Anal Sex Safety Guide: 6 Tips for Safer Anal Sex

Anal sex is any sex act related to the anus. While it sometimes involves anal penetration with a penis, anal sex can also take the form of fingering, oral sex (also known as rimming), pegging, and anal sex with a prostate massager or other sex toy. People of any gender and sexuality can participate in anal play. Stimulating the sensitive nerve endings in the anus and rectum can lead to a satisfying orgasm.

• Lubrication: Lube is a must if you decide to engage in anal intercourse. The anus does not naturally produce lubrication, and having anal sex without lube can result in anal fissures, or tears inside the rectum. Consider water-based lubricants or silicone-based lubricants; oil-based lubes are not safe to use with latex condoms since they break down the latex material.
• Sexually transmitted infections: Anal sex can spread STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human papillomavirus (HPV). Talk to your partner about their STI status, and ask whether or not they’ve gotten the HPV vaccine. If available, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may reduce your chances of contracting HIV. Use condoms when you engage in anal sex in order to avoid contracting or spreading STIs.
• Bacteria: Your anus naturally contains bacteria, which can spread during anal sex. Having vaginal sex right after anal sex can cause a vaginal infection. Always remember to change your condom and wash yourself before and after anal sex. Pathogens passed via oral-anal sex (also known as rimming or analingus) can include E. coli and the hepatitis A virus. Consider using a dental dam if you plan to participate in analingus.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids (also known as piles) are inflamed veins in the rectum. While anal sex is unlikely to cause hemorrhoids, it can irritate existing ones. Hemorrhoids typically go away in a few days, especially with proper care. If you experience abdominal pain or excessive bleeding after anal sex, consult your doctor immediately.

Consider these tips for enjoying safer anal sex.

1. 1. Communicate clearly. Before engaging in anal play, make sure that you and your partner are on the same page. If you are interested in anal sex, tell your partner what you find sexy about it, and why you’d like to try it. If your partner is not interested, accept their decision without making them feel guilty. Similarly, if your partner wants to have anal sex, but you do not, don’t let them pressure you. Like all forms of sexual activity, anal sex requires full consent from all parties involved.
2. 2. Maintain good hygiene practices. Thoughtful attention to hygiene is particularly important with anal sex. Clean yourself before and after any anal play. If you plan to use your hands, be sure to trim your fingernails for comfort. Consider using a glove, which will also help prevent the transfer of STIs. Keep a tissue box or towel close by for cleanup.
3. 3. Use lube. Plenty of lubrication will make the difference between good and bad anal sex. Make sure you have enough lube, and keep it within reach during any sexual activity involving the anus.
4. 4. Warm up to it. Your rectum has both an internal and external sphincter muscle. While the inner muscle is involuntarily controlled by the automatic nervous system, you can voluntarily control your external anal sphincter muscle. Proper foreplay helps you relax the external sphincter and become more receptive to penetration. Once you’re comfortable and relaxed, begin by inserting a finger or small sex toy; allow your body to get used to the sensation before adding anything larger. When having anal intercourse, take your time, and penetrate slowly to avoid discomfort.
5. 5. Try sex toys. Anal toys are designed to specifically stimulate the nerve endings in your anus. Examples of anal sex toys include butt plugs, dildos, massagers to stimulate the prostate gland, vibrators, and anal beads. Anal toys require plenty of lube and regular cleaning with warm water and mild soap or sex toy cleaner. Using an anal sex toy can be a fun technique for building your way up to anal intercourse.
6. 6. Find the right position. Once you are having anal sex, try out a few different positions to find the right one for your pleasure. If you are the receptive partner, consider lying on your stomach to help your muscles relax. Doggy-style and missionary are both good options as well. Try focusing on your partner’s other erogenous zones during anal sex. Clitorial stimulation or stimulation of the penis can help you build towards an anal orgasm.

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