Is Anal Sex Safe?

Some people consider anal sex a taboo, and would rather not discuss it, not to mention engaging in it, however, there are more couples exploring anal sex, so it is important to discuss its risks, benefits, and how to go about it if you have to. Contrary to popular opinion, anal sex is not restricted to anal penetration with a penis. There are a few more options. This type of sex can also be with the tongue, fingers, and sex toys like dildos, vibrators, and butt plugs. Safe anal sex requires some communication, planning, and preparation. Let’s see what it entails.

What to Know Before Having Anal Sex

If you want to have anal sex, there are germane things you should know. Adhering to precautions will help you reduce your risk of infections and injury. And of course, it will also help you enjoy the experience much more.

Lubrication

When a woman is aroused, the vagina provides its lubricant for sex. The anus is different in this regards. You have to provide the lubrication yourself. Penetrating the anus without lubrication can tear the delicate tissue in it and lead to pain and bleeding.

Sensitive Anal Tissues

The tissue inside the anus is thin, delicate, and likely to tear and bleed as a result of penetration. This increases the risk of contracting infections. Partners who are infection-free may transfer bacteria between each other through the anal tears. This comes with some health risks too.

Hygiene

If you wear a condom for anal sex, be sure to change it before having vaginal sex. You should also wash your hands and sex toys thoroughly immediately after anal sex because bacteria such as hepatitis A and E. coli can spread through anal sex practices.

Pain

A number of people dread anal sex because of the pain they have had or imagine they would have. If you practice anal sex correctly, it can actually feel great. Of course, like vaginal sex, the first experience might hurt. It may even hurt a few times after. You might want to start with finger penetration or use small sex toys until you get used to it.

Bleeding

Your first time or two of having anal sex may come with some bleeding. You might want to stop or speak with your doctor if bleeding continues with subsequent sessions. Rough penetration is usually the cause of bleeding, although there may be some other factors.

Safe Practices to Do Before Having Anal Sex

Speak with your Partner

Anal sex should never be in your list of surprise requests. If you’re interested in trying anal sex, you should first have a conversation with your partner so they have enough time to think it through. If the feeling is mutual, discuss how exactly you want to go about it, and ensure that you agree on safe practices.

Wear a Condom or Dental Dam

Depending on the type of anal sex you have, be sure to wear a condom or dental dam, and you should change them before you switch from anal to vaginal sex. If you’re not using a condom, wash the penis or whatever else you use properly before inserting it into the vagina.

Consider an Enema

Yes, it can be messy down there, so before having anal sex, it’s okay to use an enema to clean the lower half of your rectum after a bowel movement.

Cut your Nails

Cutting your nails will reduce your risk of cutting or scratching your partner. The anal tissue is thin and delicate, so it can easily bleed if it comes in contact with long nails. Keeping long nails also increases the risk of spreading bacteria that could cause infections. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and scrub under your nails after engaging in anal sex.

Use Lubricant

You need to lubricate a whole lot if you’re having anal sex. Use a water-based lubricant, so it doesn’t break down the condom you’re wearing. You may have a washcloth around to clean up from excess lube.

Don’t Rush into it

Do some foreplay to help the anal sphincter relax, so you can enjoy the experience better. Take things slow, and be sure that you and your partner are ready before you penetrate. Don’t try to have full penis penetration in your first round. You could start with a finger, then use two or three fingers. A toy might be a good option, too, as it will help you to get gradually comfortable with the sensation.

Find a Suitable Position

Some people lie on their stomach while their partner stays behind them for anal sex. Some others prefer missionary and simply adjust the point of entry. If you and your partner have not had anal sex before, it would be great to try different positions and choose which is most suitable.

Some Poop May Be Involved

This is an ugly but factual part of anal sex. Even if you use an enema or wash, some poop might still be involved. If you can’t stand the thought of poop in the process, then you might want to reconsider your choice of anal sex.

Interesting Butt Facts

• The scientific term for sexual arousal caused by the buttocks is “pygophilia”.
• You can get melanoma on the skin of your butt, despite not being exposed to the sun.
• 10% of the people getting butt implants are men.
• Of all their body parts, women particularly like their butt being complimented.
• “Callipygian” is the term used to describe a person with an attractive butt, while “callimammapygian” is used for someone with attractive breasts and butt.
• Men and women have different butt sizes due to hormones. Estrogen causes the body to store fat in the butt, thighs, and hips.
• Human butts are composed of the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, and gluteus minimus, generally called gluteal muscles.
• The gluteus maximus is the main extensor muscle of the hip.
• The gluteus maximus is also the largest and outermost of the three gluteal muscles.
• The gluteus maximus forms a large part of the shape and appearance of each side of the hips.
• Sitting for too long can cause your glutes to lose muscle mass, often leading to back pain and difficulty in climbing stairs. You can reduce the risk of these conditions by spending time off the couch or work chair and doing some squats or lunges.
• The average person farts between 13 and 21 times a day, and 99 percent of these farts don’t smell.
• The English language has at least 50 different slang words for the butt; some of them are: ass, fatty, pooper, tush, seat, junk, booty, moneymaker, caboose, can.
• Poop turns brown because it comprises bile and discarded red blood cells. It can also come in various other colors, as caused by different factors.
• Some studies claim that humans and other primates evolved into having butts because we sit and need something comfortable to sit on.
• Owing to the higher concentration of melanocytes in the skin folds, the butt appears darker than other parts of the body. This is the same reason the skin of the armpits, elbows, and the backs of the knees appear darker.
• Small bumps on the butt cheeks are normal. They appear due to a condition called folliculitis, which develops from friction, bacteria, or sweating.
• Butt hair prevents chafing between the butt cheeks.