You don’t need to dig around too deep to read about someone’s anal sex horror story. There are tales of people’s “asses falling out,” people needing adult diapers for the rest of their lives, even people dying as the result of anal sex. It’s true that these things could happen, but they are rare and result not from having anal sex, but from having dangerous anal sex. You can have dangerous oral sex or masturbation and cause serious damage to your body.
The truth is that anal sex, and anal play more generally, can be completely safe and have no bad effects on your body whether it’s your first or 101st time. That said, there are some unique risks that come with anal sex that you need to know about in order to prevent them from happening to you. These include:
Tearing Tissue.
The lining of the anal canal and rectum are thinner and more easily torn than inside the vagina. Since there is no natural lubrication, there is no protection from friction. Starting slow, and using lots of lubricant, is essential for safe anal sex.
Tearing Muscle.
It’s not common, but the sphincter muscles, as any muscle, can tear. Tears can heal and be repaired, but paying attention to your body, going slow and never forcing anything in to the anus is also essential for safe anal sex.
Vacuum Effect.
When you insert something without a flared base in to the anus, it can slip up and out of reach, requiring sometimes surgical intervention. Always use toys designed for anal penetration.
Lack of Sensation.
Since there are few nerve endings once you get higher in to the rectum, you won’t necessarily feel pain right away if there is tearing. You may not feel it. It’s important to pay attention to your body during and after having anal sex (particularly if it’s vigorous) and see a doctor if you experience lasting pain following anal sex.
Fecal Contamination.
No matter how much you clean beforehand, anal sex will always involve contact with some fecal matter. There are many ways of internally and externally passing fecal matter to other parts of your body that can cause serious health risks. Always use condoms and gloves, and wash up well before and after anal sex.
Remember that anal sex in and of itself is not dangerous, despite what a lot of old books and other people may say. Like most sexual activities, anal sex can be safe and pleasurable, as long as it’s done properly.
