The anus is a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s important to use lots of lube and start small, with just a finger or sex toy.
Both partners should change condoms after anal sex. It’s also a good idea to have a bowel movement and urinate afterward. This will help flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced to the anus during anal penetration.
Pain
The pain that occurs during anal sex can vary, but it shouldn’t be unbearable. The speed of insertion, amount of lube, and communication between partners can all influence how painful anal sex is for everyone involved.
Using lots of lube, slowing down, and starting small (with a finger or sex toy, for instance) can help with this, too. And, as we’ve mentioned before, it takes a lot of arousal to get anal exploration going, so make sure you’re fully aroused before getting down there.
Some people find that they just don’t enjoy anal sex, and that’s totally fine! It’s about listening to your body and figuring out what makes it happy.
If you’re having persistent pain after anal sex, it may be a sign of a more serious issue. Aspirin or ibuprofen can ease this pain, but it’s important to talk to your doctor if it persists. Pain from anal sex can also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, or hemorrhoids.
And don’t forget, unprotected anal sex is a huge risk factor for sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and hepatitis. If you haven’t been tested for STDs, consider doing so now. And, of course, always use condoms to protect yourself from HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, a daily pill that lowers your chances of infection, can help too.
Bleeding
The anus is the home for many bacteria, and the penetration of a penis and sex toy during anal sex can introduce a lot of them into the body. As a result, a person may experience bleeding after anal sex.
It’s also important to remember that the amount of pain, bleeding, and discomfort experienced after anal sex will vary from person to person. If it is too painful or bloody to continue, a person should stop the activity and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Bleeding after anal sex can occur due to friction or the presence of a disease, such as sexually transmitted infections. It can also be a sign of serious problems, such as an anal fissure or hemorrhoids.
In rare cases, vigorous sexual activity can cause a perforation of the colon. Nandi says that symptoms of a perforated colon include extreme pain and swelling in the lower abdomen, fever, and nausea.
In general, it is important to use lots of lube when engaging in anal sex and to be patient with the process. It’s also crucial to communicate with your partner about what sensations and pressure you like or don’t like. This will help to reduce any anxiety and ensure that the sexual experience is enjoyable for both parties. In addition, it’s a good idea to talk about protection against sexually transmitted diseases before exploring anal play for the first time.
Swelling
If an anal toy is too large or there isn’t enough body-safe lubrication, the friction of anal sex can cause small tears in the lining of the anus or rectum. These tiny tears can expose the skin to bacteria that are found in stool and may lead to a painful anal abscesses, which require antibiotics to heal.
A lack of lubrication can also increase the risk of a tear in the lining of the anus or the rectum that grows larger, which doctors call a fistula. Fistulas allow stool from the bowel to travel to other parts of the body, including the mouth and genitals. This can lead to infections, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infections.
As with any sex activity, anal sex can be uncomfortable if both partners aren’t on the same page about what they want from the experience. Phillips recommends discussing boundaries, expectations, and desires before starting anal sex to ensure everyone is comfortable. She also suggests using a condom or barrier method to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Getting anal sex right requires practice. It’s important to start small, with a finger or small toy, and work your way up to larger ones. Using plenty of lube and taking it slow can help, too. And if things don’t feel good, it’s OK to stop.
Discomfort
Anal sex can be uncomfortable, especially for people who are new to it. It’s important to start slow and use plenty of body-safe lube, and to communicate with your partner throughout the experience. If it hurts, tell your partner to ease up and try different positions. Using a heating pad or taking over-the-counter analgesics can also help relieve pain.
While anal sex isn’t for everyone, it can be a powerful way to explore one’s sexuality and increase self-confidence and body awareness. It can also help to challenge negative body-image insecurities and promote body positivity.
Anus pain can be a sign of injury or an infection, so it’s important to stop the activity and seek medical attention if needed. A doctor or sex therapist may be able to provide techniques for reducing pain and discomfort, as well as help to address any emotional trauma that might be associated with the anal activity.
If you’re experiencing discomfort after anal sex, you can try applying some topical anal anesthetics, such as lidocaine. You can also take over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) to reduce the pain. Remember that a bit of bright red blood is normal after anal sex, but if you’re bleeding heavily or if you can’t sit down without wiping, something went wrong and you should see a doctor right away.
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