Some Thoughts on Anal Sex

Anal sex is enjoyed by many and thought perverse or, at the very least, 'dirty' and a taboo or forbidden topic by many others. Many authors have written volumes on the subject. Below are some thoughts on anal sex based on the Ten Rules of Anal Sex by Jack Morin, PhD. Jack is the author of Anal Pleasure and Health and is a practicing sex therapist in San Francisco. More information is contained in the article Enjoying the Backdoor, here in Perils of Pleasure.

Anal intercourse is the least practiced form of anal sex - Anal sex includes touching and probing using the fingers or tongue. Often, penetration of the 'backdoor' is accomplished by a finger or two. Occasionally the fingers will belong to a lover or partner and, at other time, the individual is giving him/herself pleasure using his or her own fingers. Many people enjoy penetrating the anus and rectum using a small dildo or vibrator while others including gay and heterosexual couples may enjoy anal penetration with the penis or a strap-on dildo. It should be noted that anal intercourse is not the most common form of anal sex enjoyed by gay and heterosexual people.

Anal play, including intercourse is not painful if done right - Pain generally indicates something is wrong with or in the body and should be evaluated. The anus us rich with nerve endings and, when overstimulated or roughly stimulated, these nerves can send out pain signals. Additionally, sudden pain triggers the body to contract or tighten the anus causing more pain as penetration continues. To avoid such pain and minimize discomfort, follow these simple guidelines:

• Use one finger or a small dildo when trying anal stimulation and penetration the first few times. Allow a warm-up time to get used to the stimulation.
• Use plenty of lubricant - KY Jelly or AstroGlide should be applied to the finger or dildo as well as the anus.
• Use gentle pressure on the opening allowing it to relax. Gradually increase the pressure as the anus opens and insert the finger or dildo.
• When the person is relaxed and ready, continue probing and inserting the finger or dildo.
• Stop whenever the person indicates discomfort. Resume play as the person relaxes.

People can orgasm from anal sex - As was mentioned, the anus has many nerve endings that, when stimulated, can result in intense pleasure. Once a penis, finger, or dildo is past the sphincter, the sensations are less intense. Pleasure usually results from pressure sensations inside the rectum. In addition, many people enjoy the fullness in the rectum. For men, the prostate can be massaged or stimulated also causing considerable pleasure. Finally, there is the erotic thrill of participating in something that is 'forbidden.' Many people require genital stimulation (penis or clitoris) in order to achieve orgasm; however, some people can climax from anal stimulation alone.

Anal sex can be safe - If a person takes reasonable precautions including using condoms and other protections against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the risk of STD transmission including HIV is low. Also, if each person continues to go beyond the pain or uses excessive force, injury can result. But, if there is no pain and force is not used, the risk of injury is also low. Yes, anal injuries can occur and should be treated by an emergency room physician, especially if bleeding is present.