Anal Sex and Its Risks: Prevention and Management
They say anal sex is a very dangerous sexual experiment. Of course, there are risks. But if you approach it wisely, you can avoid negative consequences.
Contents of the article:
Is Risk a Noble Cause?
So, what is anal sex? It is a sexual practice in which the penis is inserted into the anus, either with fingers or adult toys. When all precautions are taken, sexual experimentation is enjoyable and generally safe. However, anal sex has its own nuances. Many of the risks associated with it are absent from vaginal or oral sex. Firstly, the anus doesn”t produce natural lubrication, which would reduce discomfort and help prevent friction injuries. And how many myths exist on this topic! It”s time to dispel them. What do you think?
Bacteria and Infections
As we already know, the anus doesn”t have cells responsible for producing natural lubrication (like the vagina). There”s no saliva (like the mouth). And the rectal lining is much thinner than the vaginal lining. This increases the risk of a tear developing between the anus and rectum. Why is this dangerous? The infection can spread during bowel movements. In some cases, antibiotic treatment is necessary.
To minimize these risks, you and your partner should
- Stock up on water-based lubricant.
- Always change condoms when switching from anal to vaginal sex.
- Move slowly and don”t rush.
- If you experience discomfort or pain, slow down or stop.
You should also avoid using spermicides.
STIs
Sexually transmitted diseases are also included in the list of risks. Chlamydia, Ho”s disease, hepatitis, HIV and herpes are not a complete list of diseases that can be transmitted through anal sex. Some experts even believe that anal sex is the most dangerous sexual practice when it comes to HIV transmission. Condoms should be used to minimize the risk. Remember that oil-based lubricants should not be used with latex condoms as they will break down the material. In this regard, water-based lubricants are much safer. However, they dry faster — this should also be taken into account.
Read also: How to have anal sex? What to do before, during and after whether you”re a beginner or a complete expert in anal play, knowing how to prepare for anal sex is the key to having fun.
In any case, you should not save the lubricant. Saliva cannot replace lubrication and, in fact, using it as a lubricant may even increase the risk of infection.
Hemorrhoids
The main symptoms of GEMO include anal itching, bleeding and pain. This disease causes great discomfort, but, fortunately, is easily treatable. Experts say that anal sex does not contribute to the development of hemolysis. However, if the disease is already present, anal practice can aggravate the situation. To minimize possible risks, you should use a sufficient amount of lubricant during sex.
Pregnancy
There is an opinion that anal sex cannot lead to pregnancy. However, this is not true.
Anal Sex: A Proctologist”s Opinion
In addition, you should not use the same condom for anal and vaginal intercourse. It is associated with infections as well as pregnancy.
Serious Injuries and Tears
In very rare cases, the gap between the mucous membranes of the anus and rectum may widen. Sometimes this tear is so large that it extends beyond the intestines and spreads to other parts of the body. Doctors call this a fistula. In the presence of a fistula, the contents of the intestine may end up outside the fistula, which can lead to the spread of infection and the development of various types of damage. Patients usually undergo surgery to remove the fistula. Can sex cause fistula? The risk is small, but still present. Therefore, it is very important to use high-quality lubricants (in sufficient quantities) and pay attention to pain during sex. You should not risk your health or the health of your partner by enduring pain.
Long-Term Care
Some people believe that anal sex causes “stretching,” which can lead to fecal incontinence. Health experts say there is nothing to be afraid of. In many cases.
However, in 2016, a study was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology that included 4, 170 people. The researchers asked participants if they had ever experienced anal sex or incontinence. They found that 37. 3% of women and 4. 5% of men had experienced anal sex. And it was those who practiced anal sex who more often encountered incontinence problems. Moreover, men suffered from this more often than women. The researchers concluded that there is still a clear connection between a love of anal sex and problems with fecal incontinence. However, many experts subsequently criticized the study because it did not evaluate other factors that could contribute to incontinence. Therefore, it is still difficult for doctors and researchers to clearly answer questions related to this topic. However, they all agree that complications should not be feared if the partner uses adequate lubrication and pays attention to pain in the process.
