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Curious About Anal?

September 1, 2026 · 15 min

Show notes

If anal play sounds like something you'd have to grit your teeth through, I want to change your mind about one thing first: a painful first try isn't your body's final answer. It's usually a sign something was rushed, unprepared, or out of your control, not proof this isn't for you.

In this episode, I'm walking through my five-step, comfort-first framework for exploring anal: getting a real yes before anything starts, setting yourself up for success, warming your whole body up first, moving in layers instead of straight to penetration, and learning to actually read your body's feedback. I'm also busting a few myths along the way, including the one that penetration is the goal at all.

Pleasure, not performance. Let's get into it.


ABOUT EMILY:

Emily Morse is a Doctor of Human Sexuality, author and host of the #1 rated Sex with Emily podcast. Known as a renowned sexologist, Dr. Emily has helped millions of people around the world navigate their sex lives. Her candid and often funny conversations challenge cultural taboos, misinformation and awkward sex talks to create a future where people can deeply connect and embrace pleasure-filled lives. Because, life is too short for bad sex.


CONNECT:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sexwithemily/⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/sexwithemily⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/sexwithemily⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sexwithemily⁠

Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@sexwithemily⁠


WANT MORE?

Visit the Website: ⁠https://sexwithemily.com/⁠ which includes FREE guides.

Free Downloadable Guides: ⁠https://sexwithemily.com/guides/⁠

Text With Me: ⁠https://sexwithemily.com/text⁠

Receive Sex Tips On The Regular: ⁠https://sexwithemily.com/subscribe⁠

Interested in 1:1 Coaching with Emily? Go to ⁠http://sexwithemily.com/coaching⁠ to apply!


This episode is sponsored by:

Bellesa: EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE Rose suction toy with their order! ⁠https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/emilymorse-podcast⁠

=============================


Chapters:

00:00 Cold Open / Welcome to Sex with Emily

01:24 Why Your First Time May Have Hurt

02:08 The Five Step Framework (Meet Dr. Emily)

02:56 Anal Isn't All or Nothing

03:44 Your Nervous System Is the Real Sex Organ

04:07 The Two Rings of Muscle, Explained

04:49 Step 1: Start With a Real Yes

05:28 The Receiving Partner Is Always in Charge

06:00 Step 2: Set Yourself Up for Success (Hygiene)

06:41 Lube, Toys, and the Pre-Talk

07:17 Step 3: Warm Up Your Whole Body

08:22 Step 4: Move in Layers, Not Pressure

09:59 Step 5: Listen to Your Body and Talk About It

10:51 Busting the Biggest Anal Myths

11:11 Recap: The Five Steps to Try Anal Comfortably

11:58 Outro & Where to Find More

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