If I had to name the fantasy most often mentioned to me by straight submissive men, it would be a woman fucking them in the ass. Now, a woman anally penetrating a man is not necessarily a BDSM activity. Lots of couples do this without it being about dominance and submission at all, but simply because it feels good. But whether it's part of an SM scene or not, some women are nervous about the idea of buttfucking their boyfriends. Luckily, there is good info out there to show you the way. My favorite: an instructional video called Bend Over Boyfriend, with sex educator Carol Queen. It's designed to teach women how to fuck their men in the ass--so it's charming to watch, and educational as well. You can get it at Toys In Babeland, either at the store or through their website (www.babeland.com).

But let's cover some anal play basics:

1. You don't need to have an enema first, but sometimes it helps people feel more relaxed. You can buy a Fleet enema for 99¢ at the drugstore, and put in plain water for an anal douche. Do this at least an hour or two before you start fucking.

2. Use plenty of lube. Spit is not enough!

3. Fingers, tongues, cocks, and sex toys with flared bases go up people's asses. Don't put other stuff up there.

4. Wearing a latex glove can make everything slide better if you want to fingerfuck your lover, and cleanup is easier too. (Ditto condoms on sex toys.) If you have long fingernails, put a cotton ball in the fingertip of each glove.

5. Start small and work up. Nobody takes a big ol' silicone cock up their ass the first time out. Get a slender dildo, or use your finger(s). I recommend doing several different sessions of butt play, starting with finger penetration the first time, and on the next occasion trying a small dildo and getting comfortable with that, even over several sessions, before progressing to larger toys. Go slowly with the movements, too--save the fast and furious fucking till you're both more experienced.

6. A suggestion: Butt toys that vibrate feel good, and help relax the muscles.

7. Educate yourself about STDs, and take whatever precautions are appropriate with your partner.

matisse@thestranger.com