Yes, many women enjoy anal sex, though pleasure is deeply individual and shaped by far more than anatomy alone. Research from a nationally representative survey of 3,017 U.S. women found that around 35% enjoy anal penetration, while 40% enjoy external anal stimulation. For those who embrace it, the experience is often less about the act itself and more about the atmosphere surrounding it: trust, anticipation, slow and relaxed exploration, generous lubrication, and an understanding and patient partner.

Despite its growing visibility, anal sex remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of female sexuality. It's a subject wrapped in curiosity, hushed fantasies, and persistent myths, leaving many people wondering why some women find it intensely pleasurable while others hate it. The answer is far more nuanced than popular culture suggests.

In this article, we'll move beyond stereotypes and explore what the research reveals, how the body's anatomy can support pleasure, and why communication, comfort, and confidence are often the true foundations of a deeply satisfying experience.

What the Research Really Reveals

For years, headlines have reduced the conversation to one question: Do women enjoy anal sex? But the evidence tells a far more sophisticated story. Pleasure isn't defined by a single act. It's shaped by the type of stimulation, the context, and the experience itself.

Large national surveys consistently report that roughly one in three women has tried anal sex at some point in her life. Among those women, around 28 to 31 percent describe the experience as pleasurable. Yet a landmark 2022 peer-reviewed study published in PLOS ONE, based on a nationally representative sample of 3,017 U.S. women aged 18 to 93, paints a richer and more nuanced picture.

Rather than treating anal sex as a single experience, the researchers distinguished between different forms of anal touch—and found that many women derive pleasure from techniques that involve little or no deep penetration. Around 40 percent reported enjoying gentle external anal stimulation, approximately 35 percent found very shallow penetration pleasurable, and another 40 percent enjoyed anal stimulation when paired with clitoral or vaginal stimulation. Together, these findings suggest that pleasure often comes from layering sensations rather than relying on penetration alone.

The broader takeaway is both simple and revealing: anal pleasure is rarely defined by a single technique. The most satisfying experiences tend to be those that unfold with patience, communication, and an understanding that intimacy is far more nuanced than popular culture often suggests.

The data reveals a more nuanced reality: enjoyment is remarkably consistent across different forms of anal stimulation, from external touch to internal penetration. External and partial techniques are found to be just as pleasurable as full penetration for many women, challenging the common assumption that anal pleasure is defined primarily by depth.

For a significant number of women, the most satisfying experiences do not involve full penetration at all. Instead, pleasure may come from a combination of sensation, comfort, intimacy, and the freedom to explore what feels personally enjoyable. The research ultimately shifts the conversation away from a single definition of anal sex and toward a broader understanding of individual preference and pleasure.

Why the Body Can Enjoy Anal Stimulation

Understanding the body’s anatomy helps explain why many women experience anal stimulation as pleasurable—and why comfort, preparation, and trust are such important parts of the experience.

The anal region contains a dense network of sensory nerve endings, creating the potential for a wide range of sensations. The pudendal nerve, which plays a central role in genital sensation, also serves the surrounding anal area, creating connections within the body’s broader pleasure system. Because the clitoral network extends deep into the pelvic region, some forms of stimulation can create overlapping sensations that feel connected, intensified, or uniquely pleasurable.

But anatomy is only one part of the experience. Pleasure is also influenced by the mind. For some women, the appeal comes from curiosity, intimacy, trust, and the excitement of exploring something new. The emotional experience of feeling safe, desired, and fully in control can be just as meaningful as the physical sensations themselves.

Neither the anatomical nor the psychological side of pleasure is more important than the other. For many women, the most satisfying experiences come from the combination of both: a body that feels comfortable and a mind that feels open, relaxed, and connected.

For a deeper understanding of how the body’s pleasure network works, the Female Pleasure Anatomy 101  guide offers a clear, approachable introduction to the science behind sensation and intimacy.

The Three Techniques That Matter Beyond Penetration

One of the most significant insights from the 2022 PLOS ONE study is that anal pleasure has often been viewed too narrowly. The conversation has traditionally focused almost entirely on penetration, yet research shows that many women experience pleasure through a much broader range of sensations.

For some women, full penetration is not the most appealing form of anal stimulation—or may not be appealing at all. Instead, other approaches can offer a more comfortable, gradual, and personalized way to explore sensation. The study identified three distinct techniques that help explain this wider spectrum of pleasure.

Anal Surfacing

Anal surfacing refers to external touch on and around the outer anal area without insertion. The surrounding skin and muscle tissue contain many sensory nerve endings, and some women find that gentle pressure, touch, or circular movements create pleasurable sensations.

For those who are curious but not interested in penetration, anal surfacing can be a natural place to begin. It allows the body to become familiar with sensation gradually and can be explored alone or with a partner using touch or a smooth, body-safe glass toy designed for external stimulation.

Anal Shallowing

Anal shallowing involves minimal insertion at or just beyond the anal entrance rather than deeper penetration. Because this area contains significant sensory sensitivity, some women find shallow stimulation more enjoyable than deeper forms of anal play.

Research suggests that enjoyment of shallowing can be comparable to other forms of anal stimulation while requiring a different approach focused on patience, comfort, and gradual exploration. For those who choose to explore with toys, designs featuring a smooth surface, tapered shape, and body-safe material—such as borosilicate glass—can provide a comfortable option.

Anal Pairing

Anal pairing refers to combining anal stimulation with other forms of pleasurable touch, such as clitoral stimulation or vaginal stimulation. Research has shown that many women experience greater enjoyment when anal sensation is incorporated into a broader experience rather than approached in isolation.

