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Download PDF Information Sheet

This information is designed to be used in consultation with your health professional. Read our Legal Disclaimer here.

 

This sheet is designed to provide anal health information. Problems in this area are common for many people.

As with any sexual activity, having anal sex is a personal choice. If it is something you don’t feel comfortable with, don’t feel pressured to take part, as there are lots of other ways to enjoy yourself and your body.

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV, can be passed on very easily through anal sex – more easily in fact than during any other type of sexual activity. When taking the necessary precautions however, anal sex can be both safe and enjoyable.

Condoms and dams provide protection against STIs (a dam is a thin latex square held over the anus during oral sex). Never use a condom or dam more than once, and always a new condom if switching between the vagina and anus, or between partners. If you are going to insert your finger into someone’s anus, it is advisable to wear a latex finger cot (a glove for a single finger) to reduce the risk of tearing and the exchange of body fluids. If you are going to insert more than one finger it is advisable to wear a latex glove. Gloves are more readily available than finger cots and can be purchased from most pharmacies and some supermarkets.

As the anus doesn’t produce any lubrication of its own (unlike the vagina or mouth), it’s important to use plenty of water-based lubricant when having anal sex to reduce discomfort, the risk of skin tearing and prevent condom breakage (oil-based lubricant breaks down the latex in condoms and dams). Symptoms such as pain in the rectum (the lower part of the intestine, leading to the anus) or discharge from the anus can be signs of an STI. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, discuss them with a health professional.

An anal fissure is a break in the skin at the opening to or just inside the anus, and can be caused by constipation, anal sex, or the use of fingers and toys during sex. Anal fissures can cause irritation, which can lead to anal itchiness and scratching, and also pain when defecating (pooing). Treatment depends on how extensive the fissure is, the reason the fissure developed, and how it is affecting you. Some creams are available over the counter from pharmacies, however it is recommended you consult a health professional first, especially if there is any bleeding, as sometimes infections can be mistaken for a fissure.

Open anal fissures are a point of entry for infections and therefore can increase your chances of contracting an STI. You can reduce the risk of getting an anal fissure by:

  • asking sexual partners not to wear rings and cut their fingernails if they are going to put their finger in your anus, to avoid tearing and the exchange of body fluids.
  • knowing your limits when it comes to anal sex, and only going as far as your body feels comfortable with.
  • using lots of water-based lubricants to avoid skin tearing
  • having a high-fibre diet, to avoid constipation.

Anal itching is a problem for some people and can be caused by a variety of factors such as allergic reactions (to soaps, oils, creams, latex, lubricants and detergents) and physical causes (haemorrhoids, sweat, worms and anal fissures). Sometimes no reason can be found for the itching.

Once people start to scratch their anus it is often difficult to stop. The skin around the anus becomes increasingly irritated and can be more sensitive to everyday products like toilet paper. It’s a good idea to talk with a health professional about the itching and try to determine why it is happening. In the meantime, avoid applying products that contain alcohol and perfumes as they may irritate the area more. You may want to stop using these products for a month or so, then start to gradually introduce them back into use one at a time, monitoring your reaction to them.

Although anal sex doesn’t cause haemorrhoids, it can irritate them and cause bleeding, thus creating a point of entry for infections. As anal bleeding can be a symptom of something more serious, you should see a doctor if bleeding occurs.

‘Douching’ (or an enema) refers to a powerful jet of water or medicated solution used to clear the anus of faeces. Also known as internal cleansing, douching is not a recommended practice as it can lead to damage of the rectum, which increases the risk of contracting an STI. For this reason, other activities such as colonic irrigation are also not recommended.

Information last updated April 2015

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