Safer sex is important during anal sex. The text tells you how to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STI) or vaginal and urethral infections.
Which STIs can be transmitted during anal sex?
All sexually transmitted infections (STI) can be transmitted very well during anal sex, because the anus bleeds so quickly and because the skin absorbs sperm so quickly. Read here what can be transmitted when:
- Anal intercourse (penis in anus) without condom: If you don't use a condom during anal sex, you can get HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, herpes (HSV), HPV, and trichomonas. So, always use condoms.
- Oral-anal: Anilingus (tongue on/in the anus) without a dental dam: When the tongue is on or inside the anus, infection with gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis A and B, and herpes (HSV) is possible. Therefore, you should always use dental dams during anilingus.
- Fingers or hand in anus (fisting): If your hands are not injured, and there's no lesion is in the anus or rectum, it is very unlikely that either of you will contract an STI. If, however, there are injuries to the anus and intestinal mucosa, the risk of transferring STI is high. Gloves and lubricant are very helpful when inserting a finger or fisting.
How do I protect myself from STI during anal sex?
You can protect yourself with condoms, latex or rubber gloves and dental dams. You can use condoms made of latex, polyurethane or polyisoprene. Polyurethane condoms tear a bit more easily, so it is better to use latex and polyisoprene condoms. You should not use extra thin or nubby condoms. The best thing to do is to use extra-robust condoms. Gloves are recommended for fisting. It is also important that you avoid injuries during anal sex as much as possible. Read more about this in this text.
What other infections can I get during anal sex?
The rectum is full of coli bacteria. Coli bacteria are important for a functioning intestinal flora. They decompose substances and help to ward off pathogens in the colon. However, they can cause problems elsewhere in the body. A penis or fingers moving from the anus to the vagina or urethra can move your own intestinal bacteria where they don't belong, raising the risk of vaginal and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
How do I avoid vaginal and UTIs?
If you use a condom, no coli bacteria can come from the intestine into the opening of the penis. In order for no bacteria to end up in the vagina or urethra, nothing that was in the anus should get into the vagina afterwards without thorough washing. This is especially important for women who are prone to cystitis or vaginal infections. If the penis is inside the vagina after the anus, change the condom in-between.