Many people of all genders and sexualities are curious about anal play or penetration but find it difficult, uncomfortable, or painful. This programme is designed to support anyone who wants to explore anal play or penetrative anal sex with greater confidence, comfort, and pleasure.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn about the anatomy of your body, how to prepare your body and mind for anal exploration, and strategies for reducing pain and tension. You’ll also be guided through a step-by-step programme of graded anal dilation, partner-based exercises (if applicable), and tools for navigating psychological and emotional factors that can influence your sexual experiences.
Whether you're completely new to anal play, returning after a painful experience, or simply want to feel more informed and in control, this programme offers education, practical exercises, and evidence-based techniques to help you feel safe, prepared, and empowered.
Who can access this programme
Our interactive programmes are currently only available via referral to eligible patients of CNWL Sexual Health Services. New patients will need to visit one of our clinics in Camden and Islington, Haringey or Barnet in the first instance for a general sexual health screen. For more information about our clinics please click here.
If you are not a patient of our sexual health services, you can still access information about sexual difficulties, downloadable self-help booklets and further resources on the STL website. If you live within London, here is a guide to alternative NHS services which are available within the area. This guide also provides details for country-wide self-funded support. If you live outside of London you can seek support for sexual difficulties by speaking with your GP or attending your local sexual health clinic.
What this programme involves
Stage 1 - Assessment
- Questions about you, your health and wellbeing, and your sexual difficulties
- A medical letter to download
Stage 2 – Psychoeducation
- What can cause painful sex and difficulties with penetration
- Understanding arousal
- The vicious cycle
- Worrying thoughts
- Anal sex Myth busting
- Conditions for good sex
- Other contributing factors
- Diet, lifestyle and douching
- Review
Stage 3 - Exercises to complete alone
- Relaxing your pelvic floor muscles
- Mindfulness
- Mindful awareness to sexual sensations
- Exploring self-touch
- Gradual anal dilation
- Advancing your dilator program
- Review
Stage 4 - Exercises you can do with a partner (if relevant for you)
- Working together
- Making an agreement together
- Getting reacquainted
- Gradual penetration with a partner
- Progressing to partnered penetrative sex
- Anal play aftercare
- Review
Stage 5 – Reflection and evaluation
- Reflection –what has been helpful and what to take forward
- Evaluation of your progress
- What next?