Am I gay if I want to have anal sex with a girl?

By Amy @ Planned Parenthood | Aug. 9, 2010, 7:23 p.m.

I heard someplace that anal sex is for guys who like guys, if I want to have anal sex with a girl, does that mean I am gay?

Many men and women enjoy anal stimulation, regardless of whether they’re gay, lesbian, straight, or bisexual. Some people enjoy anal sex, and some people do not. Both preferences are common.

Sexual orientation — being lesbian, bisexual, gay, or straight — is about sexual attraction. It can take years to understand our sexual orientation. Each of us has to answer these questions for ourselves, but it may take time before we can answer.

Remember, although anal intercourse does not cause pregnancy — unless ejaculate or pre-ejaculate is spilled in the vagina or on or near the vulva — unprotected anal intercourse is high-risk for many sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and hepatitis. Using condoms during anal sex helps decrease the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Tags: anal sex, bisexual, gay, questioning, sexual orientation