Recently I had a conversation with a middle aged woman who was saying that she is having an issue with soiling herself. When she has to poop, she cannot hold it, and when she sneezes, poop comes out. As a joke, she quipped “all that anal sex I had years ago is coming back to bite me.” This is probably the biggest fear/concern people express when contemplating anal sex—will I develop fecal incontinence?
So are there any long term effects of practicing anal sex, an often safe and pleasurable option for some people? Before we address the risks, let’s take a look at the pleasure. The anus and its surrounding tissues contain lots of sensitive nerve endings, that when stimulated, triggers a pleasurable sensation, often resulting in orgasm. That’s the good part.
First let’s address the matter of fecal incontinence, or loss of bowel control. Although the most common concern, it’s also the least common effect of anal penetration. Researchers found that rates of fecal incontinence were slightly higher among men and women who had anal intercourse in comparison with those who had not. However, this will depend on how often you engage in anal sex and how rigorous the action is. The more frequent, and the rougher, the higher the chance of weakening the area. There are other, far more common risks to consider.
People who have hemorrhoids for example, could bleed after anal sex and may experience pain or discomfort. The anal tissues are delicate and more prone to tearing than the tougher vaginal tissues. Because of this, anal fissures (large tears) or fistulas (a tear that extends beyond the bowel and requires medical attention/surgery) are also a possibility, albeit rare. Another rare consequence is the perforation of the colon.
The most common risks of anal penetration is the increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HPV. Unfortunately, there are some high risk strains of this virus that can lead to an increased risk of anal cancer. HIV transmission is also more common in practitioners of anal sex (when compared to vaginal penetration). Because the anus is made up of fragile tissue, doesn’t naturally lubricate, and is thus prone to small tears, infected bodily fluids can more easily enter the bloodstream. The receiver of penetration is the one that is most at risk.
Some tips to help you avoid negative consequences include using lots of lube, wearing condoms, avoiding rough sex, never go from anal to vaginal penetration (due to the bacteria in fecal matter), and get STI testing regularly. Seek medical attention if you have pain, heavy or continuous bleeding, symptoms of an STI, fissures, or you can’t control your bowels.
Other things you can do is take a warm bath, use numbing creams in the area, take care of your hemorrhoids, and make sure you are regular with your bowel movements (you may have to eat a more high fiber food diet).
Remember that anal sex can be a safe and pleasurable option. But please take the precautions necessary to minimize risks.