Does anal sex have any health risks?

Anal sex does carry the risk of passing sexually transmitted infections.

What is anal sex?

Anal sex is a type of sexual activity that involves the anus. This includes penile penetration of the anus, penetrating the anus with a finger, or sex toys, and finally, oral sex of the anus.

What are the risks of anal sex?

Penetrative anal sex has a higher risk of spreading STIs than other types of sexual activity. This is becuase the anus can be easily damaged, this makes it more vulnerable to infection.

STIs that can be passed on through anal sex include:

• chlamydia
• genital herpes
• genital wars
• gonorrhoea
• hep B
• HIV
• syphilis

Some viral or bacteria infections can be passed on through oral-anal sex, including hep A and E. coli. It is also possible to pass on an STI by inserting a finger into someone’s anus.

How can anal sex be safer?

Condoms can make any type of sexual activity safer, including during anal sex.

Before having anal sex it is very important to use a water-based lubricant. You can get specific thick anal lubricant that is water-based. Water-based lubricant is best for use with condoms as it won’t disrupt the condom. Anal lubricant will also make insertion easier, and make it less likely to damage the rectum.