Anal-yse this
Question
My girlfriend and I have been thinking about having anal sex, but neither of us has done it before. My girlfriend is worried that it will hurt, or even tear, her. Are there any health issues we should know about? What sort of lubricant should we use?
Answer
Anal intercourse is when a man penetrates the anus and rectum of another man or woman. Like all aspects of sex, whether you have anal sex is a personal choice. Some people enjoy it but other people may never want to try it. With any sexual activity, it is important not to feel pressured or to pressurise anyone else into doing something that you are not comfortable with.
Many people choose to use a lubricant during anal intercourse to make penetration easier and reduce any discomfort. KY Jelly is popular as it can be used with all condoms. Oil-based lubricants can damage some condoms, so be sure to read the label. If any sexual act causes you a considerable amount of pain it's important to stop, and seek advice.
Having unprotected anal sex (or any other unprotected sexual activity) will put you at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). To reduce the risk of infection, always use a condom. Extra strong condoms are usually recommended for anal sex.
Having unprotected anal sex does not put you at risk of pregnancy unless sperm comes into contact with the vagina in any way, including from sperm on fingers. It's important to remember that the penis leaks a few drops of semen as soon as it is hard, so there is a risk of pregnancy if the penis comes into contact with the vagina, even if the man doesn't ejaculate. This is why it's important for the man to wear a condom as soon as the penis is erect.
Ultimately, the decision on how to have sex is one made between you and your partner, and it's a good idea to talk through your feelings and concerns together.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to a counsellor, you can visit a Brook Centre. Counselling is free and confidential to all young people under the age of 25.
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Question answered by Brook
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