i personally think that anal sex is kinda gross because after all from the anus comes you know what.
A thorough washout/douching should take care of any fecal matter, although I myself draw the line at feltching and ATM.
This thread is destined, I fear, to become the dumping ground (pun intended) of all the assorted loonies, anal retentives and closet scatpigs around here. But before that happens
one more time, let me just say that the secrets to pleasurable anal sex (aside from douching and drying) are:
1) An enthusiastic bottom, male or female;
2) His/her willingness/ability to relax;
3) Lots and lots of lube, especially one that stays wet indefinitely.
Trying something new, or trying something that pushes your limits can be intimidating. As with any decent advice regarding sexual pleasure, find a partner whom you can trust, go slowly and keep communicating. In the right set of circumstances, anal sex is extremely pleasurable.