How to have safe anal sex

About 90% of men who have sex with men and at most 5% to 10% of sexually active women practice anal intercourse, often simply called anal sex.

But those who fall for this non-standard sexual practice should know that it carries health risks, since the anus is full of nerve areas, and this makes it very sensitive.< /p>

For some people who have anal sex, the anus may be an erogenous zone that responds to sexual stimulation. For the man, the anus can provide a nice tightening around the penis.

While some people find anal sex pleasurable, it actually has downsides and requires special precautions.

Is anal sex safe?

Anal sex poses a number of health risks. It is the riskiest form of sexual activity for several reasons:

The anus has no natural lubrication like the vagina. Penetration of the penis to the point of tearing the tissue inside the anus allows bacteria and viruses to enter the bloodstream.

This can lead to the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including AIDS.

Studies show that the risk of contracting AIDS for the passive partner in anal sex is 30 times greater than in vaginal sex.

Exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV) can lead to the development of warts and anal cancer. Using lubricants can help but not completely prevent tissue tearing.

The tissue inside the anus is not protected like the skin outside the anus. Our outer tissue has layers of dead cells that serve as a protective barrier against infection.

The tissue inside the anus lacks this natural protection, leaving it vulnerable to tearing and the spread of infection.

The anus is for excrement. It is surrounded by a ring-shaped muscle called the anal sphincter, which tightens after we have cleansed ourselves. When the muscle is tight, anal penetration can be painful and difficult.

Prolonged repetition of anal sex can lead to a weakening of the anal sphincter, making it difficult to retain faecal masses, making it easier to pass a bowel movement.

However, the famous Kegel exercises to strengthen the sphincter help prevent this problem.

The anus is full of bacteria. Even if both partners do not suffer from sexually transmitted infections or diseases, bacteria in the anus can potentially infect the partner.

Practicing vaginal sex after anal sex can lead to infection of the vagina or urinary tract.

Anal sex carries other risks as well. Oral contact with the anus can put both partners at risk for hepatitis, herpes, HPV, and other infections. For heterosexual couples, pregnancy can occur if the sperm reaches the vaginal opening.

Although serious injury from anal sex is not normal, it can happen. Bleeding after anal sex can be due to hemorrhoids or a rupture, or something more serious like a perforation (opening) in the colon.

This is a dangerous problem that requires immediate medical attention. Treatment includes a hospital stay, surgery, and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Preventing problems caused by anal sex:

The only way to completely avoid the risks of anal sex is to abstain from this type of sex. If you have anal sex, you should always use a condom, which protects against the spread of infections and diseases.

The following are more tips to increase the safety of anal sex:

Avoid putting the penis in the mouth or vagina after it has been inserted into the anus until your partner puts on a new condom.

Use more lubricant to reduce the risk of tissue damage. Use latex condoms and a water-based lubricant. Relax before inserting the penis.

This helps reduce the risk of tissue damage. A warm bath before anal sex or lying on your stomach can facilitate penile penetration.

Stop if anal sex is painful. If you experience bleeding after anal sex, or notice sores or lumps around the anus, or spontaneous defecation, see your doctor as soon as possible.