Girl To Girl: Vol. 2

Is Anal Sex Safe? Key Rules to Follows

According to research, nearly 10% of sexually active women participate in anal sex. Despite being a common activity, it's still a fairly taboo subject. Let's analyze its downsides and ways to stay safe.

Is it safe to have anal sex?

Anal sex isn't just anal penetration with a penis. Anal sex can actually be performed with a tongue or fingers, or with the use of dildos, vibrators, toys, and butt plugs.

However, safe anal sex requires planning, preparation, and open communication with your partner because it's one of the riskiest forms of sexual activity. There are multiple health concerns associated with it, including:

Bacteria: Strains of bacteria such as E. coli live in the anal canal and spread easily. Even if you and your partner are both free of STIs, bacterial infections can still affect both partners. Always exercise good hygiene and remember to put on a fresh condom before switching to vaginal intercourse.

Delicate anal tissue: Although the skin around your anus is somewhat tough and provides a barrier against infection, the soft tissues inside the anus are thin and delicate. Penetration can result in trauma- like anal fissures or tears, and even bleeding— making you more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.

Lack of lubrication: Unlike the vaginal canal, your anus doesn't produce a natural lubricant for sex. Therefore, practicing safe anal sex includes using some form of lubrication. Failure to do so may cause pain, injury, or bleeding after penetration.

Aggravation of hemorrhoids: Anal sex isn't usually liked to the formation of new hemorrhoids. However, the stretching and pushing might cause internal or external flare-ups, worsening symptoms such as itching, swelling, and discomfort.

Colon damage: Though it's rare, anal penetration could potentially puncture your colon and require surgery. Consult with your doctor immediately if you notice heavy rectal bleeding and abdominal pain after participating in anal sex.

How to have safe anal sex

With proper planning and preparation, anal sex can be a safe and pleasurable experience for you and your partner. Protect your health by following these guidelines for safe anal sex:

Be open with your partner: If you're hoping to explore anal sex, start an honest conversation with your partner and discuss any concerns. It's OK to change your mind even after you've decided to try something new. Sex should never make you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.

Use an enema: Yes, anal sex can get messy, and there are a few different options available for maintaining good hygiene. Consider using an enema to rinse out your rectum if you think it'll put both of you at ease and up the enjoyment factor.

Wear a condom: Condoms help protect you from most STIs during anal sex. Though condoms don't take the place of regular testing, they can be just as effective in safeguarding your health as they are during vaginal intercourse. It's important to remember to use a new condom prior to vaginal penetration to prevent the transfer of bacteria from anus to vagina.

Wash your hands and trim your nails: Another way to ensure you're engaging in safe anal sex is by keeping your hands clean and your fingernails short. This will lessen your chances of tearing delicate anal tissue and causing abrasions or bleeding. Scrub thoroughly, including under the nails, with warm, soapy water before inserting your fingers into the anus, vagina, or mouth.

Clean your sex toys: Take a few moments to clean and disinfect all toys before and after anal sex. E. coli, hepatitis B, and other germs are easily spread by these objects.

Use a lubricant: Apply plenty of lube during anal sex to decrease your chances of injuring sensitive anal tissues. Many couples turn to Vaseline as a convenient and inexpensive option, but it's not recommended. If you're wearing a latex condom, stick with water-based lubricants, since oil-based varieties can weaken latex and cause condoms to break. Furthermore, Vaseline and other oil-based products can ruin your sex toys and stain your bedsheets, and these stains can be tough to remove.

Warm up with foreplay: A brief 10-to 15-minute period of foreplay prior to anal sex creates a more pleasurable experience for you and your partner. It's particularly essential for safe anal sex as it allows your anal sphincter muscles to loosen and relax.

** i just really feel the need to point out that if you're wanting to do anal and you're ready to prepare, the day before you plan to do it, do an enema. Pornstars that are planning to film an upcoming anal scene are required to do at least one enema the day before their scene films. Why?? Because you want to clean your bumhole out, you need it to be cleaned and sanitary. Nobody wants to be mid fvck only to be scarred by poop on their d!ck, c'mon! that would be way too humiliating. i would D I E 😭 (and barf)
I absolutely highly recommend/suggest you do an enema the day before anal, granted i myself have never done it but i would imagine i and my partner would appreciate me cleaning my bum and keeping it clean if we were gonna do all that
If you've never heard of an enema, they're super healthy for you. Basically you stick a fun little tube up your bum, there's oil or water (depending on the type of enema you choose to do) and it fills your colon (don't quote me on that, but im almost 99% certain it's your colon) with whatever liquid, and it helps whatever is in there to slip right out. You will poop easily after.
It sounds like a disgusting process, but surprisingly, it's not. Drinking a coffee and getting the shits is a nasty process in comparison. Doing an enema by choice is actually such an easy and cleansing process, people do it by choice for health and wellness like once a month just because they love how it makes them feel. (many people use it for weight management/ya poop dead weight out, you look slimmer and feel better)
I also saw a video on this couple that's addicted to coffee enemas. now, that might be a problem. Imagine?! all that caffeine being forced into their bloodstream, Jeez!! I can't imagine why they would ever want to do such a thing, they do like 30 gallons of coffee a day which is way ridiculous, the caffeine intake is far too much, that cannot be healthy. So, maybe don't do that.
But, Kourtney Kardashian would go every Friday, pay thousands of dollars, to get this oil (of her choice) enema. I'm not too sure if she still does it but you can see it on Kim & Kourtney take New York and on some earlier seasons of Keeping up With the Kardashians. (that is, if you fill your brain with that retched poison 🤷‍♀️)