How Deep Is Your Love: 4 Risks of Anal Sex

Article written by Maya Vukovska

I am a big fan of TLC. One of the shows I am hooked on is “Sex Sent Me To the ER.” If you haven’t seen it, let me sum it up for you. Тhe title is actually pretty self-explanatory - the series center around the allegedly real stories of real people who have been injured (sometimes quite badly) and rushed to the Emergency Room after a sexual mishap. Some of the cases the show features involve food poisoning, testicles turned into softballs after a kick in the groins turning the, a locked jaw with sex stuck in the mouth, etc. I do not remember anyone with an anal trauma, but it doesn’t mean it cannot happen. What’s more, it can happen to you…if you are not playing it safe during anal sex.

There are several potential dangers with anal intercourse, and as an active gay man who enjoys bottoming, you should be aware of them.

Adding oil to the fire

Hemorrhoids are somewhat an embarrassing topic to talk about. Yet, they can happen even to the best of us, and they won’t disappear just because we pretend they are not burning our asses from the inside. The bad news is that anal sex can irritate the already existing madafakers, and that can be really painful. The good news is that anal sex cannot cause them if you didn't have them before. Plus, they are easily treated.

The bleeding hole

Probably you’ve already informed yourselves about rectal bleeding after anal sex, and that’s good. But is it normal? Yes and no. Minor bleeding from small mucosal tears is neither uncommon nor serious. However, inserting foreign objects, or, God forbid, rape can cause rectal perforations and grave sphincter injuries. And that’s already a serious issue to consider! Profuse bleeding after sex can also be caused by inflamed fissures and our good old friends, the hemorrhoids. In order to prevent your anus from bleeding, you need to master the art of bottoming. What you need to do in the first place is to undergo a complete annual evaluation of your anus status. Other workable solutions are taking stool softeners (to help with constipation) and CALMOL 4 suppository. Whenever heavy bleeding occurs, start taking Epsom salt baths, and, of course, abstain from anal sex.

If bleeding continues, go see a doctor. And not just any doctor, but a proctologist!

When there’s friction in the engine…

The anus lacks the cells that produce natural lubricant. Besides, the rectum’s tissues are much thinner (compared to those of the vagina, for example). These are the factors that considerably increase the risk of friction-related tears in the anus. Bacteria in the feces can easily invade the skin through these tears, and cause bacterial infections. And even abscesses!

You can reduce the risk of such nasty deep skin infections by using water-based lubricants and asking your top to move slowly until your anus becomes well greased and relaxed.

Animals are not always your friends!

Some are into making love like animals, some - into making love with animals. Zoophilia, or bestiality is a taboo topic, and yet, I need to address it, given the seriousness of the effects this type of sexual behavior can have on one’s health. Gay men who engage in sexual activities with dogs and farm animals risk grave rectal injuries. These injuries are physically similar to fisting-induced traumas. Fisting is a considerably safe sexual practice compared to zoophilia, as the pressure applied by hand is controllable, while an animal is not capable of controlling itself when penetrating the anal canal. That’s why the passive zoophiles often suffer from the type of tissue lacerations caused by blood-engorged animal penis usually upon withdrawing from the anus.

How to prevent that type of injury? My advice is: Leave the German Shepherd alone!