Can you get an STI from rimming?

Rimming (sometimes known as analingus, “eating ass”, “tossing salad”, or a “rim job”) is a form of oral sex that involves licking or kissing your partner’s anus.

It’s become more popular in recent years as people are exploring new forms of pleasure and intimacy. It can be pleasurable for both partners as it stimulates nerve endings in the area, leading to intense sensations. It can often be a precursor to anal sex or using sex toys, as well.

However, there are some risks associated with rimming that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In addition to potential hygiene issues, rimming may also lead to an increased risk of contracting an STI if proper precautions aren’t taken.

Engaging in rimming may increase the risk of faecal-oral transmission of infections. This means that potentially harmful particles from faeces, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, can be ingested through the mouth. The anus can also be a site of infection, and you can get an infection from someone’s anus if a mucous membrane of yours, like the mouth, comes in contact with it.

The risks of getting an STI from rimming depend on what you’re doing and how you’re doing it – whether you’re performing rimming or receiving it.

Performing rimming

Performing rimming is generally more risky. There are a few STIs you can get through the faecal-oral route, especially:

• Hepatitis A: Most people who get Hepatitis A get it through contaminated food and water. It can be passed on during the faecal-oral route during rimming.

You can also get other STIs from performing rimming, such as:

• Herpes: It’s not uncommon for many people to get a Herpes infection in their anus. Transmission occurs through contact with an active sore during an outbreak. This can lead to Herpes outbreaks of blisters around the mouth and tongue, which then burst, leaving open sores.
• Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia: These two bacterial STIs often don’t cause any symptoms when the anus is involved. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include painful bowel movements, an itchy anus, and unusual discharge from the rectum.
• HPV (human papillomavirus): HPV can be transmitted through contact with an anal wart. While there are no cures for HPV, it can be prevented with a vaccine.

Receiving rimming

Receiving analingus from a sexual partner is generally less risky than performing it. However, if your sexual partner has an active oral STI, like Herpes or Chlamydia, there is a small chance that the infection could be transferred to your anus.

With that said, in most cases, anal STIs are usually contracted through unprotected anal intercourse.

While rimming can be risky, there are some sex acts you can engage in that will reduce the risk of transmission.

Dental dams create a barrier between you and your partner that stops pathogens from being transmitted. If you want to engage in anal play, consider using dental dams in order to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

STIs aren’t the only thing that you need to consider when engaging in analingus.

• Shigellosis: Shigellosis is caused by a group of bacteria known as Shigella. It typically leads to symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea—which may be bloody or non-bloody. While many cases resolve on their own, antibiotics can help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of transmission. Practising good hygiene and safe sex can significantly lower your risk.
• Amebiasis: Also known as amoebiasis, this infection is caused by a single-celled parasite called an amoeba. It can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and, in some cases, more serious complications.
• Helminths: Helminths are parasitic worms such as flukes and tapeworms. These organisms can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and blood in the stool.

All sexual activity comes with inherent risks. However, if you practice safe sex and discuss your sexual history with your partner, your risk will be lowered.

However, using protection can’t guarantee that you won’t get infected.

If you think you’ve been exposed to an STI or are experiencing symptoms, get tested with Better2Know today.