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Anal
sex
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.
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.
Despite religious and legal
prohibitions to anal sex, many people, regardless of their sexual orientation,
have engaged in anal sex and found it pleasurable. They 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.
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Sex
