Despite how great it feels, anal sex isn’t exactly without risks. Men and women who engage in butt play have an increased risk of fecal incontinence, according to a study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.
Feces can carry organisms that cause illness or infection, including the bacterial infection shigella. Only a small amount of feces needs to come into contact with the skin, mouth, or eyes for infections to occur.
1. Fecal Incontinence
While nobody likes to talk about it, poop is an important part of life. And anal sex is no exception. A recent study found that women who engage in anal sex are more likely to experience fecal incontinence, or accidental bowel leakage, because of the intimacy and close proximity between the anus and rectum.
Researchers analyzed data from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included 6,150 participants. Those who engaged in anal sex were twice as likely to experience this problem, compared to those who did not.
The researchers suspect this is because the anal canal is so close to the rectum that it can transfer bacteria from the large intestines to the anus, which then leads to a urinary tract infection (UTI).
If you’re planning on having anal sex, it’s important to discuss preparation, protection, and potential messes beforehand. And be sure to use plenty of lube to decrease the likelihood of tears or ruptures, which can lead to bleeding in the anus and even a STI.
However, the results of this study shouldn’t discourage people from trying anal sex if it’s something they enjoy. Just make sure you’re with a partner who knows what to expect and isn’t grossed out by it. And if you do end up seeing blood in your bowel movements, don’t panic, as long as it doesn’t last more than a day or two.
2. Blood in the Bowel Movements
Anal sex can cause blood in your bodily movements, but it doesn’t mean you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). According to Rena Martine, women’s intimacy coach and educator, this can happen if your anus muscle is too tight. If you’re a beginner, this might be normal as your body gets used to anal penetration. She suggests practicing anal sex with fingers, butt plugs or small dildos before trying a penis or a big one.
If you have a condition that causes diarrhea, like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, you should only have anal sex with protection. It’s important that you wash your hands, penis and genitals with soap before and after anal sex to avoid any contamination. It’s also recommended that you use plenty of lube to help keep things smooth.
If you have a GI disorder, it’s best to avoid anal sex altogether. But if you’re ready to try it, make sure to talk to your doctor first. They’ll let you know if it’s safe and provide suggestions on how to prepare for it and protect yourself from any side effects. It’s also a good idea to give your partner a heads-up about your GI condition so they can be prepared for what might happen.
3. Diarrhea
Even if you’re new to anal sex, your partner can help by using lots of lube and starting small with a finger or toy. That said, a little pain your first time is to be expected as your anus gets used to the sensation, but if the pain becomes severe or consistent, stop.
A little blood the first time or two isn’t unusual either. But it’s important to use a clean towel or cloth and shower after an anal play session, especially if you’ve bled. That’s because faeces (poo) contains organisms that can cause infection, such as the bacteria that cause Shigella, which causes severe diarrhea.
Also, make sure to thoroughly wash anything that comes into contact with the anus, including fingers, genitals and sex toys. This helps reduce the risk of bacteria from the anus entering the vagina or urethra, which can cause UTIs. In addition, when you’re done with anal sex, use a condom (or another barrier method) before switching to oral or vaginal penetration. Otherwise, you’ll deposit bacteria from your GI tract into the vagina, which can lead to an infection.
4. Dehydration
Anal sex can lead to dehydration, which is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. Dehydration can lead to kidney failure and other serious medical conditions, so it’s important to drink plenty of water and eat food that’s high in fiber.
It’s important to be prepared for the potential side effects of anal sex, especially if it’s your first time. A little blood your first couple of times is totally normal, but if you experience pain or bleeding after anal sex, make sure to see a doctor right away. It’s also possible that anal sex can cause fecal incontinence, which is the inability to control your bowel movements. This can happen if you have an enthusiastic anal sex session or don’t use lots of lube.
You can help reduce the chances of poop crashing your anal party by practicing good hygiene. You should have a bowel movement before anal sex and wash the anal area with soap and water. Some people also like to use an enema or silicone lube to clean their rectum before engaging in anal sex. But remember that anal sex can still increase the risk of getting STIs, so it’s important to always use protection, whether you’re having anal or vaginal sex. STIs include HIV, herpes, hepatitis, and more. So make sure to use a condom for anal sex and a dental dam for oral anal sex.
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