Bottoms Up! Tips for Anal Sex
For a great portion of history, anal sex has been considered somewhat of a taboo activity. There are urban myths attached to its consequences and even biblical references to its sinful nature! But why? Sure, there are some things that you must keep in mind when engaging in anal play, but what has made it such a no-no in our social consciousness? After all, your butt is just another body part – and one that happens to have some extremely concentrated pleasure nerves! Definitely worth getting to know better…
I wanted to write this article in an attempt to begin a conversation that uncovers some of the mysteries, breaks down the stigmas surrounding anal sex for women and provide some resources for you to investigate on your own.
But first, a big disclaimer! Anal sex, (like EVERY form of intimacy) should only be practiced between consenting individuals. There is nothing sexy about forcing, threatening, or cajoling a partner into doing something he/she does not want to do. New positions and acts that one or both people are hesitant to take part in should always be prefaced, punctuated by and followed up with conversation.
Being Anal About Anal Sex:
1. Use a condom. Again – use a condom. Your anus is more prone to tearing than your vagina is, which allows for easier transmission of infection and disease (Think: HIV/AIDs and Sexually Transmitted Infections!). Even if you are in a committed relationship with someone you know to be disease-free, a condom is recommended, as it will improve efforts to maintain cleanliness and lubrication. Similarly, if you are using a strap-on or dildo, you should use a condom to prevent transmission of infection via the shared toy. Remember that even when using a condom, no sexual intercourse is risk free and anal sex is associated with some especially high risks.
(Read more at: http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/byaudience/forpatientadvocates/hivandaid... )
2. Use some form of water-based lube because your anus, unlike your vagina, does not produce its own lubricant. The added moisture will facilitate entry, prevent tearing and enhance pleasure.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment14 Comments
NO thanks , the anus was meant for things to pass out not in .the medical hazards are all to well known.
July 14, 2011 - 9:38amThis Comment
Right, just like the oral cavity was specifically designed for fellatio.
There are medical hazards to every sex act, including being self-righteous on the Internet.
July 14, 2011 - 10:51amPeople whodon't like this should not be made to feel that they ought to.
July 17, 2011 - 9:36amYou are absolutely right! No one should ever feel pressured to do anything that they are not comfortable doing - sexual or otherwise. And I'm sure you agree - someone who engages in anal sex should not be made to feel ashamed for what they find pleasurable. Every person is different! And that is a beautiful thing.
July 17, 2011 - 5:06pmHanna:
This is a GREAT article!!!! Nice Job.
July 27, 2011 - 11:12amThanks so much! I welcome any suggestions/feedback for the best ways to present this somewhat controversial topic!
July 27, 2011 - 2:41pmIt's interesting (as shown by the comments above) how someone can be so against anal sex yet has probably never given a second thought to performing oral sex - how hypocritical.
On the issue of STI's however HPV (human papillomavirus) is far more likly to be contracted than AIDS. Affecting approximately 80% of the population, HPV usually has no symptoms which can result in diagnosis coming late and I think we all know that the earlier any condition is diagnosed the more likely for a better outcome. The HPV virus has been shown to cause genital warts which often occur around the anus whether you have had anal sex or not and wearing a condom can only reduce the risk so far.
Any sexually active adult should discuss HPV with their doctor. There is a vaccine available for both men and women up to age 26. HPV is responsible for 99.9% of cervical cancers and effects almost half a million women annally across the globe.
Sexual intimacy between two loving and consenting adults is not something to be ashamed about and it is the lack of education in others which results in the judgmental attitudes we see in society.
July 28, 2011 - 10:22amIt's interesting (as shown by the comments above) how someone can be so against anal sex yet has probably never given a second thought to performing oral sex - how hypocritical.
On the issue of STI's however HPV (human papillomavirus) is far more likly to be contracted than AIDS. Affecting approximately 80% of the population, HPV usually has no symptoms which can result in diagnosis coming late and I think we all know that the earlier any condition is diagnosed the more likely for a better outcome. The HPV virus has been shown to cause genital warts which often occur around the anus whether you have had anal sex or not and wearing a condom can only reduce the risk so far.
Any sexually active adult should discuss HPV with their doctor. There is a vaccine available for both men and women up to age 26. HPV is responsible for 99.9% of cervical cancers and effects almost half a million women annally across the globe.
Sexual intimacy between two loving and consenting adults is not something to be ashamed about and it is the lack of education in others which results in the judgmental attitudes we see in society.
July 28, 2011 - 10:22amThank you very much for this informative and sensitive comment - I really appreciate your point on oral sex. Furthermore, HPV is a huge health concern AND a preventable one that we should all be aware of! We need people like you to keep us informed and remind us to be open/non-judgmental of others!
Best,
July 28, 2011 - 11:03amHannah
This article seems to equate anal sex with penetration by a penis or a penis analog. In my opinion it would be appropriate to discuss a wider variety of practices, many of which are capable of producing significant pleasure for participants with, apparently, fewer health-related concerns and -- for some -- less social and emotional baggage.
July 30, 2011 - 7:22am