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).

Health issues

Unprotected anal sex is an effective means of transmitting most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In particular, it is the sexual activity which most effectively transmits HIV, which can lead to AIDS. According to health care professionals, condoms should always be used for anal intercourse, but they should not be considered an absolute safeguard. In principle, anal sex with anyone known to have a sexually transmissible disease, and indeed with anyone whose disease-negative status has not been determined (and the process of determining one's disease status is notoriously imperfect, with many "false negatives"), should be avoided. This advice applies to all sexual activity that effectively transmits STDs.

Related Topics:
Sexually transmitted diseases - HIV - AIDS - Condoms

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Anal sex does carry some risks to health and comfort even in the absence of STDs. For example, while the vagina secretes its own lubrication, the anus and rectum do not. The tissues in the rectal area are particularly delicate and susceptible to tearing, thus, a personal lubricant should always be used for anal intercourse. Oil-based lubricants like Vaseline, however, destroy latex condoms, and the two should not be used together.

Related Topics:
Lubrication - Tissue - Personal lubricant - Vaseline - Latex

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In addition, since the rectal tissues are so easily damaged, and since the anorectal muscles are largely under involuntary control, slow, gentle, and responsive insertion is necessary to avoid pain and tearing.

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Nothing that has been placed in or at the anus, including fingers, should ever contact the vulva, vagina, or mouth without being thoroughly washed with soap or a similar disinfectant, to avoid infection caused by the transmission of bacteria. Condoms can be placed over sex toys and latex gloves can be worn to protect the hands and fingers. These should be used once and then discarded.

Related Topics:
Vulva - Bacteria

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It is also very important to be careful when inserting objects into the anus. Objects with edges or points can cause severe injury. Moreover, objects could get lodged in the rectum, requiring medical intervention (hospital records confirm how inventive human beings can be in discovering objects to insert into their rectums). For this reason, most modern dildos are made with flared bases. Additionally, nothing longer than eight inches (20 cm) should be inserted into the rectum. Objects exceeding eight inches risk colliding with the sigmoid colon, the lining of which is probably not much stronger than a wet paper towel, and trauma can result in internal bleeding with potentially fatal results.

Related Topics:
Dildo - Sigmoid colon

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Objects inserted in the anus should be washed carefully after every use. It is dangerous to share sex toys; if a dildo is used on more than one person, it should be covered with a condom which is changed after each use. Silicone and glass dildos may be sterilized via boiling instead. (See masturbation for more information on the use of sex toys.)

Related Topics:
Sex toy - Silicone - Glass - Masturbation

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In females, deeply penetrative anal sex must be attempted with care, because the female upper rectum passes adjacent to the uterus, which can experience physical trauma in cases of vigorous intercourse.

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Like any form of sex, anal sex is rendered much more dangerous under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which reduce responses, judgment, and ability to pay attention to one's own needs.

Related Topics:
Alcohol - Drugs

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