Anal sex

Anal sex or anal intercourse is a commonly practiced form of human sexual behavior in some cultures. It involves the anus (or rectum), especially, but not limited to, the insertion of the erect penis into the rectum through the anus. The use of sex toys and other activities involving the anus and rectum may be considered anal sex as well. Anal sex can be pleasurable for both the insertive partner and the receptive partner, as the anus contains many of the same kinds of nerves as the penis or clitoris (it can also be unpleasurable for both partners, especially if performed forcefully or without lubrication).

Anal sex among heterosexuals

Edward O. Laumann's The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States found that about 20% of heterosexuals have engaged in anal sex, and sex researcher Alfred Kinsey found that number to be closer to 40%. More recently, a researcher from the University of British Columbia (quoted in the May 5 2005 issue of The Georgia Straight) puts the number of heterosexuals who regularly practice anal sex at between 30% and 50%.

Related Topics:
Edward O. Laumann - Alfred Kinsey - University of British Columbia - May 5 - 2005 - The Georgia Straight

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In several cultures (such as the Mediterranean area and Latin America) female receptive anal intercourse in a heterosexual context is widely accepted, especially as there is less risk of unwanted pregnancy via unprotected anal than unprotected vaginal intercourse ("Greek" has become a popular synonym for anal sex in the U.S., perhaps reflecting the perceived acceptance of anal sex in Mediterranean cultures). Anal sex is sometimes seen as preserving female virginity (or at least preserving an intact hymen until marriage) http://www.garynull.com/Documents/Continuum/DissentingViewAnalSex&AIDS.htm.

Related Topics:
Mediterranean - Latin America - Pregnancy - Virginity - Hymen - Marriage

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Anal intercourse, however, is not a reliable method of birth control, as it is still possible for semen to spill into the vagina, although very rarely, and result in pregnancy.

Related Topics:
Semen - Vagina

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One appeal of heterosexual anal sex may be that the fact that the anus is generally tighter than the vagina. Some consider penetrating the tighter orifice to be the more pleasurable experience.

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In many cultures, even those where female receptive anal intercourse is considered normative, male receptive anal intercourse, even in a heterosexual context, is seen as taboo, or as less common. In some cultures anal sex is so commonly linked with homosexuality that any male who engages in receptive anal intercourse is considered homosexual, even if he is penetrated by a female partner or by himself during masturbation. In some cultures, only males who are penetrated by other males are considered homosexual, while males who penetrate other males are not.

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In certain contexts male-male anal intercourse among males who otherwise identify as heterosexual is seen as a temporary behaviour to which they resort when confined in single-sex environments, such as prisons or soldiers separated from partners.

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