The reason is simple: pleasure is often created through the interaction of multiple sensations, not just one. For some women, adding another form of stimulation transforms anal touch from something unfamiliar into something that feels more connected, natural, and enjoyable.

The larger takeaway is that there is no single “right” way to experience anal pleasure. Exploration is personal, and what feels satisfying will vary from one person to another.

Why Material Matters

The anal canal does not self-lubricate and is more sensitive to friction than the vaginal canal. This makes material choice more consequential for anal play than for almost any other form of sexual exploration.

Porous materials, including rubber, soft jelly, and many TPE blends, contain microscopic surface pores that trap bacteria and Candida between uses. These materials cannot be fully sterilized. Using a porous toy anally introduces that accumulated bacteria back into the body with every subsequent session, regardless of how thoroughly you wash it.

Glass has none of these limitations. Medical-grade borosilicate glass is fully non-porous, meaning bacteria and other organisms have no surface to embed in. It can be completely sterilized by boiling, running through the dishwasher, or using a bleach solution. Glass also brings a specific advantage: temperature. A glass plug cooled slightly under running water encourages sphincter muscle relaxation before insertion. Warmth from briefly running warm water over the surface can ease tension in the same way.

Browse ONNA's Glass Toys collection for body-safe, borosilicate glass options designed for intentional, comfortable anal exploration. Each piece is individually inspected, smooth, and available in beginner-appropriate sizes with graduated tips.

How to Make Anal Exploration Feel More Pleasurable

Research consistently points to the same foundations behind positive experiences: preparation, lubrication, patience, and personal choice. The difference between discomfort and enjoyment is often not the activity itself, but the way it is approached.

Begin with External Exploration

Starting slowly allows the body to become familiar with new sensations without pressure or expectation. Spending time with external touch before considering any form of insertion can help reduce tension, build confidence, and create a stronger sense of comfort and control.

There is no need to rush toward a particular goal. For many people, the most enjoyable experiences begin with curiosity rather than a desire to reach a specific outcome.

Prioritize Lubrication

Unlike the vagina, the anal canal does not naturally produce lubrication, making a high-quality lubricant an essential part of comfortable exploration. Applying enough lubricant from the beginning and reapplying as needed can significantly reduce friction and improve sensation.

Glass toys are compatible with all lubricant types, including silicone-based formulas that tend to provide longer-lasting glide. ONNA’s Lubricants and Intimate Care collection features body-safe formulas designed to support comfortable and mindful intimate care.

Allow the Body to Relax
The pelvic floor plays an important role in comfort. When the body feels tense or rushed, muscles naturally tighten; when it feels safe and relaxed, sensations can become more comfortable.

Slow breathing, a calm environment, and taking time to relax before beginning can help create a more positive experience. The goal is not to overcome the body’s signals, but to listen to them.

Consider Exploring Solo First
For many women, solo exploration provides the greatest sense of control. Without external expectations or pressure, it becomes easier to discover personal preferences, adjust pacing, and stop whenever something does not feel right.

Understanding your own responses first can also make future partnered experiences more comfortable and communicative.

Combine Sensations If Desired
Research suggests that many women enjoy anal stimulation most when it is part of a broader experience rather than approached in isolation. Combining sensations—such as with clitoral stimulation—can create a more personalized and connected experience for those who enjoy it.

Ultimately, pleasure is highly individual. The most satisfying approach is one built around comfort, communication, and the freedom to explore at a pace that feels right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal not to enjoy anal sex?

Absolutely. Sexual preferences vary widely, and there is no experience that everyone is expected to want. Research shows that many women do not find full anal penetration pleasurable, while others do. Both experiences are completely normal.

Enjoying anal stimulation is a personal preference—not a measure of openness, confidence, or sexuality. The most important factor is whether an experience feels genuinely comfortable and desired.

Can women have orgasms from anal stimulation?

Yes, some women report experiencing orgasm through anal stimulation, particularly when it is combined with other forms of pleasurable touch. The anal region shares sensory connections with the broader pelvic pleasure network, and some women find that combining sensations creates a stronger response.

However, orgasm is not the only measure of enjoyment. Pleasure can come from many forms of sensation, intimacy, and connection.

Does anal sex hurt?

It should not be painful when approached with care, patience, and proper preparation. Discomfort is often a sign that something needs to change—whether that means more lubrication, more relaxation, slower pacing, or stopping altogether.

Beginning with gradual exploration, listening to the body’s signals, and avoiding pressure are key parts of creating a comfortable experience.

What is the safest material for anal toys?

Non-porous materials such as borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and medical-grade silicone are generally preferred for intimate products because they are easier to clean and maintain.

Glass is particularly valued for its smooth, non-porous surface, durability, temperature responsiveness, and compatibility with different lubricant types. ONNA’s Glass Toys collection features body-safe borosilicate glass designs created for comfortable, intentional exploration.

Can I explore anal play by myself without a partner?

Yes. For many women, solo exploration can be the most comfortable starting point because it allows complete control over pace, boundaries, and personal preferences.

Exploring alone provides the opportunity to understand what feels right without outside expectations, making it easier to communicate preferences in future partnered experiences if desired.

The Bottom Line

There is no single answer to the question of whether women enjoy anal sex. Some women find it deeply pleasurable, some feel neutral, and others have no interest in exploring it at all. Every experience is individual.

What research shows is that pleasure is rarely about one specific technique. It is about understanding the body, creating comfort, choosing the right approach, and exploring without pressure or expectation.

For those who choose to explore, the anal toys in ONNA’s collection of body-safe glass toys  and intimate care products are designed to support a more intentional experience—one centered on confidence, comfort, and discovering what feels right at your own pace.