Butt Seriously: The Definitive Guide to Anal Health, Pleasure, and Everything In Between

by Evan Goldstein

A cheeky yet authoritative guide to anal health and anal sex, written by the leading anal health expert in the United States.

More people than ever are receptive to the pleasures of anal, but compassionate, medically comprehensive information can be challenging to come by. No more!
  
Whether you’re a top or a bottom, gay or straight, experienced or just getting ready to stretch your, um, imagination— Butt Seriously gives you the medically accurate, scientifically-backed information you need to keep your peach ready to take you to the height of sexual bliss.
 
This first-of-a-kind guide will teach you how to keep your anus healthy, maximize your pleasure, and bust the myths holding us back around anal sex. Among other takeaways, Butt Seriously Refreshingly inclusive and sex-positive, Butt Seriously is the backdoor bible for anyone looking to uplevel their sex life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Queer, Self Help, History, Science

336 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[Gerhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The most important beauty tip I can share with you is this: Love yourself. Love being you. Love being gay or straight, cis or trans. Love being not sure, if that’s where you are. Love your ass, and love that you love ass.'

Bottoms up!

[Sol]

I'm sort of surprised this book is not talked about widely yet, but I'm assuming it could be less of a marketing foible (though that could be a part of it) and more of a stigmatization issue? Or could also just be the fact that it's rather new, I hope it'll get more attention once it gets officially released (next month btw!! quite soon!)

Dr. Goldstein says that in this book, too: information about the butt is generally uncomplicated but the main challenge lies in destigmatizing the conversations about them, and this anal education benefits not only the gays but also straighties who wish to try new things in the bedroom, or otherwise just improve their relationships with their butts beyond what they do with it in the practical sense (shitting).

also im gonna quickly note here that there are indeed so many opportunities to make puns and dr. goldstein doesn't miss any of them :D you're in for a good laugh here and there, especially if your humor is similar to mine lmao

intro to dr goldstein: he is colorectal physician who is also a part of the gay community. he's been a gay physician for literal decades by now and hence has collected a myriad of stories from straighties and lgbtq+ folks alike. he writes of them in a compassionate and open-minded way, in that whichever community you identify yourself with, you'll understand and sympathize with the patients he's written about.

i shared the knowledge i gleaned from this book to friends who bottom and friends who have friends who bottom and friends who have no idea what bottoming entails (oh, bless your heart my sweet innocent friend who thirsts for knowledge the same way we fellow nerds do!) and the consensus is that the contents of this book should be more widely talked about and shared.

note that i've been in the medical field since graduating college centuries [exaggeration] ago, have taken my fair share of anatomy classes to work towards a science degree, but the disjointed knowledge gleaned from those don't compare to the amount of knowledge i got from this book, not because it's all new knowledge but because the things presented here are PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS of that knowledge. note that i've taken (AND ACED, I HAVE TO ADD) anatomy tests but in reading about anatomy here as it relates to butt health, i'm re-experiencing the same kind of swoon-y nerdy kilig feelings i felt while learning about anatomy itself. the human body is fascinating and astounding aaaaah

anyway so yeah, both in reading this book and talking about this book, i learned so much.
i'll try to organize the things i used "i am today years old when i learned" to begin a sentence with:
- there is a tool called a "dilator" and the cone-shaped ones are designed specifically for anal training
- the existence of lube shooters (narrow, smooth-tipped syringe that you can either fill with your fav lube or order pre-filled); ive always known that spit is not a good lubricant but im very happy to learn that there is in fact a quick way to lube yourself and your partner up without resorting to spit and that is!! lube shooter
- anal botox is covered by insurance here in the USA (psa: botox is generally helpful for many people not just in the aesthetic sense anyway--thats another myth that needs to be debunked--i have a friend who gets botox regularly to help with her migraines for example, and this is a pretty common example)
- douching is not a strict necessary prerequisite to anal play! it's optional and is not the most recommended and not the healthiest way to ensure mess-free anoreceptive intercourse, but like doc said, if you MUST do it, do it properly!! also very joyfully learned that one of my friends who bottom has had his fair share of douching-related learning-the-hard-way-moments BUT he's much more empowered once he's learned of the proper douching technique!! im pretty sure that as a seasoned bottom whose butt-related wisdom was earned, he endorses the things this book teaches too.
- according to friend who bottoms, in [redacted city] it's common for bottoms to be expected to bring condoms and lubes. friends, we were AGHAST when we learned about this. shouldn't tops be equally, if not MORE, responsible for making sure that a sexual encounter with a bottom is well-prepared for?
- another story from another friend who bottoms: there was a time when a top was so large he, the bottom, felt as if he was going to black out from the pain but couldn't stop mid-way because "he was already there." imagine my shocked pikachu face. (me and another friend, at the same time: "maybe a lack of preparation?!" psa, which is also covered by this book: sex is NEVER supposed to be painful. if you feel pain, STOP. someone's doing it wrong. likely the top. Never let your tops get away with hurting you please)

