Skip to main content

Anal Sex 101

What is anal sex?

Anal sex is the penetration of the anus by a penis, finger or sex toy. There are a lot of nerve endings in and around the anus, and it is a highly sensitive area for many people. Anal sex can also be very uncomfortable or painful, often due to lack of adequate lubrication, or if the person being penetrated is not relaxed. 

How risky is anal sex?

Anal sex is considered a high-risk behaviour for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) andother Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The delicate tissue in the rectum is prone to smalltears that provide an entrance for bacteria and viruses. The anus is not self-lubricating and isless elastic than the vagina, so it is important to go slowly and make sure you are relaxed.Fisting, which is the practice of inserting the hand into the rectum, may cause severe tearing of the rectal lining that may last for several weeks. Fisting can be made safer by using a latex glove with lubrication.

How can I make anal sex safer?

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of HIV and STIs during anal sex:• Use condoms (latex or polyurethane).

• Use lots of lubrication. Water-based lubricant will reduce the risk of condom breakageand tears of the anus.

• Try other anal sex activities that are less risky

• Anal stimulation with mouth/tongue is made safer by using a dental dam and kissing orlicking through the thin latex.

• Use clean unshared sex toys. Use condoms over sex toys if you are sharing them or moving from anus to your vagina. Sex toys should be cleaned after each use.

• Since moving objects from one person's anus to another person's vagina or anus can cause infections, wash the penis, finger or object first before and after inserting.

• Remember to use a new condom or to wash your penis and hands after having anal sex, before re-entering the vagina or mouth. 

What if I have had unprotected anal sex?

If you have had anal intercourse without a condom you should consider getting tested for HIVand other STIs so that you can protect your health and avoid transmitting infections to your partner(s). Talk to your partner about safer sex and discuss the possibility of exploring other, less risky activities.

Remember anal intercourse is a high-risk activity. If you are comfortable engaging in anal intercourse it is essential that you use condoms and take the necessary precautions. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Orgasms 101

What is an orgasm? The highly pleasurable peak of intense sexual excitement and release of sexual tension, characterized by involuntary contractions of the muscles of the genitals, and accompanied by a dramatic increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Orgasm is usually observed with the ejaculation of semen in males and by vaginal contractions in females. Why is the female orgasm so fickle? Males are very likely to experience an orgasm after sexual arousal; however, ladies find that the “Big O” is much more capricious or unpredictable. The answer may lie in evolutionary science which asks the question, what is the function of the female orgasm anyway? Researcher Elisabeth Lloyd, author of The Case of the Female Orgasm, observes that male orgasm is required for reproduction since it is usually associated with ejaculation and the transfer of sperm through seminal fluid. By contrast, female orgasm may be the equivalent of male nipples – an evolutionary holdover which is hard...
Post a Comment
Read more

Condoms & Other Barrier Methods: A Guide To Safer Sex

WHAT IS SAFER SEX?  Safer sex is not about eliminating sex from your life. It is about respect for yourself and respect for your partner—talking about sex, knowing how to protect yourself, and taking precautions every time. Safer sex means enjoying sex without getting or giving sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some STIs can be treated and cured easily. Others have no cure but can be controlled with treatment.  Remember that you are the one responsible for protecting yourself in every sexual relationship. WHAT ARE THE RISKS? To make physical intimacy as enjoyable and safe as possible, know which types of intimate contact are higher risk for STI transmission and which are lower risk. The chart below ranks sexual practices by their degree of risk, assuming no protection is used.* Activities that involve direct exposure to a partner’s semen, vaginal secretions, or blood are more dangerous. HIGH RISK << Receptive anal intercourse << Receptive vaginal intercourse ...
Post a Comment
Read more