Safe Anal Sex: What everyone needs to know

While anal sex used to be a taboo activity, it is becoming incredibly common for younger people. In fact, 44% of men and 36% of women who are younger than age 45 have tried it at least once. What’s more, there are many ways to have anal sex. All of them can bring you intense pleasure regardless of if you use fingers, butt plugs, dildos, or a penis. 

However, anal is much more complicated compared to other sexual activities. That’s why some people are hesitant to try it. So what’s the best way to have anal sex? Here’s what everyone needs to know! 

Is It Safe?

Beginners usually think about whether anal is safe and whether it causes pain. In short, it is not inherently unsafe. But, you’ll need to prepare, plan, and communicate with your partner in order to avoid some of the risks. 

If you follow our sex tips, you’ll be able to avoid the risks and feel more confident. Plus, taking the proper precautions will make the experience much more pleasurable. If you want to make anal work for you for the first time, the best way to start is to slow down and learn about the proper safety concerns.

Things to Consider 

The first rule of anal sex is: you have to talk about anal sex. If you want to try it with a partner, avoid any spontaneous backdoor romps. They could be risky and cause pain. Instead, talk to your partner first and get ready properly. You’ll need to consider the following: 

The Anus Lacks Lubrication 

Unlike the vagina, your anus does not gush with natural lubrication during arousal. There’s no way to make the anus naturally “wet.” This is the main culprit when it comes to pain. Thus, you will need to buy a quality lubricant. Always apply it generously before external and internal stimulation. Without it, penetration will cause friction and discomfort that could lead to internal tears or even bleeding. 

Tissue Inside the Anus Is More Sensitive Than Tissue Outside the Anus

The anal sphincter muscle acts as a protective barrier for your rectum. This tissue is much thicker compared to the lining of your anus. On the inside, the anus is lined with delicate tissue and thousands of nerve endings. Stimulating this tissue is exactly what makes anal penetration feel so good. However, it’s more likely to bleed or tear during penetration. That increases the risk of transferring infections, bacteria, and viruses between partners.

The Anus Has a Muscle That Must Relax to Allow Comfortable Penetration 

The sphincter is made up of two strong internal and external muscles. If you don’t take your time to relax the sphincter, penetration could feel uncomfortable. If you take it easy, the experience will be highly enjoyable. Also, you’ll lower the risk of injuries. This is exactly why sex toys like butt plugs are so popular. They allow you to gradually stretch out your sphincter and make it accustomed to penetration.

The Anus Has Bacteria

Unsafe anal sex practices can expose you to bacteria. That includes E. coli, hepatitis A, etc. The bacteria can easily spread if you neglect the proper safety concerns before, during, and after anal penetration. One of the biggest risks arises when people switch from anal to oral or vaginal sex. This can transfer the bacteria directly to your genitals or mouth, and it can cause serious infections. If you have to swap holes, the only safe way to do it is to switch condoms.

Read here about things you need to know about safe anal sex from healthline.com.

What Are the Common Concerns About Anal Sex?

Below are the answers to some common FAQs regarding anal sex safety:

Will It Hurt? 

To put it simply: yes and no. Butt sex can feel amazing if you do it properly. However, you will most likely feel some pain during your first time. That’s why it’s essential to slowly “train” your anus. What’s more, for anal sex, there is a very thin line between pleasure and pain. Some people love this blend of sensations and the intense pressure that it provides, while others are not that into it. 

Is It Normal to Bleed? 

You could experience some bleeding during your first or second time. This is not unusual. It is most likely caused by friction. If bleeding still occurs after anal sex with lubrication, it’s not dangerous. For most people, it should go stop within a day. But, if you find yourself bleeding consistently after anal sex, you should stop and consult a doctor. It could point to an underlying medical issue. 

Will It Affect My Ability to Poop? 

No, anal sex will not irritate your bowel movements. Most people are afraid of their anus stretching out to the point where it won’t be able to hold in their poop. This is just a silly myth. Still, it’s perfectly normal to get the urge to use the bathroom immediately after anal penetration.

What Are the Other Side Effects and Risks? 

If you don’t practice anal play safely, you could expose yourself to an STI. Anal sex is one of the riskiest activities in terms of sexually transmitted infections. That includes gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, and HIV. Receiving partners are 13 times more at risk of HIV during unprotected anal penetration.

Additionally, anal sex can cause big problems if you already have hemorrhoids. This is due to the intense stretching during penetration. But, it’s very unlikely that anal penetration can stretch and dilate the blood vessels so far as to cause new hemorrhoids. 

Practicing Safe Anal Sex

Consider the following tips for safe sex: 

• Always get consent from your partner — Nobody likes surprise butt sex or excuses such as “Sorry, it just slipped!” If you force your partner into anal, you’ll violate their trust and cause them a lot of pain. 
• Talk to your partner — Be honest and tell them why you’re curious. If they share your interests in anal exploration, you’ll be on your way to some incredible new adventures. If not, you could try other things to spice up your sex life. 
• Get comfortable with poop — There’s no way to guarantee that you won’t encounter poop.
• Clean yourself thoroughly — If rinsing your anus out under the shower is not enough, try a water enema. This is one of the only ways to fully clean yourself and avoid seeing poop.
• Always use condoms on penises and toys — They will greatly reduce the risk of STIs.
• Always use lube — Again, anal lube is a must for any type of penetration with fingers, toys, or penises. 
• Find a comfortable position — We recommend doggy style for first-time anal sex. It allows the receiving partner to control the pace and depth of penetration. Other positions like missionary are also effective.
• Take your time — You’ll enjoy anal intercourse the most if you get fully aroused. Extend your foreplay and wait 15 to 20 minutes before anal. This helps you relax and increases your arousal. Also, avoid full penetration during your first time. Instead, play around with fingers, butt plugs, or try “just the tip.” 
• Experiment with other types of stimulation during anal penetration, and you’ll be able to reach some unforgettable orgasms. 

Summary

Hopefully, our tips will help you to have safe, fun, and intensely pleasurable anal sex. Enjoy!