Is Anal Sex Bad For You?
Also Known As: anal intercourse
Short answer
Anal sex is safe, provided that you do it right.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
It's important to always use protection. Wear a condom when you try anal. This will help to prevent transmission of STIs - if you don't wear a condom and you or your partner aren't sure if you're clean, you run the chance of catching or transmitting a disease like HIV. Wearing a condom also protects you from getting infected by the bacteria that can be found in the rectum.
It takes time to prepare the muscles in the rectum to relax so that anal can be enjoyed safely. Don't jump straight to penile penetration on your first day. Start with fingers or rimming and experiment with toys so that you can train the muscles of the rectum to relax. This will reduce the possibility of pain or injury.
Always use lube. Be generous: don't be afraid to use too little. The inside and outside of the rectum should be lubricated in preparation using your fingers. Lubricate the condom as well. Remember to use a water-based lubricant, as oil-based lubricants increase the risk of condom failure.
Penetration with anal sex should be done slowly and carefully. Push in slowly; don’t pump in and out with the speed or the force that you might with vaginal sex. Work your way up gently and prudently to a rhythm that’s comfortable for both parties.
Never go straight from anal to vaginal or oral sex without washing up first. Doing so can transfer the bacteria from the rectum to the mouth or the vagina, where they can cause infections or sickness.
Normally, feces are stored in the colon, which is separate from the rectum. Immediately before a bowel movement, however, feces move from the colon to the rectum. Don't have anal sex right before a bowel movement; the best move is to have a bowel movement before anal sex. Some people will want to wash their rectum with a douche between a bowel movement and anal sex. This isn't strictly necessary and should be done prudently; overenthusiastic douching over a period of time may disrupt the healthy bacteria that live in the colon.
Always get enthusiastic, positive consent before engaging in anal sex. It's never okay to have sex without positive consent; ask and be sure that anal is what your partner wants. If you don't have enthusiastic consent, don't have sex. It's important to remember that once your partner gives consent, they can withdraw it at any time: it's vital that you respect that as well.
Possible short-term side effects
- tearing of anal tissue
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hemorrhoids
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anal abscesses
Possible long-term side effects
- weakened anal sphincter
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sexually transmitted infections
Benefits
- pleasurable for some
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adds a new dimension to one's sex life
Healthier alternatives
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Sean McNulty
Published on: 10-12-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Sean McNulty
Published on: 10-12-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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