Is Anal Sex Safe?

It is widely believed that anal sex is very painful, messy, or less pleasurable for women. These misconceptions can discourage couples from trying it or prevent those who haven’t figured out how to do it properly. With proper preparation and education, anal sex can be pleasurable, or at least help you determine if it works for you.

So, whether you’re considering trying it for the first time, have tried it before, or are an expert, the tips in this blog will help make the experience more fun, safe, and comfortable.

What Is Anal Sex?

Anal sex refers to sexual activities involving the anus. However, anal sex is not just limited to anal intercourse; and can include anal fingering and rimming to the use of tongue or adult toys. Studies have shown that about 90% of men who have sex with men and 5% to 10% of sexually active women engage in anal intercourse. 

Tips For A Safe And Sexy Anal Sex 

No matter if you are searching for ‘how to do anal sex for the first time’  or if you do it often, these tips will always be very useful for safe anal sex experience:

• Communicate

Discuss any inhibitions with your partner both before and during the experience. Make sure both of you are comfortable with all aspects of anal sex before going ahead with it. 

• Use Lots of Lube 

Whether you use penis, fingers, or a sex toy, lubrication is a must for anal sex. Unlike the vagina, which self-lubricates, the anus does not produce any lubrication on its own. So use plenty of lubricant to avoid tearing or any other injury to the area. Not just that, lubrication helps in smooth insertion as well and makes the process painless. 

• Try Beginner-Friendly Positions

The most preferred anal sex position is Doggy style as it gives easy access. Try using a pillow to adjust the angle for comfortable entry.

• Use Condoms

It’s a common myth that having anal sex without protection won’t expose you to the risk of getting STDs. Just like with vaginal sex, unprotected anal sex can also spread STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and herpes. Stay safe, use condoms. 

Pro tip: Use water-based lubes like Leezu’s Love Jelly if you are using latex condoms.  

• Keep it Hygienic 

If you want to do oral sex, make sure to wash the area thoroughly to reduce the risk of any infection. Proper hygiene can be instrumental in protecting you from STDs.

Before fingering, make sure your nails are clean and trimmed. Unkempt nails can tear the delicate skin of the anus and even spread bacteria. Clip or file your nails to remove sharp edges, and thoroughly wash your hands before and after play. Make sure that your partner does the same.

• Go Slow

Take your time to get fully aroused as that will  help you relax your muscles. Here are some tips to get aroused and comfortable before the act. 

• Masturbate; solo or with a partner
• Engage in your favourite role play
• Get in a hot shower
• Use a finger, sex toy, or tongue to stimulate the outside of the anus
  
  

• Switch the Condoms

After anal play, thoroughly wash anything that came into contact with the anus, including hands, genitals, and sex toys. If you're using condoms, put on a new one before switching to oral or vaginal sex to avoid transferring bacteria from the anus to the urethra. This is very important in keeping UTIs away. 

Risks Associated With Anal Sex

Just like vaginal and oral sex, anal sex comes with its own set of risks as well. That being said, with proper hygiene and open communication, many of these risks can be minimised. 

You should be aware of some of the risks attributed to anal sex:

• The tissue inside the anus isn't as well-protected as the skin outside it. Therefore, lack of lubrication can make you more susceptible to pain during anal penetration. 

• The anal sphincter is a ring like muscle in the anus that is designed  to hold in poop. When this muscle is tight, anal penetration can be painful. Repetitive anal sex may weaken the anal sphincter. Kegel exercises can help strengthen the sphincter and prevent or correct this issue.

• There are many kinds of bacteria in the anus. These bacteria can infect your partner. Having vaginal sex after anal sex can lead to vaginal and urinary tract infections, so it is very important to clean thoroughly or use different condoms when switching between these two activities. 

• Engaging in oral contact with the anus (analingus) can expose both partners to hepatitis, herpes, HPV, and other infections. To safeguard yourself from these adversities, it is advisable to maintain proper hygiene, avoid licking cuts or sores, wearing dental dams etc. 

• If the semen gets near your vagina and if you have a uterus, there is a chance of pregnancy.

Myths About Anal Sex

Let us debunk some of the most common misconceptions about Anal sex: 

1. Myth: Only gay men have anal sex

Anal sex is not exclusive to any one group. While gay male couples may engage in anal sex, it’s enjoyed by people of all orientations and genders. In fact, women may also use sex toys to anally penetrate their partners, commonly known as pegging.

2. Myth: You cannot get pregnant from anal sex

The likelihood of pregnancy from anal sex is lower than from vaginal sex, however, it is not impossible. Any time semen is near the vaginal opening, there’s a risk it can enter the vagina and lead to pregnancy. 

3. Myth: It's harder to get sexually transmitted infections from anal sex

The risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from anal sex is equal to, if not higher than, other forms of sex. The tissue in the anus is delicate and can tear easily, creating space for infections to enter the body. The person being penetrated is more prone to STIs than the person penetrating.

4. Myth: Anal sex always hurts a lot

Anal sex can hurt if a partner is too rough or if the anus isn’t relaxed enough. Lack of lubrication can also cause pain during penetration. 

Conclusion 

It’s beyond question that anal sex can be a fulfilling part of your sex life, provided you approach it with care and caution. Just like any other intimate adventure, anal sex is all about mutual consent and pleasure. So ensure you and your partner are on the same page and are comfortable in trying out new sexual adventures. 

Frequently Asked Questions On Anal Sex

1. Is Anal sex safe? 

Yes. Anal sex is absolutely safe if you practise hygiene, care and caution while enjoying it. 

2. Which is the best sex toy for anal sex?  

Jaadugar from Leezu’s is an amazing full body massager that is made for easy manoeuvring; both inside and out. 😉 It is definitely one of the best sex toys for anal sex. 

3. How do I convince my partner to try anal sex? 

It is paramount that you respect your partner’s inhibitions and try alleviating them before anal play. Remember to go slow and communicate to make sure that you both are on the same page. 

4. Is there any link between anal sex and colon cancer?

There is no direct link between anal sex and colon cancer. If one is not careful about the hygiene and other factors during anal sex, it can cause skin irritation and even inflammation but the onset of colon cancer can not be attributed to anal sex alone.