Anal sex is common regardless of gender or sexual orientation. While many find it pleasurable, it has its own problems with the fragile tissues of the anus, and potential lack of hygiene.
Ways of getting into anal sex
Anal sex does not always involve a penis. Other alternatives are fingering, fisting, rimming (the manipulation of the anus by the mouth and tongue), or sex toys such as strap-on dildos, butt plugs or vibrators.
Anatomical analysis of anal sex
Though women can enjoy receptive anal intercourse, or even insertive anal intercourse (through use of a strap-on dildo or other object), only men have a fully developed prostate gland, also known as the “male G-spot”, which can be stimulated during anal intercourse. Rectal stimulation of the prostate gland, either by a penis, or sex toy can result in very pleasurable sensations for many males.
The prostate is located next to the rectum, and is the larger, more developed male version of the Skene’s glands, also known as the “G-spot” in women, which are located around the urethra – these can be felt through the wall of the vagina, but can not be stimulated anally in women.
Hygiene & anal sex
Anal sex is not necessarily messy because the rectum is usually empty: it only contains a significant amount of faeces at the point when it needs to be emptied. Once the rectum is emptied normally, it contains only trace amounts of faeces. Enemas can also be used to empty the rectum completely.
Risks and protective measures
Anal sex exposes the participants to hazards of two kinds: infections, due to the high number of infectious microorganisms not found elsewhere on the body, and physical damage to the anus and the rectum due to their vulnerability. An insufficient amount of lubricant can make it especially painful or injurious.
Infectious diseases associated with anal sex
Among the diseases with which anal sex is associated are HIV, anal cancer, typhoid fever, and various other diseases associated with the infectious nature of faecal matter or sexual intercourse in general. Among these are chlamydia, cryptosporidiosis, gonorrhea, viral hepatitis, herpes, human papillomavirus, lymphogranuloma venereum, pubic lice, shigella and syphilis.
HIV/AIDS
The high concentration of white blood cells around the rectum, together with the risk of cuts to the rectum and that one of the functions of the rectum is to absorb fluid, increases the risk of HIV transmission. Use of condoms and other precautions are a medically recommended way to lessen risk of infections. Unprotected receptive anal sex is the most risky sexual behavior in terms of HIV transmission.
Physical damage associated with anal sex
Physical damage to the rectum and anus can manifest as generalised ano-rectal trauma, haemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal fistula and rectal prolapse. Damage is more likely if anal sex is done without consent, if alcohol or other drugs have dulled sensitivity, if communication is poor, or if technique is clumsy. Incontinence has also been reported, the result of the anal sphincter losing its tone.
Protective measures
As the rectum has no natural lubrication, artificial lubrication is most often required or preferred when penetrating the anus, either with natural appendages or artificial devices.
Because the vaginal opening is located so closely to the anus, without proper precautions it is common for sexual partners to spread bacteria from the anus into the vagina, as well as the urethra, the repercussions of which can include urinary tract infection. This also happens if an object or appendage is inserted rectally and then vaginally.
Latex gloves or condoms can be used to reduce the risk. It is also possible to take acceptable measures separate from such protection, which include (but are not limited to) hand washing and being conscious and wary of where one’s hands and devices are placed.
How safe are condoms during anal sex?
Condoms are alleged to be less effective and more prone to burst or slip
during anal sex, as compared to vaginal sex. Various studies show failure
rates of condoms between 0.5% to 32%. Generous use of a water-based lubricant
should minimise the chances of a condom breaking.
Some manufacturers offer “extra strong” condoms designed specifically
for anal intercourse. These condoms, while stronger, are usually not coated
with spermicide and so offer less protection against pregnancy should semen
enter a woman’s vagina, but will lessen the chance of irritation to
the sensitive anus area.
Licensed under the GNU Free Licence Agreement and adapted from an article at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anal_sex
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