What is anal fun?

According to the Oxford dictionary, anal fun is a sexual activity entailing penetration of the anus. Another trusted source, WebMD, states that anal sex is the type of intimate activity that involves a partner with penis penetrating the other partner’s anus. 

Is anal (backdoor) sex fun and safe?

Anal fun is a sort of a taboo topic, regardless of the fact that it’s a widely known and participated sexual activity. As more people get involved in backdoor sex, understanding the safety, pleasure points, strategy, preparation process, and post anal orgasm period is crucial. 

According to Emily Woodman-Maynard, Alex Carballo-Dieguez and Kenneth H. Mayer, 20-30% of US women have practiced anal intercourse at least once per their lifetime, and 19-32% of women in the US had anal sex recently (during the period of the past 12 months). Anal fun is linked to a higher HIV transmission rates than vaginal sex. So, don’t forget to use protection and put a condom on!

You may believe that during backdoor sex, a penis is required to penetrate your anus. In fact, your options are endless.  You can experience anal play with fingers, tongue, sex toys, silicone vibrators, glass and silicone dildos, anal plugs, anal beads and vibrating toys!

As we mentioned earlier, anal sex involves an increased risk of getting STI’s and STD’s. There is more chance that your skin might tear during anal penetration. That’s why using condoms and lubricants is crucial. If you are planning to practice anal and vaginal sex in the same session, please, don’t forget to change the condom each time. Anal sex is only safe if you play by the rules. A little more planning, preparation, communication,  and trust is the key to an amazing sexual experience. A combination of fun and safety is a normal part of anal play! 

Anal Sex Tips.

Whether you are an experienced player or a rookie, here are  a few anal tips to consider before engaging in anal intercourse. This will put you in a right mental state of mindfulness, confidentiality and both mentally and physically preparedness.  

1. Anus lacks personal lubrication

Naturally, when vulva owners are turned on, vaginas produce natural lubrication.  The anus is exempt from this rule. Help your body by applying a water-based, hypoallergenic, gynecologist-approved lube for the anus. Protect those sensitive tissues! No pain, no bleeding, and no tearing is possible when you play right.

2. Mucosa (delicate tissue of the anus).

The cells around the anus act as a protective wall for the lower half of your digestive tract. The deeper you advance inside the anus, the more delicate and sensitive tissues can be found. This elevates the likelihood of getting sexually transmitted infections and diseases and exchanging common sexually transmitted bacterial organisms, genital warts, pinworms, scabies, yeast, parasites. If you experience rectal itching, redness, discomfort, pain or bleeding, don’t hesitate to call your doctor immediately. 

3. Relax anal muscles by trying rectal dilators.

If you would like to physically get accustomed to anal fun, try rectal dilators or an anal training kit to stretch those tight muscles and help your body get used to a new sensation. As many women and men have constricted rectums, it’s highly recommended to loosen the anus by practicing with rectal dilators or anal training kits.

4. Anus contains bacteria – overgrowth can cause an Anal Yeast infection.

STD’s and STI’s are not the only concern during anal play. If you experience anal itching, you should contact your doctor to determine the reason of anal imbalance, as that could be poor hygiene, hemorrhoids or an anal yeast infection (candida). Bacteria, such as hepatitis A and E. coli, can grow from poor hygiene practices. Other symptoms of yeast infection include redness, burning sensation, soreness, irritated skin, pain, and unhealthy irritated skin from scratching.

If you use anal sex toys, be sure to clean them after each use. If you are a fan of dual or triple stimulation toys, for your safety never switch an anal and vaginal part. For the best cleaning practices, you can wash your adult toys with an antibacterial soap or a sex toy cleansing gel. 

What should you discuss with a partner? 

Any one who is attracted to this type of anal activity needs to decide first if this is the right thing for you.

Is it painful?

In order to get a smooth, painless, and pleasant anal session, you need to get accustomed to a new feeling first. Practice with differently sized anal toys, lube up, play with fingers and take your time. Remember, patience is extremely important during solo or partnered anal play. It can go either very well or very badly. Take it slow and understand the importance of communication skills. 

Will I bleed?

 It’s very possible that your anal tissues might tear a little during your very first time. If you keep experiencing bleeding after 5-6 sessions, then you should contact your health care provider to find out a root of the problem. This might be a sign of a health issue or incorrect intense anal penetration. 

What will happen to a movement of feces? (Defecation)

Anal fun will not interfere with a bowel movement. The only thing that may happen if your anal tissues are irritated after the first couple of sessions, you will most likely have some discomfort while making a bowel movement. If the pain is too severe, persists for more than 2 weeks or impedes your regular daily life, take over-the-counter pain relievers and contact your doctor.

4. Multiple anal sex side effects:

• Spreading STIs.

  Unprotected anal sex can lead to anal cancer. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is easily transmitted during backdoor fun, that long-term is linked to multiple types of cancer: oral, cervical and anal. HPV is considered the main source of anal cancers. 

• Piles or hemorrhoids.

   Piles are usually caused by stretching and pushing from anal fun, obesity, pregnancy. Symptoms include swollen or inflamed veins, discomfort, bleeding and itching. Piles are very common and treatable by doctors. 

• Colon perforation (cut, puncture, hole).

   This is very unusual and rare. The perforation can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Besides anal fun, colon perforation can also be a consequence of a colon surgery or acute bowel disease. Colon perforation is a medical emergency, you should consider an immediate medical help. 

If you are in a healthy relationship with your partner, consider opening up and discussing freely what turns you on, what novelties you would like to experience and all possible ways that will upgrade your sex life. This will open the door to a deeper intimacy and a new level of pleasure. This will help to create a loving, long-lasting relationship.