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What Are the Risks of Anal Sex

Mary Smith
By Mary Smith. Updated: March 14, 2022
What Are the Risks of Anal Sex

Anal sex is perhaps one of the most taboo sexual practices. But after overcoming the fears, preconceptions and myths about this act, it's possible to have an amazing time. But you should not ignore the fact that anal sex has risks and that, if done incorrectly, can lead to significant health problems. oneHOWTO are here to explain the risks of anal sex, so you can avoid them and make the most out of this sexual experience.

You may also be interested in: Is It Wrong To Have Anal Sex?
Contents
  1. Is anal sex harmful?
  2. Pain during anal sex
  3. Tears and wounds, one of the main risks of anal sex
  4. Possibilities of catching an STI
  5. Risk of intimate infections related to anal sex
  6. To sum up

Is anal sex harmful?

Anal sex, when done correctly, is very pleasant for both men and women (or two women and a dildo). But to get to this level you need to understand that the anus and vagina work differently. And, that when it comes to anal sex, delicacy and prevention are the key elements so that both can enjoy the act fully.

Many couples use anal sex to get out of the routine in their relationship, since it is not only the pleasure that is different and even greater in some cases, but also allows you to enjoy various and new positions in bed.

However, anal sex does have some risks, especially if it is not done with caution and care. Pay attention to the following lines, in which we detail the risks of anal intercourse.

Pain during anal sex

One of the first risks that couples face is pain during and after penetration. This is something many people fear, sometimes preventing them from experimenting altogether.

We must remind you that the anus has no lubrication of its own, unlike the vagina, and it can therefore be painful sometimes even if it is done carefully. Thus, to avoid this risk, we have several simple solutions:

  • First of all, the idea must turn you on.
  • You should also stimulate the anus properly before beginning penetration.
  • The use of an intimate lubricant is necessary to make the penetration much smoother and more pleasurable.
  • Anal dilators are also recommended to make the work easier without pain.
  • And if you want to expand the anus a little before penetration, you can use anal plugs or dildos, which will make foreplay much more fun and enjoyable.
What Are the Risks of Anal Sex - Pain during anal sex

Tears and wounds, one of the main risks of anal sex

Tearing, wounds or bleeding caused by anal sex are also risks that can lead to bigger problems if you don't use the right protection. As we mentioned earlier, the anus lacks the natural lubrication the vagina has. Penetration can tear the tissue inside the rectum, allowing bacteria and viruses to enter the bloodstream. We would also like to remind you that the anus is much narrower than the vagina and that it can not be penetrated with the same force, it must go little by little, without rushing and always using lubrication, like gels or specific lubricants.

If one of these problems happens it is important to go to the doctor or the emergency department as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse, correct it quickly and avoid more important problems, such as those that may occur in the sphincter or infections of various types.

Thus, to avoid this risk it is necessary both to use lubricant and not to be harsh when making love from behind.

Possibilities of catching an STI

Penetrative anal sex has a higher risk of spreading STIs than many other types of sexual activity. This is because, as we have said, the lining of the rectum is thin and can easily be damaged, which makes it more vulnerable to infection. It's also possible to pass on an STI or STD by inserting a finger into someone’s anus.

As is well known, there is a higher risk if the encounter is done without protection, with someone unknown, or with several sexual partners, if you have a stable relationship in which the health of the couple is known. For example, one of the STDs most commonly spread through this sexual practice is the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, which is the cause of AIDS. If done casually with strangers, it is important to always use a special condom for anal sex, this is to avoid the spread of STDs. Read this article if you want to know how to have safe anal sex.

STIs/STDs that can be transmitted are:

Can you get an STD is both partners are clean?

There are many myths and ideas regarding the spread of STDs, and the truth is that unprotected sex is only safe when you do not have a sexually transmitted disease. If you have previously had anal sex and you haven't apparently got an STD, it's important you get tested again, as some diseases can appear after some time and are not apparent right after having sexual relationships.

However, if two virgin people have anal sex, it i in fact impossible to get an STD from nothing.

What Are the Risks of Anal Sex - Possibilities of catching an STI

Risk of intimate infections related to anal sex

Another of the most common risks is intimate infections. The anus is brimming with bacteria that can potentially infect the partner penetrating. Not only do infections occur in the penis and rectum, couples often forget that after entering the rectum of their partner, they cannot then go on to vaginal penetration without taking the necessary precautions. Since, you run the risk of moving particles of excrement from the anus to the vagina.To avoid it, it is necessary that before going to the vagina is changed the condom or, just do it from behind.

Take all the hygienic precautions for anal sex, then don't move on from the anus to the vagina without taking certain details into account. For example if you penetrate the anus with a condom, remove it and put on another before moving to vaginal penetration. If you are not using protection it is best to conclude with anal sex, thus avoiding infections.

Anal intercourse is a practice that generates a lot of pleasure but, for both of you to enjoy, it is advisable to take these tips into account and always remember that anal penetration is different from vaginal intercourse. Therefore, you should follow the recommendations mentioned throughout the article, such as using gels to lubricate, condoms, take care of hygiene for anal sex and go little by little to enjoy it to the fullest.

To sum up

The only way to completely avoid anal sex risks is to abstain from anal sex. However, like with most sexual practices, this is not always possible, so ensure you use a condom to protect against the spread of infections and diseases.

Here is our recap:

  • Use condoms to help protect you against STIs.
  • Avoid inserting the penis or dildo into the vagina (or mouth) after it has been inside the anus, unless you use a new condom.
  • Use lots of water-based lubricant!
  • Relax yourself to prevent the likelihood of tears.
  • If you experience bleeding or see blisters develop, go to the doctor immediately.

Anal sex generates a lot of pleasure, but for both to enjoy it you should always remember that anal penetration is different from vaginal. So, follow the above recommendations, implement these tips and go slowly for maximum enjoyment.

If you want to read similar articles to What Are the Risks of Anal Sex, we recommend you visit our Sentimental relationships category.

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What Are the Risks of Anal Sex