Is anal sex bad for your health ?
Anal sex is something that we're always getting questions about. We've been asked about everything from potential health risks to why some people enjoy having anal sex... and just about anything else you could imagine.We have compiled a list of some of the most common anal sex problems.
1. What is anal sex?
Anal sex includes all erotic activities that pleasurably stimulate the anus — light touching of the anus with a finger, licking of the anus with the tongue (also known as rimming), half-inch penetration of the anus with a finger, using an anal sex toy, and fuller penetrative intercourse past the anus and into the rectum with a finger, toy or penis. It can be fun learning how to have anal sex but what’s most important is making sure you’re ready and prepared.
2. Is anal sex safe?
Yes! Safety for anal sex involves consent, comfort, anal lube, hygiene, and diet/nutrition. Both partners engaging in any kind of anal stimulation need to discuss together if the activity feels good for both. Lack of consent can induce pain, creating hemorrhoids and tearing sensitive tissues in the anal cavity. Therefore, enthusiastic consent to explore is essential. Safely receiving anal intercourse requires an ability to relax both the external and internal sphincter muscles for comfortable penetration. It may be uncomfortable in the beginning; however, deep breathing to allow time for the muscles to relax is helpful. Solo practice with a finger is also helpful to acclimate the anus to penetration. Many people solo-practice in the shower or bathtub to help soften the anal tissues.
3. What is the best position for anal sex?
Anal sex, from soft stimulation on just the anus to fuller penetration into the rectum, can be done in many positions. Receivers might like being on all fours so the giver has full access and visibility of the back region. In this position, the receiver can even hug a pillow to help relax into the position and activity. The bent-over-bed position allows the receiver to melt into the mattress or pillow, enhancing the potential for relaxation. A similar position is for the receiver to bend over the bed itself or a counter-top. With a counter-top, particularly in the bathroom, both people can look into the mirror for extra erotic eye contact. Some couples like missionary position as the receiver can lift his or her legs in the air, or wrap them around their lover as they are penetrated. This position allows for the most eye contact if that is desired. Lastly, receivers can ride their lover either facing them or reverse cow-girl/cow-boy. This position is good for a beginner who might want to control the speed and/or depth. You might be surprised at how many anal sex positions there are but you’ll have a great time trying them out.
4. Are there any anal sex health risks?
Yes. Like any erotic activity, sexually transmitted infections can be passed from person to person. Using condoms can reduce your chances of getting infected, but they're not completely foolproof. Again, as with any erotic activity, if there is lack of consent, or even anxiety and struggle to relax, it can be painful, and potentially even cause hemorrhoids or tissue tearing. When it comes to rimming, there is a bacterial risk if any fecal matter comes in contact with the mouth. The same is true for the vagina, which is why it's important not to switch from anal penetration to vaginal penetration without first cleaning the finger, toy, or penis.
5. Are there benefits with anal sex?
Anal sex has many benefits to include the pleasure of ample nerve endings, the orgasmic potential, and the erotic taboo nature of the activity. The nerve endings of the anus are connected to the pelvic floor muscles and border the genitals. They can deliver a lot of pleasure for the receiver, especially around the opening of the anus. Some individuals can orgasm, particularly men if they stimulate the prostate which is deeper in the rectum. There are even some sex toys made specifically for prostate stimulation!Because anal sex gets labeled as taboo and/or dirty, the forbidden thrill can be psychologically sexy. For those who get off on taboo fantasies or sex, anal sex can be just what the doctor ordered!
Here are our top product recommendations
Anal Beads
Anal beads are so overlooked these days! They used to be all the rage, then they sort of faded away.Anal beads are an amazing product and now there are so many kinds – large, small, vibrating, on a stick, bendable, double sided, glass, silicone – the list goes on and on. Anal beads feel amazing inside you and even MORE amazing when they are removed during orgasm! Whether male or female, everyone can get their anal stimulation on with some anal beads!
Recommended :10-Bead Anal Stimulator
Butt Plugs
Don’t mock the butt plug – these things are seriously awesome and practical to purchase! Butt Plugscan be used for anal stimulation (inserted all the way, or just a little bit), can and should be used to prep for anal sex, can be used as a tool to anally penetrate AND can be used during sex, or oral sex, to boost the sensations.
This classic butt plug has a tapered shaft for your comfort and a flared base for easy insertion and retrieval. It is made of a flexible material, but it is plenty firm enough for penetration. Plus, this anal plug comes with a removable bullet for intense stimulation! It is waterproof for play anywhere, and a great option for beginners and experienced anal toy users!
Recommended:Vibra Butt Plug
Expandable Plugs
I like to call these butt plugs plus (BPP) because they are more than just a butt plug. Expandable plugs are ingenious devices, truly, as they can be inserted smaller and then “expanded” to gently and slowly expand and stretch the anal canal. As anyone who has had anal sex knows the penetration process can be painstakingly slow when you are waiting for your anal canal to accept whatever is doing the penetration. These expandable plugs will insert easily and then expand (usually with a hand operated pump) to larger sizes. So smart!
Recommended:Inflatable Butt Plug
Prostate Massagers
This one is just for the boys – sorry, ladies.Prostate Massagers are especially designed to provide targeted anal penetration to the prostate. When a man’s prostate is stimulated, especially during oral sex or hand play, the result is often a very, very intense orgasm. However, stimulating the prostate on your own without a toy can be difficult or awkward, so these handy little toys take the guesswork right out of it! Oh yes, single men rejoice, get your prostate pleased now.
Recommended: 10 Speeds Prostate Stimulator
Silicone Anal Training Kit
This is perfect for beginners as it allows you to easily move up from one size to the next without having to search for the right size. They are firm yet flexible for comfort and pleasure. This is the perfect kit for those who are new to butt plugs, but are excited to move up to more stimulating sizes!
Recommended:Anal Training Kit
