practice.
• Beginner anal toys: Starter butt plugs or slim anal probes are the natural next step once you've read the toy selection chapter.
• Nitrile gloves: Recommended for hygienic fingering — the book addresses this in its prep sections.
• Collections to explore: Anal Play collection and Sex Education & Books collection at The BDSM Store.

How to clean and care

• Cleaning the book: The book itself is not used during play. Keep it dry and free from contact with lubricants or bodily fluids.
• Storage: Store with other educational books or in a clean, dry bedside space where it's easy to reach before or after play. Avoid high-humidity environments such as bathrooms.
• Lube compatibility: Not applicable to the book itself — refer to the lube chapter inside for guidance on water-based versus silicone formulas for anal play.
• Longevity: Standard paperback care applies — avoid bending the spine forcefully and keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the pages.

Additional information

• Accessibility: Written in a friendly, accessible style suitable for all literacy levels and learning styles. Consider an e-book version if page-turning presents a dexterity challenge.
• Mobility considerations: No physical requirements to read the book; positional modifications for different body types and physical abilities are covered inside.
• Lower body sensitivity: Includes tips on gradual touch exploration that are helpful for readers with reduced sensation.
• Anatomy coverage: Addresses the differences between vaginal and anal prep and stimulation, particularly useful for beginners making that transition.
• Confidence building: Empowers hesitant readers with myth-busting facts, real techniques, and body-affirming reassurance throughout.

Special considerations / warnings

• Content: This is an adult educational book containing explicit sexual content. Suitable for adults only.
• Not a substitute for medical advice: If you have any colorectal, pelvic, or related health conditions, consult a qualified healthcare professional before engaging in anal play.
• Consent: The book emphasises mutual respect, communication, and consent throughout — apply these principles in all real-world encounters.
• Partner communication: Never pressure a partner into anal activity; use the communication exercises in the book to ensure all play is enthusiastically agreed upon.

18+ only. For consensual adult use.