It’s so normal to get freaky, bringing on the heat and going super hardcore with the aim of both parties showing off their sexual dexterity, the desire to try new things and dump the older stuffs. Getting into that romantic moment leaves one with the vision to explore to infinity and beyond, this result in trying out different sexual activities such as anal sex (insertion and thrusting of the erect penis into a person’s anus), fellatio (orally stimulating the male organ), cunnilingus (oral sex act performed by a person on a female’s genitalia) in a bid to actualize sexual pleasure.

However the focal point here would be Anal Sex. Anal sex could also include fingering, the use of sex toys for anal penetration, oral sex being performed on the anus and pegging. This sexual act is controversial in different cultures and religious beliefs leading to prohibition. It may be regarded as a taboo or unnatural to some and a criminal offence in some countries punishable.

On another look some people perceive anal sex as a natural and valid method of sexual activity that may be as fulfilling as other desired sexual expressions. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, believes and customs on the side to take and whether or not it’s appropriates of them to practice this form of sexual activity.

However, I would like to carry out a quick dialysis on anal sex in relation to an individual’s health, it effects and possible ways of safe practice. Before going into details, I would like to give an overview of the topic (subject matter) to aid a comprehensive and detailed understanding and clarity of the article

ANAL SEX

Anal sex involves a sexual activity involving the bottom (anus) whereby an erect penis is inserted into the anus or anus and rectum for sexual pleasure. It is commonly referred to as penile-anal penetration and sometime as anal intercourse. People may experience pleasure from anal sex by stimulation of the anal nerve ending and orgasm may be achieved through anal penetration through indirect stimulation of the prostrate in men and indirect stimulation of the clitoris or an area of the vagina associated with the G-spot in women and other sensory nerves. There are quite a number of anal sex which includes;

Postillionage: Involves putting a finger into the partner’s bottom.

Insertion of butt plugs: This involves the use of sex toys that dilate the anal opening and create sensation of fullness.

Use of vibrators on or in the anus

Rimming: This is oral anal contact which carries a significant amount of risk

Fisting: This involves insertion of the hand into the rectum, an activity not common among heterosexual couples.

This sexual activities is usually seen by some couples as a way to spice up the activity, this is as a result of porn which makes most view them as highly suitable. According to a study carried out in the UK, around 20 per cent of pornographic DVDs feature real intercourse which is usually presented as a normal routine and painless in women. There are many opinions as regards the long term effect of practicing anal sex, some believe it could worn out the rectum/anus and make it larger there resulting in bathroom problems and the use of adult diapers.

This fact could be deemed speculative as there hasn’t been any study conducted so far in relation to the long term safety of anal sex, it could be theoretically possible that frequent or vigorous anal sex could put undue pressure on the posterior (back) vaginal wall which may lead to increased risk of farting or anal continence. However the fact still remains that aside those problems, anal sex poses quite a number of heath related threats.

HEALTH RISKS OF PRACTICING ANAL SEX

The practice of anal sex/intercourse exposes both parties to quite a number of risks which could pose a great threat to their health

Risk of spreading of STI's: The tissues inside the anus isn’t well protected as that of the outer skin outside the anus, the tissues do not have natural protection and lack natural lubrication, penetration could lead to tissue tear thereby leaving one vulnerable to contacting sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis. This is because the lining of the anus is thin and can easily be damaged which makes it more susceptible to infection and virus to gain entry into the bloodstream.

Bacterial Infection (E. Coli): The anus is saturated with bacteria, there are loads of bacteria in the anus that could easily infect the other partner. An example is the E coli which is a bug that’s present in the bowel and must not get into the mouth, it can cross easily between the female anus and the female urinary opening causing urinary infection, this transfer is usually caused by immediate transfer of the penis from the anus into the vagina during intercourse.

HPV and Cancer: HPV (Human Papillomavirus) which is one of the most transmitted sexual disease could unfortunately be carcinogenic (cancer provoking). Some HPV could cause cancer of the cervix in women and also cancer of the throat in women. According to research carried out in the present century, it was discovered that HPV could be isolated from the tissues of many anal cancer. By 2008, it became clear that people who were anally penetrated by multiple partners were unusually likely to get carcinoma of the anus.

Weakening of anal sphincter: The anus is surrounded with a ring like muscle called the anal sphincter which tightens after defecation, after the tightening of the muscles, anal penetration could become very painful and tough. Continuous anal sex could result in weakening of the anal sphincter at the long run. Kegel exercises could however be used in strengthening the sphincter in order to prevent inability to hold faeces.

PROTECTION AGAINST ANAL SEX RELATED PROBLEMS

There are quite a number of other safer sexual practices that could be more exciting, however here are some safe anal sex tips which could be helpful in performing safe anal sex if you have to;

The use of latex condom and water base lubricants to reduce the risk of tissue tear as using vaseline may cause the condom to split.

Avoid the immediate transfer of the penis into the mouth or vagina after removal from the anus except the condom has been changed.

Avoiding the use of spermicide which may irritate the rectum.

Take it gentle and slow, halt the activity if it becomes painful

If bleeding occurs after anal sex or sores, lumps or discharge comes out from the anus, see your doctor immediately.

Images:

http://www.gorkhapost.com/tag/sex/
http://indianexpress.com/about/sex-life/
http://www.mensxp.com/relationships/sex-and-intimacy/29869-8-reasons-why-the-sex-is-exhausting-you.html
http://www.marriage.com/advice/physical-intimacy/how-important-is-sex-for-a-man/

Source:

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/sexual-health/a2266/anal-sex/
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/anal-sex
https://www.nhs/chq/pages/3050.aspx?CategoryID=118
https://www.menhealth.com/sex-women/qa-is-anal-sex-safe-or-will-i-end-up-in-adult-diapers
https://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/risk-anal-sex-other-stis