+ other things i already know but am not exactly familiar with especially re: gut health, anatomy, intercourse, etc. besides the pleasure derived from anal sex, there are also many benefits to developing a great relationship with your butt. i will for sure re-read multiple times the section on nutrition, which im so glad is included here too.

as i mentioned in some book club threads and friend-DMs: i am so endeared by the fact there are sections in this book that address tops specifically. my tl;dr here is if you have a big dick don't go around shoving it in people's holes without going slow especially you are inexperienced or are generally lacking in the compassion department. doc mentioned a joke there somewhere that a bottom is subject to financial recompense for cancelling a trip to pound town, and i would like to add to it a serious tone and an additional suggestion: not only should bottoms be financially recompensed if tops cancel on them, bottoms should also be, in general, pampered and spoiled which means they have to spend a grand total of $0 to prepare themselves for a good night. tops bottoms and verses take note!

anyway, important thing to note here too, which doc emphasizes:
anal sex isn't the only way you put your butt at risk, btw.
you don't really realize how much risk you put your butt into until it gets listed clearly like it's been in this book:
- you're at risk if you're a woman or taking estrogen hormones because we women generally have thinner linings down there;
- you're at risk if you're a busy butt-in-chair office-worker who has to hold in poop for the sake of productivity (the longer you hold it in, the higher the chances for constipation and thus higher the chances for anal fissures swollen hemorrhoids risk for anal cancer etcetc!);
- you're at risk if you work out at the gym regularly--the muscles you don't pay much attention to, the ones who receive the brunt of the pressure you put them under: your butt muscles are screaming at you to workout properly;
- etcetc.

this book is not to be treated as a strict instruction manual but rather a loose supplement to use in conversations not only with partners, friends, selves but also with your physicians. so i hope that if you ever get curious about this book and decide to read it, as i have, you'll also find an open-minded and compassionate physician that you can confide in the way dr goldstein's patients confide in him. if all physicians adopt the same mindset dr goldstein does in healing practices, im sure our healthcare system is gonna be all the better for it.

Thank you so much Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy!

[Grant Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super educational, and funny! We need to get rid of the stigma around the butt! Give yourself the tools to be the master of your butthole with this book. Dr. Goldstein makes this accessible and relevant to everyone- those who bottom, those who top, males, females and all genders. He debunks myths, goes over anatomy, provides how to guides for those partaking in or interested in anal sex, and what to do when issues arise down south. Also great tips on butt healthy diets and best daily practices/general maintenance of that area. Most surprising thing I learned- butt wipes are the worst thing EVER! Also- don’t wipe, pat, but better yet use a bidet or shower after every poop 🤣

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Pub for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Mike Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, educational and a fant-ass-tic read! 4/5

[Laianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative guide to butt health with regard to anal sex. You will learn everything you need to know about hygiene, disease, positioning and common pain points. The book is mostly geared toward gay men but includes helpful lessons on anatomy that would benefit individuals and couples alike. After reading, I will definitely be investing in a bidet.

I listened to the audiobook version read by the author, and while I have no complaints about the narration itself, the doorbell sounds and background music (for “top tips” and health tips, respectively) could be a little distracting. I’d recommend buying a physical copy of the book and keeping it on your shelf for reference.

[Steven]

it's unthinkable that a reference guide this thorough, compassionate, and straightforward hasn't been released until last year. i came across this trying to see what would happen if i mixed the search terms 'mature content' and 'nonfiction' on Libby, and a single library had it.

yes, dr. goldstein devotes chapters to sexual health, but i think it's more important that he outlines specific and practical tips for folks just getting into being sexually active in the manner suggested by the title. there's even a six-week protocol for getting ready, which includes mental and physical preparation. most notably, dr. goldstein is against a certain cleaning process, but, without judgement, he offers suggestions for the best way to do so because he recognizes that it contributes positively to the mental aspect.

this is clearly the kind of book that would be targeted by those-who-ban-them, but i think the advice within is invaluable, and would save so many people needless hassle, shame, and uncertainty going forward, replacing it instead with empowerment, joy, and of course, pleasure.

