Your Sex Life 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...

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 ...