Sexual Health
Blog & Resources

Anal sex can be deeply romantic, not just physical. This guide offers ideas to enhance intimacy: prolonged eye contact, kissing throughout, whispering affirmations ("You feel amazing," "I love you"), and holding each other close. Transforming the act into a profound expression of trust and connection.

Yes, bacteria from the rectum can be pushed into the urethra during anal sex, leading to a UTI, especially in women. This guide emphasizes the importance of never going from anal to vaginal penetration without washing and changing condoms. Urinating after sex also helps flush the urethra.

Anal sex can be intertwined with feelings of power and submission. For some, being the receptive partner is an act of ultimate vulnerability and trust. For others, being the insertive partner is about care and responsibility. This guide explores these dynamics and how consensually playing with them can be a turn-on.

You don’t need a dedicated "anal sex session." This guide suggests simple ways to add anal stimulation to foreplay: a lubricated thumb on the perineum during oral sex, gentle external massage during missionary, or wearing a small plug during vaginal intercourse. It’s about adding a new sensation to the mix.

No. The vagina and anus are separate structures with their own muscles. Anal sex has no physical effect on the tone, tightness, or elasticity of the vaginal muscles. This myth is anatomically incorrect. Kegel exercises are what directly affect vaginal muscle tone.

In BDSM, anal play is often used for sensation (e.g., with temperature play toys) or within power exchange dynamics. This guide stresses the heightened need for communication, safe words, and extreme care due to the sensitivity of the area. All play should be safe, sane, and consensual.

It’s important to be honest with your healthcare provider. This guide provides scripts to help you start the conversation ("I am sexually active and engage in anal intercourse, so I’d like the appropriate STI tests."). Remember, doctors are professionals who have heard it all and need accurate information to care for you.

Yes, lubricant allergies are possible. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, or swelling. This guide helps you identify a reaction and suggests switching to a sensitive formula with fewer ingredients, or trying a different base (e.g., from water-based to silicone-based). Patch testing on your arm first is always a good idea.

The lack of honest, health-based education about anal sex contributes to stigma, misinformation, and unsafe practices. This guide argues for inclusive sex education that teaches all forms of sexual activity from a safety and consent perspective, empowering young people with knowledge to make informed choices.