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Dangers of anal sex
Unprotected anal sex, colloquially known as "barebacking
",[84]
carries an elevated risk of passing on sexually transmitted diseases because the anal sphincter is delicate, easily-torn tissue; a tear can provide an entry for pathogens. The high concentration of white blood cells
around the rectum, together with the risk of tearing and the rectum's function to absorb fluid, places those who engage in unprotected anal sex at high risk of sexually transmitted infection
. Use of condoms
, ample lubrication to reduce the risk of tearing,[30]
[32]
and other safer sex
practices reduce the risk. However, a condom can break or come off during anal sex, so both sex partners must remain watchful during sex and there is still some risk if one or both partners carries a sexually-transmissible infection.[85]
Physical damage to the rectum and anus can manifest as generalized ano-rectal trauma, anal fissures, [15]
rectal prolapse, and exacerbating hemorrhoids. [98]
Adequate lubrication and preparation reduces the risk of physical trauma, [99]
while the risk increases with use of alcohol or other drugs that dull sensitivity. |