[Benoit Marinoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Butt Seriously" is a standout read with its unique and informative perspective on butt fun.

Its sex-positive tone is refreshing and encourages exploration and body positivity. The book is both educational and entertaining, offering practical advice along with well-researched insights. With humour and respect, the author makes the topic approachable.

This book is a must-read for anyone curious about sexual wellness, providing liberation and empowerment through its engaging content. It's a valuable addition to any reader's collection who seeks a deeper understanding of sexuality.

[Eric Dallesasse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent and informative way to better understand anal health for everybody! This was an extremely healing way to better understand our health that was never taught in schools.

[T. James Capellaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential read for all of us. Regardless of identity - as simply a member of this species - this book is for you. It’s so very useful, funny, empowering, and informative. Thank you, Dr. Goldstein.

[Daniel Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for everyone who's into anal sex.

[Staci Suhy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free as part of a first reads promotion.

[Jp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful. Especially, if you gathered information on these things yourself or years ago.

[Austin Coe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regardless of sexual orientation, anyone interested in anal sex should read this book. Funny, accessible, and absolutely essential to understanding the most misunderstood part of gay life.

[isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and entertaining book! loved it

[Stephen Clynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Evan Goldstein is an anal surgeon for a practice called Bespoke Surgical and founder of a health care company called Future Method. Bottoms are seriously Evan’s day job and he is a leading specialist in his field. This book tells the average person in the street all you could ever want to know about bottoms.

I found Butt Seriously a fascinating read and Evan covers everything. Explored at length is the anatomy and biology of bottoms plus the taboo subject of anal sex. This book is aimed at everyone, all gender types, all sexualities and is very inclusive. Evan has seen it all and is non judgemental. Evan tells you what is out there so the reader can understand the bigger picture and what may go on behind closed doors.

I loved Evan’s writing style, he is very jolly and explains serious things in a humorous way. For example…

You’re aware, for instance, that your poop isn’t sitting at the opening of your anus just waiting to turtlehead its way out to say hi. Rather, it’s tucked up in the sigmoid colon, where it collects until there’s enough to trigger the internal sphincter to open and allow the feces to pass through the rectum and out the body.

… He is very frank in his approach but never makes the reader feel uncomfortable. Evan explodes the many myths surrounding anal sex. A full explanation is given of butt plugs, dilators, pegging and rimming. I learned a lot from this book, especially the biology involved, how our sigmoid colon works and the anterior fornix in women. Lots of advice is given about health care like not taking longer than 60 seconds sitting on the toilet, the front-to-back rule and the dangers of using wet wipes! Many illustrations are provided to avoid any possible misunderstandings, including the Bristol stool chart. For all the seriousness of this book, with him going into extreme detail, this is easy reading because of his entertaining writing style.

I did enjoy Evan’s discussion of gender identity and sexuality, there are so many labels that people can use to describe themselves accurately, each with important differences that reflect the diversity of the population. I learned an awful lot from reading this book, there is no mystery left about how bottoms work and what some people do behind closed doors.

I found Butt Seriously to be an OUTSTANDING 5 star read that is educating and a joy to read. I now smile when doing the washing up as I imagine the “delicious pop” sound a spatula can make on withdrawal or a “rosebud” winking at me!

[Κωνσταντίνος Γραμμενίδης · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to anyone engaging in, trying, or wondering about anal sex and pleasure. Especially those who feel ashamed of this desire. It is also a great resource for any gay or bi man, or someone exploring their sexuality in general.

Because first and foremost it is a very liberating and destigmatizing book. It treats the pleasures and health of a mostly overlooked and taboo area, seriously. The first pages of the book drill into a very important message, one of normalisation and removal of shame. And are a rallying cry to advocate for your needs to medical practitioners, who may not feel that your priorities and concerns are important, or may be ignorant about them.

