Skip navigation! Story from Sex. If done right, anal sex can be can great way to stimulate a major pleasure point. It could also be caused by moving too quickly, not giving the muscles in the anus enough time to relax. Both these situations are common and not cause for concern, unless the pain is severe or lasts more than a few days. However, some already-existing anal conditions — such as hemorrhoids — can be irritated by anal sex, and rough anal sex without lube can sometimes cause tearing.
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As more couples explore this type of sex, understanding the risks, rewards, and proper strategy is important. According to the Centers for Disease Control CDC , anal sex is primarily growing in popularity with couples under age You might think of anal sex as anal penetration with a penis, but you have a few more options. Anal sex can also be performed with fingers or the tongue. Sex toys , like vibrators , dildos , and butt plugs , are used too. It just requires more planning, prep, and communication than some other forms of sexual activity. Safety during sex should be a top priority, but having fun is certainly important, too. Keep reading to learn more.
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Anal sex can be very pleasurable for people of all sexes and genders, but for many, it is uncomfortable. With a gentle approach, open communication, and mutual consent, it is possible for people to have anal sex without pain. In this article, we discuss how to prepare for anal sex and lessen pain during it. We also provide general tips for safer sex. For most people, anal sex can be painful, especially when it is their first time or is with a partner who is not gentle. Of those participants:. Anal sex may hurt for several reasons, including :. However, anal sex does not have to hurt, and severe pain may indicate that a person is doing something potentially harmful. Before having anal sex , it is important to talk with a partner about consent, why they want to have anal sex, and how to make the experience as pleasurable as possible. Some topics to discuss include:.
Of all the sex acts out there you can try, anal sex comes with some of the most vicious rumors. I don't just mean the rumor that everyone said Stephanie from high school was doing it, or the weird, creeping thought that all your friends are secretly doing it behind your back pun intended. I mean the rumor that it's always painful, but if you want to try it, you just sort of have to put up with it and dive into butt stuff, head- or I guess ass- first. And then you just deal with all the insane injuries that happen later. Some good news though. Just like it's probably not true that Stephanie was having it with Todd in sixth grade or whatever, it's also not true that anal sex has to hurt or be dangerous, at all. In fact, like all other sex things, it shouldn't hurt, so long as you're properly prepared. Or, more accurately, it shouldn't hurt. Kimberly McBride , assistant professor of public health at the University of Toledo, recently told Cosmopolitan. McBride compared first-time anal to first-time vaginal sex.
