FAQ - everything you want to know about anal sex

• What exactly is anal sex?

  Anal sex is, in other words, sexual intercourse performed through the anal opening of a female or male partner. Approximately 45% of heterosexual couples have tried anal sex, and around 20% enjoy this type of bedroom play regularly.

• Is anal sex safe?

  In some cases, complications associated with anal sex may occur, such as an anal abscess. However, such situations only happen in cases of insufficient hygiene, carelessness, or reduced attention. It is enough to follow basic rules such as sufficient lubrication, caution, and attentiveness to your partner. In that case, anal sex is a safe practice.

• With a condom or without?

  Anal sex carries a risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases. If you want complete peace of mind that no type of infection will be passed on, use a condom for this practice. If you have anal sex with a long-term partner in a trusting, monogamous relationship, you can enjoy anal sex without a condom without fear of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, if you enjoy a sex life with multiple partners, we strongly recommend using a condom.

• Anal sex during pregnancy

  Anal sex during pregnancy is not recommended in every case.

  Experts do not particularly recommend anal sex during pregnancy –⁠ mainly because there is a risk of transferring an infection from the anal opening to the vaginal opening. So if you love anal sex and cannot resist it even during pregnancy, be very careful that your partner stays only in the anal opening. A slower pace can help, as the risk of slipping out and entering another hole is lower.

  Another issue may be hemorrhoids, which often accompany pregnancy –⁠ anal sex can cause painful bleeding.

  Avoid this practice in the following cases: if you suffer from hemorrhoids or anal fissures, if you have placenta previa, or if you or your partner have been diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection.

  So the advice is: we generally do not recommend anal sex during pregnancy, but many women enjoy it carefree and with pleasure, so if you decide to go for it, proceed carefully.

• Does anal sex hurt?

  Again, it depends on your partner. At first, anal sex may not be pleasant at all. Some people cannot even imagine anal sex, while others cannot imagine life without it. However, all it takes is proper lubrication, caution, time, and patience, and you will soon be rewarded with anal sex that is painless and, on the contrary, very pleasurable.

For a detailed guide on preparing for anal sex, be sure to read our magazine article.