Without this protection, you’re more likely to get HIV or other infections, especially if you don’t use protection in the form of condoms or PrEP (preexposure prophylaxis), a type of medication you take to reduce your odds of getting HIV from sex. How Is Anal Douching Different From Vaginal Douching? Use lots of lube, for starters. Proper lubrication is a must whenever you’re putting anything in your butt. Not using enough significantly ups your chances of irritation and damage.

Chu, Z. X., et al. (2021). The use of inappropriate anal douching tool associates with increased HIV infection among men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study in Shenyang, China.

Conclusion

If you find it challenging to know which one to choose, why don’t you try both? Trying both options is the best way to discover which one works best for you.

To avoid shigella, people should not share douching equipment or sex toys. They should wash their hands and genitals with soap before and after: It shouldn’t. If you put sharp plastic against your hole and it feels painful, stop what you’re doing — you might have cut into the tissues around your anus, in which case anal sex is definitely off the table until it heals. If you’re inserting a tool with an applicator tip into your rectum and it begins to hurt, stop immediately too.Dr. Evan Goldstein is the Founder and CEO of Bespoke Surgical, NYC’s leading sexual health private practice. He received his osteopathic doctorate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry School in 2002 and completed his residency in General Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center. In 2020, he was named one of NYC’s top LGBTQ+ business leaders by Crain’s New York and he is involved with GLSEN, ACRIA, HRC, and Callen-Lorde’s Howard J. Brown Society. All of these experiences and affiliations have shaped his whole-life approach towards the practice of private surgical care and sexual wellness. Douching too frequently can irritate and tear the tissue that lines the rectum and intestine. This makes infection with HIV, STIs, and other infections more likely. How can a person minimize irritation from douching? Gently insert the lubricated tip of the douche’s nozzle into the anus while relaxing and breathing out. Ensure it is far enough so the water does not leak out. A recent study from 2021 found an association between inappropriate douching tools, including a shower hose, and a higher risk of HIV infection when engaging in sex without barrier methods.