Anal Pleasure & Health - book discontinued by Down There Press - review by Lady of the Lab

With the nickname "Dr. Anal," Dr. Jack Morin has earned it by focusing his medical expertise on studying the anus and collaborating with patients to learn from their experiences. He became personally invested in the topic because of experiencing an anal health problem; using his own research, that problem went away. Because Dr. Morin shared his own personal experience with the topic of the book, I felt like he was bringing more than medical insight to the table. Dr. Morin has been featured on The Daily Show during the segment, "Littleford - Rectum? It Nearly Killed 'Em!" (1999). Additionally, he has written 3 previous editions of Anal Pleasure and Health, as well as another book titled The Erotic Mind (1995).

If you have an anus, you are the intended audience. The writing style can be a bit textbook-like in certain chapters. However, it is balanced by the author's helpful tone and Dr Morin's clients' personal experiences interspersed throughout. I liked how most of the chapters were structured in three sections as follows: 1. Relevant information; 2. "Experience" (exercises); and 3. "Response" (feelings, blocks, possibilities). Below is an outline of the book divided up into five arbitrary parts for ease of clarification.

Part 1. (pp.xi-xvii, 1-22)
Part 1 may be skipped because its focus is more academic than instructional. //
The book begins with an Introduction that includes Dr. Morin's personal connection and how the fourth edition is different from the previous edition. Chapter 1. What is Anal Pleasure? explains what anal pleasure can be, and at the same time includes several statistics from surveys about anal sex. C.2 Confronting the Anal Taboo discusses the legal and societal reasons why the taboo is still prevalent today.

Part 2. (pp.23-72)
Part 2 concentrates on becoming more comfortable with the anus and learning about the anatomy of the anal area. //
If C.3 How to Use This Book (7 pages) could be summed up in one phrase, it would be make a "no-pain-ever commitment" to your anus. A way to start this commitment is described in C.4 Looking and Touching. A diagram is provided of angles to look at and touch the anus, as well as describing some emotional responses you may have (and advice if you experience a negative response).

C. 5. Beneath the Skin delves into the details of both male and female anatomy in relation to the anus, as well as describing "pelvic exercises" (otherwise known as "Kegel exercises") for becoming more self-aware. C. 6. Mind and Body focuses on how the anus can be a chronic tension zone and what to do about it. C. 7. Inside the Anus explains learning voluntary control and how to prepare your anus for penetration (including douching and lubrication).

Part 3. (pp.73-118)
It's not until Part 3 that the focus shifts to pleasure. //
C. 8. Anal Eroticism outlines the stages of sexual response and how to include anal stimulation during masturbation. C. 9. Discovering the Rectum explains how stimulating the rectum can be pleasurable and introduces butt plugs and fisting (handballing). C. 10. Attitudes Toward Rectal Stimulation illuminates 'psychological and cultural blocks' such as feces, gender roles, and drugs.

Part 4. (pp.119-168)
Part 4's focus is exploring anal sensuality and pleasure with a partner. //
C. 11. Mutual Exploration extensively discusses experiencing anal sensuality with a partner, as well as the safety precautions to take when rimming. C. 12. Anal Intercourse describes what to expect and prepare for with anal penetration, with illustrations of suggested positions for comfort. In C. 13. Realms of Power, power is examined in relation to anal eroticism by discussing 'symbols of power' and how such power can become erotic.

Part 5. (pp.169-237)
The last part of the book wraps up with an Appendix, References and Resources (from 2010), and Index. //
C. 14. Lifetime of Anal Pleasure suggests to continue developing self-awareness and honoring erotic preferences discovered. The Appendix concentrates on anal and rectum health problems, such STD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes. Although the Appendix could be longer, I think that Dr. Morin concisely provided information as a launch pad for communicating with a doctor.

The glossy soft cover features a naked person, with the front featuring the butt. Although indiscreet, the cover does display the beauty of anal sensuality. I can confirm that the 4th edition of the book is 9" long, 6" wide, and 0.5" thick. However the total number of pages is 237, not 280 pages. The binding is sturdy and I thought the organization of the contents made for a enjoyable, albeit dense, read.

The majority of the diagrams are medical figures that are precisely labeled. As a visual learner I thought the inclusion of these diagrams, such as Figure 3. Internal and External Anal Sphincter Muscles, really helped with becoming self-aware.

I decided when I bought this book that I would commit to becoming more aware of my body, motivated by health and pleasure. Two of the suggestions from the book are displayed above: examining the anal area with a hand-held mirror (~$8) and using a butt plug (such as the Mood Naughty small). As an alternative to a plug I would suggest the Small Silk dildo.

My experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I was so impressed that I gifted this book to a friend who was interested in anal sexuality. I hope that Edenfantasys will carry this book again because I plan on buying more to give as gifts.