Anal sex, often considered a taboo topic, is a form of intimacy embraced by people of various genders and sexual orientations. Recent data suggests a notable increase in heterosexual women engaging in this activity. A study revealed that among heterosexual individuals aged 16 to 24, the prevalence of anal sex has more than doubled, rising from about 13 percent to nearly 30 percent. The United States shows even higher rates, with approximately 36 percent of women and 42 percent of men aged 18 to 44 reporting having had anal sex at least once.

According to experts, anal play involves erogenous zones and isn't determined by sexual orientation. It's a variant of sexual exploration that can offer pleasure for diverse bodies, regardless of sex or gender.

Take your time

For those interested in exploring anal play, ensuring a safe and pleasurable experience is essential. Starting slowly is crucial since the sphincter muscle requires time to relax and stretch. One approach recommended involves beginning with self-exploration. This allows individuals to gradually explore their preferences.

Whether alone or with a partner, the initial steps involve gentle finger exploration around the anus, followed by massaging and stimulating the area with hands. Once feeling relaxed, the use of a clean finger or a small sex toy with a flared base can be considered. The flared base, considerably wider than the toy's tip, ensures a secure grip and safe movement. Planned Parenthood recommends toys with flared bases for anal play to prevent accidental slippage into the anus, which can lead to difficulty in retrieval.

Using Adequate Lubrication for Anal Intimacy

An expert stresses the significance of employing lubricants during anal sex or exploration. The anus naturally lacks sufficient lubrication for comfortable anal intercourse. Therefore, it's vital to use a generous amount of lubricant and proceed slowly. If discomfort or pain arises, it's essential to stop.

The expert recommends opting for silicone-based lubricants because they are notably slippery and have a longer-lasting effect compared to water-based ones. However, it is crucial to note that you do not acquire them at any price. Because they can be quite expensive, I mean don't steal them like our sweet girl, because you might be in her situation to pay for it like our teen hottie pays for dildo stealing.

Taking things slowly can assist in relaxing the sphincter muscles and promoting a more comfortable experience during anal play. It might be necessary to apply additional lubricant intermittently.

Practicing Safe Measures During Anal Intimacy

An expert highlights the crucial importance of hygiene, especially concerning oral-to-anal contact, which can potentially transmit parasites and hepatitis.

Due to the nature of the anal area and its potential bacterial and parasitic content, engaging in anal sex carries an increased risk of various infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like giardia or shigella. For these reasons, the use of condoms is paramount during anal sex. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 90 percent of anal cancer cases are linked to HPV, an STI prevalent in approximately 40 percent of men in the United States, for which there is no specific screening for men.

The expert advises using water- or silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms to prevent latex breakdown, as oil-based lubricants can compromise latex integrity. Applying lubricant inside and outside the condom can enhance sensation during intercourse. For internal condoms, it's recommended to remove the inner ring for anal sex.

It's critical to clean all toys or body parts thoroughly with soap and water when transitioning between anal, vaginal, or oral sex. When switching from anal to another type of sex, using a new condom is necessary.

A crucial rule of thumb is never to insert anything that has been in contact with the anus directly into the mouth or vagina, as this may introduce fecal particles into these sensitive areas.

To ensure cleanliness before engaging in anal play, a simple wash with soap and water is sufficient. While some individuals prefer using an enema to clear the rectum of waste before anal sex, it's essential to note that it's not mandatory. The expert also advises against using scented wipes that can potentially irritate the area.

What to Do if There’s Bleeding

Bleeding during or after anal sex can happen for many reasons, but the two most common reasons are hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Hemorrhoids are enlarged and swollen veins around the outside of the anus or in the lower rectum. Although they can be uncomfortable, If bleeding during or after anal sex is caused by hemorrhoids, it usually stops on its own and is nothing to worry about. Also, using plenty of lubricant can help prevent bleeding if you do have hemorrhoids.

Anal fissures, on the other hand, are superficial cuts in the anus. They are painful, so most people don't want to engage in anal when they have them. Anal sex can also cause tearing.

If you do bleed during or after anal sex, wait until the bleeding stops and then wash with soap and water if that is comfortable to ensure the area is clean. also recommends a sitz bath, which can be helpful anyway for someone who needs hemorrhoid relief. 

Consent Should Be Continuous

The BMJ study highlighted that approximately one-quarter of young women have experienced pressure to engage in anal sex at some point. Such coercion in any sexual scenario is unacceptable.

Emphasizing that pressure does not equate to pleasure, it's crucial to understand that anal sex is a personal preference and varies among individuals. It's not mandatory to enjoy anal sex to maintain sexual health and well-being.

Consent isn't a single discussion; it's an ongoing process. Engaging in safe and healthy sexual activities requires continuous communication about each person's boundaries, which may differ from past encounters, particularly when exploring new experiences such as anal play.

For those new to anal sex, understanding essential boundaries might not be immediate. Therefore, discussing boundaries before, during, and after any sexual activity is crucial. Consistent communication fosters a safe environment where boundaries can evolve or be reinforced.

Talking to Healthcare Providers

Effective communication isn't limited to partners; it extends to conversations with healthcare providers. Discussing any questions or concerns about anal sex is essential for comprehensive sexual health.

When communicating with a healthcare professional, there are no wrong questions, and they've likely encountered various inquiries before. It can be helpful to jot down questions beforehand to feel prepared and take time to contemplate what information you seek. If feeling uneasy, practicing asking questions aloud might alleviate discomfort.

Sexual topics, including anal sex, often carry societal stigma. However, healthcare professionals are available to assist without judgment. It's crucial to remember that seeking guidance from healthcare providers is a valuable step towards sexual health and well-being.