Is anal sex safe, and what are the hazards to your health?

Bum fun, pillow chewing, starfish punching, whatever you want to call it, anal sex is no longer a taboo subject, and many people participate in this extracurricular bedroom activity - and enjoy it!

It can be intimidating if you're new to backdoor fun and don't know where to begin. Is it safe, what are the risks, and how do you go about doing it safely? Dr. Roger Henderson, a general practitioner, examines the risks and discusses how to have safe anal sex:

What exactly is anal sex?

Anal sex refers to sexual activity that involves the anus, specifically the sort of intercourse in which the penis enters the anus. Rectal sex is also a term used to describe it.

It's recommended doing some research before you have anal sex because it's known to have some health hazards. Many people of all sexual orientations, on the other hand, consider anal intercourse to be both intimate and highly enjoyable.

According to one estimate, up to 90% of gay men and 10% of sexually active women partake in it, while approximately a third of heterosexual couples have experimented with it at some point. This is largely owing to the fact that both men's and women's anal areas contain numerous sensitive nerve endings, which can result in extreme feelings of pleasure.

The various forms of anal sex

The anus is involved in a variety of sexual activities, including the following:

• Postillionarianism

This involves inserting a finger into your partner's bottom, but it may also be done alone during masturbation and is a common way of sexual pleasure due to the area's nerve endings.

Toys for sex

Some couples like anal play with sex aids, which must be kept clean and cleaned properly between uses. As an added precaution, condoms can be placed over sex aids. Another danger of using sex aids in anal sex is losing the aid deep inside the rectum.

In general, only utilize sex aids made for the anus, such as butt plugs and anal vibrators, which have a large base and are difficult to 'lose' inside the rectum. Because vaginal vibrators aren't meant in this manner, they can easily fall inside the rear canal and get lost.

Rimming

Rimming entails oral contact with the anus for sexual arousal, and there is a danger of germ transfer.

Fisting

This entails placing your entire hand into your rectum. It is physiologically possible, and it may be acceptable and delightful for certain partners, with appropriate relaxation. However, because the size of a clenched fist exceeds that of the penis, there is a larger danger of anal damage.

Is anal sex safe?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea and herpes, as well as hepatitis B and HIV, can be transferred through almost any sexual activity. If proper protection is not applied, anal intercourse poses a high risk of HIV transmission.

Anal intercourse is also associated with a number of health hazards, including the anus's lack of natural lubrication (which can cause tears) and the presence of bacteria (germs) in the anus. The following are the primary health risks:

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes infection in humans (HIV)

Anal intercourse, in particular for the receptive partner, carries a higher risk of HIV transmission than other sexual practices. According to some research, anal sex has a 30 times greater risk of HIV infection than vaginal sex in the receptive partner.

Genital warts and the human papillomavirus (HPV)

This virus can be spread through anal intercourse, resulting in anal warts. Unfortunately, some HPV virus strains have carcinogenic (cancer-causing) potential. Some HPV kinds cause cervix cancer in women as well as throat cancer, and it has been discovered that people who have been anally penetrated by several partners are statistically more likely to get anal cancer.

Hepatitis A is a virus that causes liver disease (infectious hepatitis)

Although not generally life-threatening, this viral infection can cause jaundice and make people feel quite poorly, taking a long time to recover. It can be spread by oral-anal contact.

Hepatitis C is a kind of hepatitis that affects the

Chronic liver disease is caused by this viral infection, which progresses and can be fatal. Although it appears to be a rare occurrence, hepatitis C can be spread through anal intercourse. Another risk of transmission is the sharing of needles for intravenous drug use.

• E. coli bacteria

This bug can be found in the bowels. It's crucial to avoid putting it in your mouth. E. coli can also easily pass the small distance between the female anus and the female urinary opening, resulting in a urinary infection. This form of transfer can occur after anal intercourse, especially if it is followed by vaginal intercourse.

How to have a secure anal encounter

Both men and women can have anal sex, but it must be done with caution to ensure that it is safe and comfortable. Consider the following suggestions:

The need for gentleness, attention, sufficient lubrication, and anal relaxation cannot be overstated.

Read our guide on the best lubricants for anal sex for more information.

Always wait till your companion has placed on a fresh condom before placing a penis into a mouth or vagina following anal sex.

Ensure that the anal area is clean and that the bowels are completely empty.

To give the receptive partner time to relax the sphincter, the partner inserting their penis or an anal sex toy must be very gentle with any thrusting.

Specialized anal lubricants may aid in this process, and with time and practice, it may grow easier, but never continue if anal sex becomes painful.