Enjoy anal sex? Here are some of its side effects

Humans are constantly pushing for new sexual experiences to derive more pleasure.

Apart from the traditional intercourse, the most popular variation many dabble into is oral sex. But today, we’re looking at its cousin, anal sex.

Anal intercourse is a sexual activity that involves inserting the penis into the anus.

Although it carries many risks, nowadays, a lot of couples engage in receptive anal intercourse, which has become increasingly popular in the last few years.

While some people find anal sex enjoyable, the practice has a number of potentially dangerous side effects.

Here are four of them.

Higher risk of infection

The anus is a direct path to the bowels where the human waste product faeces which are riddled with bacteria.

What this means is that if you go from anal to vaginal sex, without properly washing up in between, the partner with the vagina is at risk of getting many infections including but not limited to a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Tearing

This is because the lining of the rectum is not as heavy as the lining of the vagina, so it is more susceptible to tears.

Also, unlike the vagina, the anus does not naturally lube.

If the anus or rectum does get torn, it does not heal as quickly. Because faeces that pass through the rectum contain bacteria, any tear in the lining is at risk of getting infected.

Loss of bowel control

Fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control) is one of the more common concerns.

Although one would have to engage in daily, rough anal sex to experience a significant weakening in that area, the risk still exists.

Anal cancer

Studies show that if you or your partner has been exposed to any high-risk strains of HPV, it can increase your chances of anal cancer.

While HPV is extremely common, anal cancer is quite uncommon.