There are many myths about anal sex which need to be put to rest. First of all, it’s not just for homosexual couples. Anal sex is, in fact, practiced by every gender and sexual orientation. Secondly, anal sex does not only designate penile-anal sex. There are many different types of anal play, involving the penis, tongue, fists, fingers, dildos, vibrators, butt plugs, anal beads, and so on. Thirdly, anal sex is not necessarily a dangerous activity. Like with any other type of sexual play, risks can certainly be reduced through education and safety precautions. In this article, you’ll learn more about some of the different types of anal sex as well as how to reduce the risks involved with each.

How-To Reduce the Risks of Anal Sex

Barebacking: Sex without a condom. (This frequently refers to insertion of the penis into the anus.) Barebacking is generally considered to be a high-risk activity, due to the potential of transmitting STDs and HIV, as well as tearing muscle. (Note: By tearing muscle, one will be even more susceptible to STDs and HIV).
Risk Reduction:
(a) As Ducky says, make sure to load up on the lube to prevent muscle tear. If you think you put too much on, you should probably put on more. Lubricated condoms are not enough on their own.
(b) Always use a condom to reduce risks of STDs and HIV.  Do not move the condom from the anus to the vagina.  You’ll need to switch condoms in between.  Also, stay away from condoms with spermicide. These can seriously irritate the rectum.

Rimming: Oral stimulation of the anus. Like other types of oral sex, you’ll run the risk of STD transmission. In regards to HIV, it’s hypothetically possible that blood could be in the stool or on the anus, which could transmit HIV. It’s probably a good idea to use a barrier method, just in case.
Risk Reduction:
(a) Use a dental dam to lower the risk of STDs and HIV. Spread the latex barrier out between both hands, covering the area you plan on stimulating.
(b) Some doctors have also recommended cutting a condom lengthwise. Of course, using a knife or scissor on a condom increases the risk of accidently poking a hole. Yet, if you don’t have access to a dental dam, this may be a good option.

Fisting: Inserting the fist into any orifice of the body (including anus, vagina, and mouth.) Fisting can be a high-risk behavior, due to the potential of tearing muscle. It can also involve the transmission of STDs.
Risk Reduction:
(a) Relax/breathe slowly/communicate. This activity requires considerable trust. Many couples begin with just one finger and slowly work up to the entire fist. Don’t rush into this! And, like Ducky says, if it hurts, you need to stop.
(b) Wear latex gloves to reduce the risk of spreading STDs.
(c) Whether or not you use a glove, make sure to cut your fingernails and keep your hands clean. Long nails can tear the glove and/or muscle tissue.

By reviewing this list, you should have a general idea of the main types of health risks involved with anal sex [i.e. the transmission of STDs and HIV/muscle tear]. As you can see, most of these risks can be reduced through the use of lube, condoms, and open-communication.

Check out our videos to find out more about precautions and perks of anal play:
How To Have Safe Anal Sex
Anal Sex FAQs
Anal Sex Mess
Anal Sex Toys

What You Need to Know about HIV Testing

We had so much to tell you about STD testing that we decided to shorten the segment to the topics that are rarely addressed.  Here are the basics you need to know about testing for HIV.

Many people who have HIV don’t know they’re infected. Fortunately, HIV can be tested and detected in both females and males. While there is no cure for HIV, it’s manageable with drugs that help slow down the damage it does to the immune system.  These days, many people live a long time with HIV.  Unfortunately, HIV can lead to AIDS which can be fatal. You can learn more about HIV in an upcoming segment on viral STDs.

When it comes to HIV testing, there is a window period that needs to pass before antibodies can be detected. Just keep in mind that even though someone may not yet be diagnosed, if they have the virus, they can transmit the virus to other people.

Over 90% of newly infected people have positive results by 4-5 weeks, and over 95% by 6-8 weeks.  However, testing again at 3 months and sometimes even later is recommended by some experts if the risk of exposure or likelihood of infection is particularly high. The commonly used HIV test is one in which blood is taken. There’s a rapid blood test—that produces results in about 20 minutes—and a rapid test that uses swabs of oral fluid.

To learn more and to find an STD testing site near you go to HIVTest.org.

To watch video: STD Testing