Anal sex

An illustration of heterosexual anal sex

Anal sex or anal intercourse is generally the insertion and thrusting of the erect penis into a person's anus, or anus and rectum, for sexual pleasure.[1][2][3] Other forms of anal sex include anal fingering, the use of sex toys, anilingus, pegging,[4][5] as well as electrostimulation and erotic torture such as figging. Although anal sex most commonly means penile–anal penetration,[3][4][6] sources sometimes use anal intercourse to exclusively denote penile–anal penetration, and anal sex to denote any form of anal sexual activity, especially between pairings as opposed to anal masturbation.[6][7]

Most homosexual men report engaging in anal sex,[8] though other types of sexual behaviour are more frequently practised in this group.[9] Among heterosexual couples, anal sex is probably not uncommon and may be becoming more prevalent.[10][11] Types of anal sex can also be a part of lesbian sexual practices.[12] People may experience pleasure from anal sex by stimulation of the anal nerve endings, and orgasm may be achieved through anal penetration – by indirect stimulation of the prostate in men, indirect stimulation of the clitoris or an area of the vagina (sometimes called the G-spot) in women, and other sensory nerves (especially the pudendal nerve).[2][4][13] However, people may also find anal sex painful, sometimes extremely so,[14][15] which may be due to psychological factors in some cases.[15]

As with most forms of sexual activity, anal sex participants risk contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Anal sex is considered a high-risk sexual practice because of the vulnerability of the anus and rectum. The anal and rectal tissue are delicate and do not provide lubrication like the vagina does, so they can easily tear and permit disease transmission, especially if a personal lubricant is not used.[3][2][16] Anal sex without protection of a condom is considered the riskiest form of sexual activity,[16][17][18] and therefore health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend safe sex practices for anal sex.[19]

Strong views are often expressed about anal sex. It is controversial in various cultures, often because of religious prohibitions against anal sex among males or teachings about the procreative purpose of sexual activity.[5][7] It may be considered taboo or unnatural, and is a criminal offense in some countries, punishable by corporal or capital punishment.[5][7] By contrast, anal sex may also be considered a natural and valid form of sexual activity as fulfilling as other desired sexual expressions, and can be an enhancing or primary element of a person's sex life.[5][7]

  1. ^ Weiten, Wayne; Lloyd, Margaret A.; Dunn, Dana S.; Yost Hammer, Elizabeth (2016). Psychology Applied to Modern Life: Adjustment in the 21st century. Cengage Learning. p. 349. ISBN 978-1305968479. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 11, 2017. Anal intercourse involves insertion of the penis into a partner's anus and rectum.
  2. ^ a b c See pages 270–271 for anal sex information, and page 118 for information about the clitoris. Carroll, Janell L. (2009). Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity. Cengage Learning. pp. 629 pages. ISBN 978-0-495-60274-3. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  3. ^ a b c Dunkin, Mary Anne. "Anal Sex Safety: What to Know". WebMD. Archived from the original on November 12, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2013. Often referred to simply as anal sex, anal intercourse is sexual activity that involves inserting the penis into the anus.
  4. ^ a b c Komisaruk, Barry R.; Whipple, Beverly; Nasserzadeh, Sara; Beyer-Flores, Carlos (2009). The Orgasm Answer Guide. JHU Press. pp. 108–109. ISBN 978-0-8018-9396-4. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  5. ^ a b c d LeRoy Bullough, Vern; Bullough, Bonnie (1994). Human Sexuality: An Encyclopedia. Taylor & Francis. pp. 27–28. ISBN 0824079728. Archived from the original on September 17, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2013.
  6. ^ a b McBride, Kimberly R.; Fortenberry, J. Dennis (March 2010). "Heterosexual anal sexuality and anal sex behaviors: a review". Journal of Sex Research. 47 (2–3): 123–136. doi:10.1080/00224490903402538. ISSN 0022-4499. PMID 20358456. S2CID 37930052.
  7. ^ a b c d "Anal Sex, defined". Discovery.com. Archived from the original on June 13, 2002. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference Heywood was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference Wellings was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Hess, K. L.; Dinenno, E.; Sionean, C.; Ivy, W.; Paz-Bailey, G.; The NHBS Study Group (2016). "Prevalence and Correlates of Heterosexual Anal Intercourse among Men and Women, 20 U.S. Cities". AIDS and Behavior. 20 (12): 2966–2975. doi:10.1007/s10461-016-1295-z. PMC 4949144. PMID 26781872.
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference Seidman was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ Newman, Felice (2004). The Whole Lesbian Sex Book: A Passionate Guide For All Of Us. Cleis Press. pp. 205–224. ISBN 978-1-57344-199-5. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  13. ^ Rosenthal, Martha (2012). Human Sexuality: From Cells to Society. Cengage Learning. pp. 133–135. ISBN 978-0-618-75571-4. Archived from the original on May 20, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
  14. ^ "Pain from anal sex, and how to prevent it". Go Ask Alice!. June 26, 2009. Archived from the original on August 11, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2011.
  15. ^ a b Heidelbaugh, Joel J. (2007). Clinical men's health: evidence in practice. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 273. ISBN 978-1-4160-3000-3. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
  16. ^ a b Krasner, Robert I (2010). The Microbial Challenge: Science, Disease and Public Health. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. pp. 416–417. ISBN 978-0763797355. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  17. ^ Hales, Dianne (2008). An Invitation to Health Brief 2010-2011. Cengage Learning. pp. 269–271. ISBN 978-0495391920. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  18. ^ Hoeger, Werner W. K.; Hoeger, Sharon A. (2010). Lifetime Fitness and Wellness: A Personalized Program. Cengage Learning. p. 455. ISBN 978-1133008583. Archived from the original on April 6, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  19. ^ World Health Organization, Department of Reproductive Health and Research Global strategy for the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections: 2006–2015. Breaking the chain of transmission Archived March 23, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, 2007, ISBN 978-92-4-156347-5