Pride, Pleasure & Empowerment: Your Body, Your Health, Your Choice
June isn’t just Pride Month it’s a time to reclaim autonomy over your body, your identity, and your pleasure. At Maze Men’s Health, we believe every man deserves medically accurate, shame free, and affirming sexual health support.
And if bottoming is part of your sexual repertoire or you’re curious, it deserves the same attention as any other part of your health. This E-book walks through the science and safety of bottoming, including anal dilation, muscle training, and how we at Maze help you feel confident in your body and sex life.
The Science Behind Bottoming: Why Preparation Matters
Anal sex, unlike vaginal intercourse, involves a muscle not biologically designed to relax on its own for penetration, the external anal sphincter. That’s why learning to bottom safely requires education, patience, and physical preparation.
One of the most effective strategies to ensure a pain free and enjoyable experience is anal dilation. This involves gradually introducing dilators of increasing size to:
- Reduce tension in the sphincter
- Improve blood flow and flexibility
- Help you become aware of your body’s signals and thresholds
Research shows that proactive anal dilation and pelvic floor relaxation can reduce pain and improve pleasure during anal sex (Mick J. et al., J Sex Med, 2015).
Bottoming is Mental, Too
Many men report anxiety, embarrassment, or fear of pain around bottoming especially when trying it for the first time or after a long break. This is normal, and treatable.
At Maze, we support the whole person:
- Sex therapy to address shame, fear, or intimacy issues
- Medical support for pain, performance, or erectile dysfunction
- Education tools like our “Bottoming 101” guide to empower your journey
“Men who receive affirming sexual health support report higher confidence, greater sexual satisfaction, and better mental health.”
— American Journal of Men’s Health, 2020
What Maze Offers for Gay and Bi Men During Pride and Beyond
We’re proud to support gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning men year-round with services tailored to your needs:
Sexual Health Services
- STI screenings, PrEP consultations, and HIV care
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie’s Disease treatment
- Testosterone optimization
- Counseling for sexual performance anxiety or trauma recovery
Bottoming Support
- Anal dilation training
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Resources like “Bottoming 101”
- Sensate focus exercises and partner coaching
Inclusive, Affirming Care
Our providers are trained in LGBTQ+ affirming practices that means no shame, no assumptions, and no judgment. Just smart, personalized medical care.
Consent, Safety, and Mutual Enjoyment Come First
Let’s be clear: bottoming should never hurt, and sex should always be consensual, safe, and pleasurable for all involved. That means:
- Communication with your partner
- Adequate lubrication (avoid numbing agents, which increase risk of injury)
- Preparation, including dilation and hygiene
- Awareness of your own body’s readiness
This Pride Month Make Your Pleasure a Priority
We celebrate the men who bottom. The men who are curious. The men who are healing from shame and stepping into self-love. And we’re here to support you with science, not stigma.
Your sexuality is powerful. Your body deserves care. Your health deserves precision. Let’s make this Pride one of power, clarity, and confidence.
Maze Health is proud to be a premier Sexual and Reproductive Health center in the Northeast, providing compassionate, inclusive care to the LGBTQIA+ community across Westchester County, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Led by renowned Urologist Dr. Michael A. Werner, our expert team has been helping individuals and couples achieve sexual wellness, reproductive health, and fertility goals since 1994. We recognize that every journey is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized, affirming care in a safe and welcoming environment.
Contact us today to schedule a private consultation and experience expert care tailored to your needs.