The rest is filled with extremely useful practical knowledge. It gives you the sex ed you never had but desperately needed. I found the chapters on anal anatomy and nutrition particularly insightful, to anyone really. Not to mention a thorough protocol that promises to lead anyone into being able to enjoy anal pleasure with practice, even if they have found it painful, too tight, or have suffered scars from injury or surgery.

I've subtracted one star, because I found it to drag a little bit. The author can be a bit repetitive, and dare I say perfectionistic with his prescriptions. which, of course, is his job, but I think some of the instructions and recommendations are so thorough and detailed, and require so many steps, equipment, and time, that I think lose some of their practicality. But that may be appealing, for many readers. What I mostly disliked, however, is that there are parts of it that feel like product placement of the author's own brand. Which again, is fair, but raises a reader's eyebrow. Lastly, it's very USA-centric and some of it's recommendations regarding medical care may not be applicable outside it.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Butt Seriously, Dr. Evan Goldstein has written a guide to anal health and pleasure. This book is for men and women and all kinds- gay, straight, bi, and trans. He is a surgeon who has helped countless individuals in healing from pain from anal sex, hemorrhoids, even using Botox in your ass. He opened up about his experience with trying anal and the pain he felt as being a gay man. He decided after that no more bottoming for himself. In the book, he walks readers through the anatomy of an ass. There is a 6-week dilation plan to get your booty ready for new things. He went over different techniques and even touched on douching. He discussed the different risks involved with sex such as diseases, std’s, and even injuries and how to fix them in they occur. This book covered tons of helpful information regarding everything about your butt.



I would suggest this to anyone who is ready to explore their butts and they are curious to try new activities whether gay or straight. This book is a very well written guide on everything about sex to pleasure. Readers can tell he’s a doctor who has practiced and studied for years on the topic. I think readers will enjoy the guide on how to get dilated and experience an orgasm using anal possibly. It was interesting to learn more about the topic and this is the first book I have ever read on the topic.

[Zack Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting when I picked this up—lesson learned to always read the description before starting a book! I grabbed this while borrowing Come As You Are, thinking it might be in a similar vein. Turns out, this book is an in-depth guide on how to approach anal sex.

While it’s not a topic I personally sought out, the book is informative and thorough for what it aims to do. It’s clear the author is knowledgeable and provides a lot of practical advice for those interested in exploring this subject. It wasn’t for me, but I can think of a few people who might find it helpful or relevant.

If you're looking for a guide on the topic, this might be worth a read. Just know what you're getting into before diving in (pun intended) 3.5 stars

[Kamp Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was great. It gave practical advice, diagrams, and relevant information regarding injuries that can be sustained. My biggest takeaway from this book is the importance of being informed and educated in order to be your own advocate for your health & wellness. This book also took a humorous approach to the subject but highlighted very important issues. I appreciate that this book wasn’t limited to one gender, but provided insight anyone can take advantage of.

I appreciate everything that this book is! I would definitely recommend this one to others and I’m glad I took the time to read it myself.

[Ellis Hyman]

Official rating will come once I put to practice the tips the book has to recommend lol. Butt, besides a small portion of the beginning feeling self-indulgent and some of the tone being a little cheesy, I think this book has a lot of really enlightening, practical, helpful, and potentially groundbreaking tips

[Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, affirming, and amusing! While not all parts are directly relevant to all readers, the author does a good job of cycling between which audience they use as examples, and which topics they're discussing.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide covers the chronically under-discussed topic of anal health, and there is truly no one on earth better equipped to discuss it than the brilliant, funny Dr. Evan Goldstein. A must-read (or must-consult, anyway) for gay men, but includes something to benefit everyone.

[Melinda Fulford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful information for an anatomy part everyone has. I'm female and I learned a ton from this book. Thank you Dr. Goldstein.

[ven]

nothing wrong with this; i just got what i needed out of it by the 50% mark.

[Aliyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun accessible book.
Dr. Goldstein's voice is very soothing and calming. Should be read in schools.
Educational for all.

[Lamont Harrell, II · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest conversation about butt health, highly recommend.

[Steven Brooks]

I mean shoutout to this man

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skip the long first section of annoying puns and FAQs like “is anal a sin”

Rest of the book is good practical info from an experienced specialist doctor!

[TA Inskeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, thorough book all about butts. I really appreciated that it’s written by a gay doctor who also enjoys anal: he knows of what he speaks.

[Will G · Rating 2 out of 5]

"In my experience..." the book, with butts.