SelfhelpMagazine

by Dr. Al Cooper and Dr. Coralie Scherer

You are not alone in having mixed feelings at the thought of anal intercourse or as it is also known, anal penetration. It is not as frequently talked about as penile-vaginal intercourse nor as commonly practiced (see previous column for information on frequency). As with any sexual practice, do not allow yourself to be pressured into any activity that does not feel OK.

You, as well as your partner, have the right to say no and either of you can change your minds in either direction at any time. That is what the phrase, "between consenting adults" is about. You are wise to gather as much good information as you can to help clarify your decision. Then you may decide to give it a try or to keep things as they are.

So here are some things that are good to know about anal intercourse. Is it safe? Well, certainly, there is reduced danger of becoming pregnant. However, one drop of seminal fluid or semen spilled too closely to the mouth of the vaginal opening can lead to impregnation. Keeping track of such secretions can be a chore when in the throes of passion. Make sure that such fastidiousness is not the last thing on your lover's mind if you choose to experiment with any type of sex that might result in sperm being deposited in the general area of your vagina.

Also, while anal intercourse does not cause AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it can lead to transmission of AIDS or other STDs when either partner is infected. This is because the rectum is not self-lubricating like the vagina or even the mouth. The delicate tissues there are easily irritated or damaged and can be an easy route into the body for infecting agents.

And of course, there is the matter of fecal matter. It is filled with bacteria that can cause very painful infections if transferred to the mouth, penis or vagina. It's not a good idea to have anal intercourse followed by vaginal intercourse without carefully washing the penis and using a fresh condom. If not, unseen but highly infectious fecal matter might be introduced into the vagina, often leading to serious vaginal infections within a week or two.

Therefore, there are some very important things to do if anal intercourse is to be a safer and more pleasurable experience:

1. Use lots and lots of lubricant. This should be water-based (have no oils in it), especially when used in conjunction with condoms. Oil-based lubricants can weaken condoms and result in condom breakage during their use. More than one pregnancy or infection has been the result of this mistake.
2. Use condoms to reduce the possibility of transmitting STDs or transferring feces. Remove the condom and carefully wash the penis before engaging in any other activities.
3. Entry should be gentle and thrusting slower and shallower than in vaginal intercourse to prevent or reduce irritation or tearing of rectal tissues.
4. Experiment with angles of entry and positions to reduce discomfort and increase pleasure

About the Authors:

Dr. Al Cooper, was the clinical director at the San Jose Marital and Sexuality Centre (408-248-9737) and ran the training program for Counseling and Psychological Services at Stanford University. Dr. Cooper was internationally known for his work in sexuality. .

Dr. Coralie Scherer coordinates online services for the Centre and specializes in sexual trauma, women's issues, and marital therapy.