Anal Sex: Let’s get to the bottom of it is a series of short films exploring men’s understanding and experiences of anal sex. In the films, four men use their own words to share their personal stories about anal sex. Over five separate short films the men discuss the importance of intimacy, trust and pleasure to the cultural expectations men can face and the importance of communication in relationships.

The full film is available to watch on the Sandyford Youtube channel. Alternatively you can watch each individual chapter below.

Chapter 1: Safer Sex

We asked our four men to discuss their understanding of safer sex. In Chapter 1, the men share their own experiences of safer sex, visiting the clinic and what  safer sex might mean when you are in a relationship.

The film also contains information on condoms, how you are able to access PrEP and  how you can access PEP. Click here to find out about all the services Sandyford and Steve Retson Project provide.

Chapter 2: Stereotypes 

In chapter 2 our four men discuss the different stereotypes associated with anal sex. Do stereotypes hide the complexities of anal sex and the relationships that men have? Where do they come from and can it make men feel intimated when they are new to anal sex?

There is no right way to be gay or bisexual. Some men have anal sex and some men don't. Whatever role you enjoy and perform, it has to feel right for you. If you would like to chat with us we're here to give non-judgemental advice on pretty much every aspect of your sexual health and wellbeing. Click here to find out about all the services Sandyford and Steve Retson Project provide.

Chapter 3: Social Pressure

The third film of our series discusses anal sex and the men's experiences of the social pressures associated with it. The men talk about the assumptions people make about anal sex and what people consider to be "proper" sex or not. Sex should always be mutually consensual and you should never feel pressured into doing something that doesn't feel right for you. You're also allowed to change your mind at any point and ask to stop. Consenting to sex is different to feeling ready for sex, so before you consent, think about whether you really feel ready and prepared to have sex.

If you need to chat come and see us. We're here to give non-judgemental advice on pretty much every aspect of your sexual health and wellbeing. Click here to find out about all the services Sandyford and Steve Retson Project provide.

Chapter 4: Pleasure

In Chapter 4 our men discuss pleasure and sex. Is sex always enjoyable? Does having great chemistry with someone make all the difference? Does sex always have to be romantic? Sex should be pleasurable. That might be because it feels intimate and you know what you and your partners like and don't like, or it might be because you're having sex with a new partner and it's exciting, but it should always enjoyable.

If the sex your having is painful or if it's making you feel regret, upset or just a bit flat afterwards, you can talk to clinic staff about this. We're here to give non-judgemental advice on pretty much every aspect of your sexual health and wellbeing. Click here to find out about all the services Sandyford and Steve Retson Project provide.

Chapter 5: Talking About Sex

In the final chapter of our series the men talk about the importance of communication to having good sex. Communicating with your partner about what you like and don't like is a great way to make sure you're both happy and satisfied with the sex you're having. It's not a one-off conversation; you're allowed to change your mind, and just because you like something today, it doesn't mean you'll want it tomorrow.

Don't feel pressurised into revealing your entire sexual repertoire on the first date, it's ok to take things at a pace that feels right for you. We're here to give non-judgemental advice on pretty much every aspect of your sexual health and wellbeing. Click here to find out about all the services Sandyford and Steve Retson Project provide.