Is anal bad? We wanted to find out what common misconceptions contribute to the idea that anal sex is bad and dig into popular reasons many people consider this sexual act to be taboo.
So, for anyone who's ever been curious about anal play, here's the deal: the anus has a high number of nerve endings, and when stimulated correctly, it can be an incredibly pleasurable erogenous zone that's absolutely worth exploring.
Is anal sex bad?
Absolutely not. Anal sex gets a bad rap because of myths and misconceptions, but here's the truth: your anus has a ton of nerve endings, making it an incredibly sensitive erogenous zone when stimulated correctly. With proper anal prep, meaning lots of lube, good hygiene, relaxation, and the right mindset - anal play can feel really good. In fact, anal sex has many benefits, both physical and intimate that are worth exploring for anyone with a butt, but particularly for men with prostates. Prostate massage can help support prostate wellbeing, including keeping erections and ejaculations regular.
3 misconceptions keeping anal sex in the taboo zone
So, where does the taboo of anal being bad come from? Here are some taboos that continue to contribute to the myth that anal is bad, dirty, or immoral.
Homophobic tendencies
In some cultures, and throughout history, anal sex was a celebrated part of human sexuality, but in many cultures, it was also stigmatized, declared illegal and punishable by death or worse.
Let’s look at the UK for example. In 1861, The Offence Against the Person Act, removed the death penalty for anal sex, but made any “male homosexual acts” a punishable offence. This was decriminalized in 1967 - quite recently.
Even though anal sex is not limited to gay men, and not all gay men have anal sex, these laws were commonplace during colonization, spreading homophobic sentiment around the world.
The HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s may have done nothing to dispel homophobia, but it did create a movement for sexual health, really spotlighting the use of condoms and safe sex, particularly when it comes to anal.
In more recent years, we celebrate that gay marriage is becoming legalized across the world. Unfortunately, those homophobic stigmas and stereotypes still persist among many who were raised with them. Dispelling these myths means challenging them, including those around anal sex being negatively associated.
Fear of poop
Understandably, as this is where you excrete feces, people will fear feces. Dr. Lauren Streicher affirms this:
“If there’s stool in the rectum, and there is stimulation to the rectum, it will increase the chance of having a bowel movement.”
But does the presence of fecal matter inherently make anal sex bad? It's understandable that this makes some people uneasy. However, there are many simple ways to greatly reduce the risk of encountering fecal matter during anal play. Modern hygiene practices, such as using antibacterial soap and easy bathroom access, mean that even if a little mess does occur, cleaning it up promptly is simple and safe. Today, encountering a small amount of fecal matter during anal sex isn't the serious health concern it might have been a century ago.
“Being penetrated causes the muscle there to move in the same way as it does during a bowel movement. So even if there’s nothing in there, you’ll still get that sensation without anything coming out.”
Preparation is key and that could include making sure you have gone to the bathroom a few hours prior to anal sex. Some people prefer to use anal douching or an enema to be extra careful.
Dr. Stacy Tessler Lindau’s advice on anal sex cleaning is the following:
“Also keep in mind that using something like an enema in preparation can cause inflammation or trauma to the mucosal barrier of the rectum, increasing the risk of injury during anal sex. Go ahead and poop before, but don’t feel the need to go crazy flushing out the pipes.”
Lay down a towel, or some Sheets of San Francisco, have some tissues and a shower nearby. There is always a risk of some mess, but remember, we are all human, and no one should be shamed or ashamed of a natural bodily function.
Condoms are important when it comes to anal sex. If you’re squeamish about fecal matter, condoms create a sanitary barrier, particularly if you are having vaginal sex after. They say “no double dipping” for a reason. You want to reduce the risk of spreading fecal matter into the vagina, which can cause Bacterial Vaginosis. So, use a new condom for each orifice.
The NHS explains that anal sex has a fairly high risk of spreading STIs:
“This is because the lining of the anus is thin and can easily be damaged, which makes it more vulnerable to infection.”
Anal being painful
Anal sex does take preparation to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Unfortunately, some people have had bad experiences, in part due to lack of available sex education around anal sex safety.
The potential pain of anal sex might scare people the most into thinking anal is bad, but with anal training and anal preparation, it can be an incredibly pleasurable experience. For example, anal training with beginner friendly anal vibrators is a great entry point into anal play that minimizes discomfort. The ultra-slim anal vibrator Molto is an ideal pick since it’s the width of one finger and has a powerful motor that stimulates the nerve-endings in the anus, helping relax the muscles in the anus while increasing arousal.
It is important to be aware that the anus doesn’t naturally lubricate, so make lube your best friend. If engaging in anal play, there are different types of anal lubes available. Silicone based lubes work wonders with their soft silky texture, but if you are using any silicone based sex toys, then try water-based lubricants as silicone can degrade silicone.
Added note if using sex toys for anal play, make sure it has a flared base – you really don’t want anything getting lost up there.
Of course, if you are uncomfortable at any time, then back off. Without good preparation, arousal, and more lubricant than you think necessary, there can be anal tearing, hemorrhaging and damage to your anus. Anal sex takes preparation and also anal aftercare. A little blood afterwards or small tears afterwards can be normal, and only take a few days to heal, but if there is a lot of blood and pain, make sure to stop activity and see your doctor.
Takeaway
So, what do you think - is anal really all that bad now that you know the misconceptions behind the taboos? With thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and the right approach, anal sex can be an enjoyable and positive experience that contributes meaningfully to your sexual wellbeing. If you're still on the fence or curious to explore further, you might be surprised by all the benefits of anal sex waiting to be discovered.
