TeenHealthFX - Answers - Liking Anal Sex

Oral & Anal Sex / Question
Published: August 12, 2002

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I 'm a 13-year-old girl and recently let my BF have sex in my butt (with a condom). Are there any health risks to this? Also why does it feel good, almost better than regular sex? Is it ok for him to ejaculate in my butt? Obviously I know about STDs, but are there any other risks? I like doing it and I don't want to have to stop.

Signed: Liking Anal Sex

Dear Liking Anal Sex,

Anal sex feels good because there are a lot of nerve endings in and around the anus, some of which signal the brain to 'reward' you with good feelings when stimulated. The rectum (the tube leading up into the body from the anus) also shares a wall with the vagina, and lots of sexual nerves are clustered there. When stimulated, a pleasurable sensation is produced. There is nothing wrong with anal sex, provided it is practiced safely.

If you and your partner are going to engage in anal sex, you should be aware that anal bacteria could cause serious vaginal infections and bladder infections (cystitis). It is imperative that your partner wears a condom and replaces the condom and/or washes his fingers thoroughly before he enters your vagina after anal intercourse. Also, be careful using your tongue since you run the risk of an intestinal infection or a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Anal sex is considered a high-risk behavior for HIV and other STD transmission.

The delicate tissue in the rectum is prone to small tears that make entryway for the AIDS virus. Latex barriers (condoms, gloves) and lots of water-based lube, to ensure the condom does not break, are essential.

In addition, even though pregnancy almost always occurs through the vagina, to become pregnant, a man's sperm only needs to meet a woman's egg. Since the rectum is so close to the vagina, if a man does not wear a condom, or it slips off or it is worn incorrectly, there is a chance that some sperm may get into the vagina and a pregnancy could occur during anal sex. So, it's not a good idea for your boyfriend to ejaculate into your anus or in any area around the vagina.

If you are going to continue to be sexually active, it is very important that you see a doctor. They will be able to discuss your concerns and options with you. A teen health center can see you without your parent's permission, confidentially and on a low/no cost basis. They often provide free condoms, and can help to educate you in making the best possible decisions regarding sex, birth control and STD protection. IF you live in Northern New Jersey, you can contact the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475. If you live outside of Northern New Jersey, please call your local Planned Parenthood.

Please do some thinking about your sexual behaviors and motivations for engaging in them. Make sure you are doing them for the right reasons, and if you decide to continue having sex, please remember to do so safely.

TeenHealthFX is concerned about you because of your age. We strongly urge you to look at the reasons why you are engaging in a sexual relationship. Is the relationship your idea or is someone else influencing you? Do you feel by having sex the other person will like you more? Reasons like these often leave people feeling confused, especially when the relationship does not work out. Before you make such an important decision it probably would be best to talk things over with an adult you trust, or with the school nurse, a school counselor or your doctor. Ultimately the decision is yours, but please think about it and make sure it is the right decision for you. Research also shows us that girls who have sex at a younger age tend to be involved with older males and are more likely to be in abusive relationships.

Signed: TeenHealthFX