ANAL SEX - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Many people get revulsed at the idea of anal sex, which by the way is not a practice of all homosexual people nor is it, only a preserve of the homosexuals. Many heterosexuals do engage in anal sex, and many homosexuals do not engage in it at all. Lets talk about it today.

Anal sex is stimulation of the anus during sexual activity. It can be done in several different ways: manually, orally or by anal intercourse.

Anal sex can be the primary form of sexual activity or it can accompany other types of stimulation. For instance, couples sometimes include manual stimulation of the anus (either lightly rubbing the rim or inserting a finger into the anus) during vaginal intercourse. Others use the tongue in a similar fashion for oral stimulation.

Anal intercourse is the insertion of a man's penis into his partner's rectum. Although anal sex is often thought of as a strictly homosexual activity, many heterosexual couples enjoy it too.

Anal penetration can be pleasurable, but it can also be a source of physical discomfort. The muscle on the outside of the rectum, called the anal sphincter, ordinarily tightens if stimulated, which means that attempts at insertion of the penis, or even a finger, may be uncomfortable even if done slowly and gently. If penetration into the anus is forced, injury is possible. It is helpful to use a lubricant liberally and to relax and gradually dilate the sphincter by gentle manual stimulation before attempting penetration.

Some people clear the rectum with a small disposable enema before anal intercourse. Because the rectum contains infection causing bacteria, anything (fingers, objects, penis) that has had contact with the anus should not subsequently be in contact with the vagina or mouth until it has been thoroughly washed.

Strong Negative Attitudes
Some people have strong negative attitudes toward anal sex, whether it takes place between homosexual or heterosexual couples. They may think of it as being unclean, unnatural, perverted, disgusting, or simply unappealing. It is sometimes regarded as the ultimate in depravity and has regularly been condemned by religious and secular authorities.

Historically, religious objections originate from the fact that a woman cannot possibly get pregnant through anal sex, as some religions only approved of sexual intercourse for the purpose of reproduction.

Anal sex is subject to legal restrictions in some states, even between married couples. In general these statutes refer to anal sex acts as "crimes against nature", going back to the view that heterosexual intercourse, with its reproductive potential, is the only natural, healthy, non-sinful way of having sexual relations. These laws are strongly biased toward the prosecution of homosexuals because penetrative anal sex is far more common among gay men than it is among heterosexual couples.

A Legitimate Form of Sexual Expression
Despite religious and legal prohibitions to anal sex, many people, regardless of their sexual orientation, regard it as a legitimate form of sexual expression and as one of the fulfilling ways in which people can express their desire and affection for each other. It is up to each couple to decide what is acceptable and enjoyable for them. If a couple's attitudes or values make anal sex unacceptable, or if they do not enjoy it, they should feel no pressure to engage in it.

It is important to note that HIV, the virus causing AIDS, can be transmitted through anal sex, especially anal intercourse. In fact, the risk of HIV transmission is greater than it is in vaginal intercourse because the lining of the rectum tears more easily than the vagina does. The resulting skin breaks and bleeding increase the possibility of the transmission of bodily fluids containing the virus that causes AIDS. For those who choose to engage in either vaginal or anal penetrative sexual acts, using latex condoms is the best means of reducing the likelihood of HIV transmission.

Copyright 2002 Sinclair Intimacy Institute

Question

My boyfriend and I have unsafe sex, and he ejaculates in my colon. What are the risks, other than passing an STD to my body, if this were to occur daily? Because of a sphincter and a sharp curve between your rectum and your colon, it would be very difficult -- if not impossible -- for a penis to penetrate the colon. Therefore it's unlikely that your partner is actually ejaculating in your colon. He is most likely ejaculating deep in your rectum. You asked about non-STD risks, but I must point out that the risk of becoming infected with HIV and other STDs through unprotected anal intercourse with an infected partner is high. Your risk is increased by the fact that your partner always ejaculates inside you. Withdrawing before ejaculation might lessen somewhat your chances of becoming infected. Your non-STD-related risks are minimal and can easily be further decreased. To prevent other infections, avoid any oral or vaginal (if applicable) penetration involving your partner's penis after he has penetrated you anally -- unless he puts on a new condom or cleans his penis carefully in between. There are germs that are harmless in an anus but very dangerous in a mouth or vagina. Anal sex can involve friction leading to abrasions within the anal cavity where the membranes are quite delicate. Using plenty of lubrication such as Probe, Wet, or ID will help you avoid this -- as will a slow, careful entry into the anus. Remember, never use an oil-based lubrication such as lotion, baby oil or Crisco with latex condoms. If his entry or thrusting into your anus causes you severe pain, this is a sign that injury is being done and you should consider slowing down, using more lube or trying some other activity. This is one reason why using drugs that decrease your awareness of pain during anal sex is a bad idea. It's also a reason why good verbal communication with your partner decreases risk of injury during any sexual activity. In addition, keep in mind that sexual arousal will make it easier for you to relax your sphincter muscles for comfortable entry. Stories of people permanently damaging or weakening their anal sphincters through frequent anal sex are myths. Anal sex does not lead to an inability to control bowel movements.