Why So Anal about Pleasure? An Editorial
I want to preface this article by first saying, I have not had anal sex. It is on my list of sexual behaviors to explore and consider, though I am still quite apprehensive. I think my sentiments are shared by many who are interested and intrigued about the potential pleasure of a new position, but who are also anxious about the slightly "messy" logistics of making it work.
That being said, before I began doing research for this series of articles on anal play, I was not only nervous about the endeavor, but also generally uninterested in welcoming the act into my sex life. Reading about the satisfying benefits of anal sex for women, hearing the accounts of others and their experiences, and making an effort to have open conversations about the topic has opened my eyes to a new world of options. Whether you are a committed fan, a non-subscriber, or have been considering engaging in anal play, I believe it is a subject that women should make an effort to include in their sexual awareness and conversations, even if only to expand their education on the female body and become resources for friends/family members who may have questions about the behavior.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Survey of Family Growth, anal sex between heterosexual partners has been on the rise over the past decade. In 1992, 20.4 percent of women reported engaging in anal sex with a male partner, while in 2005, 32.6 percent indicated they include anal in part of their heterosexual repertoire (New York Magazine, 2006). While anal sex has historically been associated with gay couples, it is clear that people who enjoy sex with the opposite gender have adopted the practice, perhaps finally realizing what they have been missing out on. It is time for women—straight, gay and anywhere in between—to get the facts on anal play and what makes it worthwhile.
The bottom line is, like your vagina, your anus is packed with sensitive nerve endings that feel great when touched or stimulated.
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.
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This editorial would appear to reflect the writer's opinion expressed in another article on the topic -- that anal sex equates with phallic penetration. While digital stimulation is mentioned, the implication is that it is preparation for and the prelude to 'the real act.'
This viewpoint, I believe, does a disservice to those who wish to expand their repertory of pleasure-giving and pleasure-receiving activities. There are individuals who will eschew 'anal intercourse' for a variety of reasons -- including health concerns, matters of physical comfort, personal beliefs and societal standards. Those individuals should not be encouraged to believe that anal stimulation practices automatically lead to anal intercourse.
July 30, 2011 - 8:15amThis Comment
Being someone that was forced to have anal sex against my will for 20 years with an abusive husband, I could never tell you anything that felt sexy, arousing or remotely pleasurable about it. All I can say is don't start something you can't finish because your partner may become obsessed about it.
July 30, 2011 - 9:52am